Rhoda Fleming -- Volume 5

came to plead his own cause with Mrs. Lovell; but she stopped him by te

mysterious way; by relieving an old uncle of hers. Algy has got him the office of village postman for this district, I believe; if it's that; but I think it should be more, to justify her. At all events, she seems to consider that her hand is pledged. You know the kind of girl your friend fancies. Be

u?" sai

in a roundabout way. Why do

stop this silly b

ow I

why do

, and heaven knows, I may want it in the days to come. I believe I am the best friend in the world-and bad anything else. No one perfectly pleases me, not even you: you are too studious of character, and, like myself, exacting of perfection in one or two points. But now hear what I have done, and approve it if you think fit. I have flirted-abominable word!-I am compelled to use the language of the Misses-yes, I have flirted with my cousin Algy. I do it too well, I know-

chantress," e

ousness. "Before you praise me you must

t his han

could have arrested it. I partly caused it. I thought the honour of the army at stake. I was to blame on that day, and I am to bl

as Margaret Lovell unfastened the brooch at h

. I do my best. You brought this handkerchief to me dipped in the blood of the poor boy who was slain. I have worn it. It was a safeguard. Did you mean it t

rely articu

as leaving India, how long I was to keep it by me. You said, "Till you marry."

hat you carried the play out so f

thunder, Percy.

ee our army suffer another defeat ra

is not given in hal

re is more to come. You a

would take the n

ase to persecut

n was exactly i

to carry

ncere? I

marry Alger

temptible indeed

do

do

h and heaven, there's no madness like dealing w

o bound to be of service to your friend

"Can you mean that Edw

arriage for him-she refuses. You may not understand the why of that, but women will. She would marry him if she could bring herself to it;-the truth is, he killed her pride. Her

her eyes. "Th

e answere

hose banker's account is

bear in mind the day I sent after you in the park? I had just heard that I was ruined. You know my mania for betting. I heard it, and knew when I let my heart warm to you that I could ne

practically, perhaps wisely for all parties. Her debts expunged, she became an old gentleman's demure young wife, a sweet hostess, and, as ever, a true friend: something of a miracle to one w

or Robert and Rhoda, b

wa

f this young creature filled its place. It shone in her eyes and in her work, a lamp to her little neighbourhood; and not less a lamp of cheerful beams for one day being as another to her. In truth, she sat above the clouds. When she died she reli

ITOR'S B

or her through her many

farther tha

cur

e bed, inanimate, and p

ot to repent

now that we are perfor

for Robert and Rhod