A Woman Martyr

ut which no one would know anything definite, seemed too splendid a prospect to be true! Then, as the days passed, and after writing an enigmatical letter to Victor at 12, Haytho

atters" their plan should be carried out. All seemed to promise to her the dawn of emancipation from the consequences of her past folly; when, awakening somewhat suddenly from sleep one morning, a

Vansittart would

will make it worth Victor's while to undo it--never to take any steps to assert that he has any claim upon us. Uncle will manage it. He

on of her strange desire for what was practically an elopement--to leave Sir Thomas Thorne recipient

use whatever means remain," she sadly told herself. "I wish

ed that silence of his. Although she had no idea that he had instituted inquiries, and was enlightened as to her

g her room, cold drops upon her brow, her nervous hands wringing her gossamer handk

Marchioness of C----. Sir Thomas was to drive her down, together with Lady Thorne and some friends. Joan had expected that her uncle would propose that Vansittart should make

abandonment to her wishes in regard to their matrimonial affairs, he should at least defer in some way to her guardian in

after beguiling him into the empty rea

are aware, that I love your niece," he said. "

uced disappointed that she was such a silly

ly let everything alone, and will not interfere, I have a very good c

test wish to interfere! What do yo

deas, which at present are extravagance itself! But I will tell you this much--the man who refuses to fall in with them will never call her wife! Now, what am I to do? Am I to appear to outrage you by not deferr

pon whatever method of courtship you think best to adopt, even if it is to roll her in the mud and kick her, or climb up to her window in the middle of the night and carry her off down a rope-ladder! Upon my word, I am jolly glad that I am not the fo

his beautiful niece, Vansittart continued his arrangements for

, and the rain had only succeeded in freshening the rich foliage and luxuriant flowers of Wrottesley Lod

of summer bloom. As they drove into the road where the gables of Wrottesley Lodge peeped up among the sombre pines and firs which screened the house from the vulgar gaze, the Thames came in sight, its wavelets dancing in the sunlight. All seemed careless happiness--even a

of the apes he had seen in the jungles--he gazed at their pretty patrician features and wondered where the beauty was which, with other things, had gone to make them successes

board the yacht for her use--there must be still more costly stockings and slippers to clad those dear, pretty feet! How lovely she looked altogether--her slight, beautifully curved form draped in a thin muslin robe dotted with purple heartsease, with

ecstatic gaze in his kind, devoted eyes--but th

ant to tell you," he whispered. She gave him a glan