CHAPTER XII. (Continued.)

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 313, 3 November 1888, Page 4

CHAPTER XII. (Continued.)

'It's sad work,' muttered the land \ steward, Mahon, in bidding: his daughter good-bye. 'It seems like witches' work. The Lady Nora will want friends, I'm thinking-. Stick to her, Alleen, and should anything go wrong, or should she be wanting a friend, send for me. I'd run my head off to serve her, (he bonny young lady.' There Avere tearful eyes in the old ca?tle when Nora entered the carriage that was to bear her from the home of her ancestors. She had been the sunshine of the place since her birth. She had been a erentle mistress, a kind and sympathising friend, an angel of goodness to every one of her household. They all knew now why she was going — ill news spreads rapidly — and a wild wail went up from every one of her faithful servitors. Mrs Kelly, the housekeeper, and old Shane were loudest in their expressions ol grief, and entreated Michael Kilciare to take them to Dublin also. The chaplain and his wife came out to bid her farewell Lady Kathleen entered the carriage, Michael Kildave followed, and Bassantyne, hunying out of the castle, was the last to spring into the vehicle. He slanimed the door shut and the carriage drove away. A large waggon followed, laden with the lugg.itre of the two ladies, and sitting among the boxes were Mary and Alleeen, the maids, and Murple. the du-k -faced valet of Bassantyne. The Countess and the Lord of Kildare stood on the castle step j , waving their handkerchiefs to the departing carriage, and to Sir Russel Ryan and Mr Wed burn, who followed it on horseback. ' They're gone, bag and baggage,' said the countess, when the horsemen had vanished down the drive,' 'and you and I are in full possession, Redmond. This is> as it should be. And now let us call up our household, introduce ourselves to them, since none of those gentlemen would introduce us, call in the chaplain and his wife, and settle ourselves in possession. Come.' 1 One moment,' answered Redmond, striving to catch a last glimpse of the carriage. 'I can tell you, mother, I sha'n't be contented until I have made the Lady Nora my wife. How quietly she took all her ill-fortune. How proudly =he bore her daw nfall ! I tell you I love her ! Haughty little beauty. She little dreams of the traps I have spread for her ! She little dreams that the support she deen?s the strongest will fail her when she most needs it ! I have only to wait a week or two, and then go to Dublin after her. She will be ready to fall into my arms !' He laughed sofcly to himself, then gave his mother his arm, and they entered the castle.