The Second Dandy Chater

why such a sum of money should have been paid into his hands, together with a similar sum for the mysterious man, his cousin, known as the Count. Gradually, however, a light began to

he giving of the packets-one for himself, and one for his cousin-had been but a dividing of the spoils of some successful rob

n was obvious, from the mention made of him by Mrs. Dolman, the housekeeper, on the day of Philip's first journey to Chater Hall. Again, the mention of the yo

n in the world, yet mixed up with scoundrels who are plotting to rob her! And, in the meantime, where in the world is this precious cousin of mine-Ogledon? Did Dandy Chater meet his death at that man's hands, and is that the reason the fellow keeps out of sight? Well-two

in an agitated fashion; stopped suddenl

longs to Dandy Chater, and he belongs to the gang that stole it-and I-I'm Dandy Chater! Upon my word, I begin to wish that the good shi

r his pillow, and returned the slip of paper to his pocket. He had lain down in bed, with the full intention of putting off all

shall be able to find my way to the

ton-sending a telegram to "Harry-care of Dandy Chater, Esq., Bamberton," to apprise tha

ame-the surname, at least-of my own servant. However, if there should happen to be more than o

some sign of suspicion in those about him, Philip Chater noted, with a quick eye, that the pleasant manner of this young servant was gone; that he answered his master's greeting, by mere

nd the young man sitting silently beside him-Philip broke an uncomfort

ly, saw that he was staring straight in front of him, down the long road before them, a

that something was wrong, and determined to get out of him what it was, while they were alone together. He turned quickly on the

; I am convinced of it. You are hid

at faster than ordinary. At last, the servant spoke-still without looking at his master. He sp

y," he said, slowly and distinctly-"and

e whip, causing it to break into its former rapid pace, and said quietly, with something of re

almost with a groan. But he said nothing more, and t

and prompted him to stroll down to the Chater Arms. Truth to tell, he had a very strong desire to pay a visit to Madge Barnshaw-w

d so strangely placed, in the masquerading game he was forced to play, was desperately and bitterly lonely. Surrounded by unknown dangers-necessarily suspicious of every one with whom he came in contact-resenting, as an honest man, the lie he was obliged to live-he craved most earnestly for some sympathy and tenderness. All unconsciously, this woman had given them both to him; and, in the midst even of his remorse that he should be playing s

onsistent with the keeping up of the fictitious character he had assumed. And thus it was th

his infinite surprise, the young girl whose black eyes had looked at him so reproachfully in church, and whom he had left weeping in

me nervousness, to fulfil his demands. And, just at the moment when, as she was bending to pour out the liquor he had ordere

have been, Philip had a natural personal objection to drinking in public with his own servant. But,

ace had borne the expression of deep emotion-of a struggle to repress something-almost of a deadly fear; now, it was set into a

e avoided, Philip stepped quietly up to him, and, with his back towards the girl, said, in a low voice-"I don't desire that you should be seen he

for a moment, and returned a remarkable answer-sp

ter Dandy-and I'm not drinki

en with such a rebuff as this; his manner changed, and his v

," he said; "return

gedly. "No, Master Dandy," he replied-"I'm going to stay here." His eyes wand

nd that you leave my service

ick me, like a dog, from your doors." He spoke in a hurried, breathless whisper, and, to the utte

gged his shoulders, and turned away. But he had no stomach for the drink the girl had prepared for hi

this was one of the difficult legacies left behind by the late Dandy Chater, he accepted it philosophically. At the same time, he was puzzled at the young man's last remark, and at the evident emotion he had displayed. Being in no

g up, he saw the man from whom he had so recently parted. Anger at the th

I suppose you've come to plead something, in extenuation of your ruden

ed; he stood, with his hands clasped tightly together before him, and with his head bowed on his breast. When he s

nd knows but little of the rights or wrongs of things, more than whatever good God put

in mute appeal-dropping them again the next moment. Philip Chate

n, afterwards, when you took notice of me, and wouldn't have any one else near you, and made me your servant, I was prouder than I can ever express. God forgive me-(but there's no bla

er an unsteady one. "Well," he said, with what brusqueness

houghts into the right words. But-Master Dandy-won't you-won't you try to run straight with me-won't you l

happen to look at some girl in whom you

ster Dandy," he said. "Because I've got the feelings of a man, and I know that a gentlem

d Philip, startled for the moment into

ster-and you know that decent mothers warn their girls about you. Master Dandy-I suppose these are gentlemen's ways-at least, I've heard so; and I'd have held my tongue, and done my duty, if so be you had not touched what belonged to me

ttered, Philip Chater turned upon him swiftly, and caught his arm. "Wh

r man; but the eyes which looked into those of Phil

ce, where you have been led to do such wrong. Master Dandy!"-he had fallen upon his knees, at the feet of the other man, and was clasping his dress,

recoiling. "What are you talking

gentleman's heart, or to know what temptations he may have, above such as I am. But the thing is done,

at you mean?" cried

aster-looking all about him fearfully first, as thoug

en as kind to me lately as you once were, Master Dandy-I crept out of the house, and went out in t

of his arrival at Bamberton. As in a dream, too, while the other man went on speaking, he seemed to see a figure dart out into the highway-a

th blood upon her-dead-in the moonlight. Master Dandy"-he put his hands before his fa

hoarsely, with an awful sweat of f

ood behind the mill-Pa

l at his feet, and buri