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eee ema ie tatin! ea eg mat er a hse wo ae
WILD MARGARET. 233
and one little offices which render a woman's life so sweet
o her.
For the rest, Austin Ambrose is as close a friend of the
countess assof the earl, much to the’ surprise and annoy-
ance of their friends, to whom it is still a mystery what
those two young people can see in. him.
It is he who assists Blair in the management of his vast
estates, interviewing tenants, engaging servants, ete. And
it is he who helps Lady Ferrers with her visiting lists, and
executes all the little offices which a lady of rank and title
is So glad to find some one to undertake.
This evening the countess is seated in her accustomed
chair, exquisitely dressed—it is said that she takes Mr.
Austin Ambrose’s advice on this point also—and playing
the part of hostess with admirable tact and judgment; but
every now and then the keen observer might see that her
eyes turned toward the earl, who leaned against the man-
tel, his hands folded behind him. his eyes bent on the
ground, and that look on his face which had become ha-
bitual to it. Presently the tall, thin figure of Austin Am-
brose came between her and the earl, and sauntering up,
stood beside him.
* Blair,” he said, ‘‘here are the letters.”’ »
There was a late mail, and the special messenger brought
the letters from the office to the Court.
Blair awoke with a little start. and took them and
glanced at the addresses indifferently. ys .
‘One from Tyler & Driver, isn’t there?’ said Austin
Ambrose,
Blair nodded. fictlesely. .
** Yes,’’ he said, listlessly. - f 7 . .
“TI expect it is about the late earl’s will,’’ said Austin
Ambrose.
Blair waiked into an anteroom, and dropping into a .
_ chair, threw the letters on to a writing table.
‘See what it is they want, will you, Austin?’’ he ct a
Austin took the letter and opened it.
“Tt’s about that five thousand pounds which the earl —
left to——”
d, so that.
Blair turned and leaned his head on his han
his face was concealed.
“Well?” a .
‘They say that every effort has been made to discover
Miss Hale’s whereabouts, by advertising and inquiries, and .
that they can find no trace of her.”
© Ah, no!” said Blair, with a deep sigh. .
“ And they give the usual advice, that the money should
be funded. Itis the best plan.” -. oo.
‘Yes, unless we tell the truth,’’ said Blair, in a low, sad