A Woman of Culture, Chapter XII-XIV [pp. 771-801]

i88i.] A W~MAAr OF CULTURE. 8oi
consequently disinclined to believe him in any respect. Yet Unless he was a low villain of the elegant cut-throat type, he would
scarcely venture on so daring an attempt to injure the fair fame
of the Fullertons. It behooved her to move cautiously in the
matter, and not commit herself precisely to either side. Her
sympathy was with Olivia.
"I understand you, my dear," said the lady, "and I think I
understand Killany. I advise you to say nothing to your brother
of this just now, as it might lead to bloodshed. Young men are
hot, and such a report as this is sure to kill one party or the other.
Look quietly for proof sufficient to put the lie on this upstart,
and then, having the lash in one hand and the knowledge of his
guilt in the other, you will not spare him, nor will I, you may feel
certain. Now let us return to the gentlemen."
"Thank you ever so much," said the grateful, distressed girl.
"Your confidence is consoling, and I shall work harder to satisfy
you than to satisfy the world."
"Very proper," murmured the acute old lady, whose present
sympathy, like Sir John's opinion on annexation, was very doubtfully expressed and meant absolutely nothing.
"I wish to go home," was Olivia's first remark to her brothen
"I am tired and ill."
"Brief and coThmanding," said he good~humoredly. "Let u~
go, then, to make our farewells to Miss McDonell."
"So soon?" observed that lady reproachfully. "Why, Dr:
Fullerton, I have not had the pleasure of exchanging words with
you this even,. lug. I was in hopes that my friends would have
the honor of hearing you demolish some of their pretty theories.
Olivia tells me you are a great reader and admirer of thefathers."
"So I happen to be," the gentleman gravely answered. "I
regret that Olivia's indisposition makes it necessary for us to go.
"Are you really ill?" Nano said, "or is it only an affection of
the heart?" she added in a whisper.
"Sick unto death," answered Olivia, with a smothered sob..
"I have been stabbed to-night, and in a mortal part, by one who
is called a gentleman. You shall hear all by and by. Good-.
night, Nano. Oh! good~night."
And the brother and sister went away smiling. The hostess.
smiled, too, as pleasantly as they, while all three held the most
aching hearts that ever beat in human breasts.
TO BE CONTINUED.
VOL. xxxii.~5r