That fade ere closed the hand
In the dark reached forth to grasp them,
But the brain receives their brand.
THE TWO DUKES.
———
BY ANN S. STEPHENS.
———
(Concluded from page 245.)
The duke saw his wife, and at first seemed willing to avoid her, but after moving forward a step or two, he turned back, took her hand in his with an energy that startled her, and pressing his lips to it, turned away and hurried on with the guard still surrounding him.