Part 59 (2/2)

Aha!”

”Yes, I really think so.”

”Aha! Well, listen,” cried Girasole, in a hoa.r.s.e voice--”listen.

He--he--de rival--de one you say you are engage--he is dead!”

And with this he fastened upon Minnie his eyes that now gleamed with rage, and had an expression in them that might have made Ethel quiver with horror, but she did not, for she knew that Girasole was mistaken on that point.

As for Minnie, she was not at all impressed by his fierce looks.

”I don't think you really know what you're talking about,” said she; ”and you're very, very unpleasant. At any rate, you are altogether in the wrong when you say he is dead.”

”Dead! He is dead! I swear it!” cried Girasole, whose manner was a little toned down by Minnie's coolness.

”This is getting to be awfully funny, you know,” said Minnie. ”I really think we don't know what one another is talking about. I'm sure _I_ don't, and I'm sure _he_ don't, either; does he, Ethel darling?”

”De Inglis milor,” said Girasole. ”He is dead.”

”Well, but I don't mean him at all,” said Minnie.

”Who--who?” gasped Girasole. ”Who--who--who?”

”Why, the person I mean,” said Minnie, very placidly, ”is Rufus K.

Gunn.”

Girasole uttered something like a howl, and retreated.

CHAPTER x.x.xII.

UNDER ARREST.

Girasole retreated half-way down the stairs, and then he stopped for some time and thought. Then he came back and motioned to Ethel.

”You must come,” he said, gruffly.

”You shall not,” said Minnie.

”No, no, darling,” said Ethel; ”I had better go. It will only get you into fresh trouble. And I'll be back as soon as I can.”

”Oh, how I _hate_ you!” said Minnie to Girasole. The latter said nothing. Ethel kissed Minnie, and descended the stairs after him.

The Irish priest was standing over the grave bathed in a cold perspiration, his heart throbbing violently, every new thud of the earth, as it sounded violently against the coffin, sending a cold chill of horror through every nerve. Already enough earth had been thrown to cover three-quarters of the lid, and at the foot it was heaped up some distance. He tried to frame some excuse to get the men away. His brain whirled; his mind was confused; his thoughts refused to be collected.

And now, in the midst of this, the attention of all was attracted by a loud stern voice, which sounded from some one near. The priest looked around. The men stopped shoveling, and turned to see the cause of the noise.

Girasole was seen approaching, and was already near enough to be distinguished. Behind him followed a female form. At this sight the priest's mind misgave him.

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