The Portland daily press., 1877-03-31

had for a time, carried dispatches as queens
messepger-full of animal health and natural
ly iovous temperament, saddened however,
by the perpetual sense of impecuiosity, and
the perpetual sense of petty debt. His fami-
" was well connected, of ancient descent, get
practically he was vagabond upon the face
of the earth. The families of Bayard and
Delasele were branches of the same stock;
he and Marie had played together as chill
dren, and he was still free of the house but
when growing years seemed to threaten the
danger of an imprudent attachment, Mr..
Delaselle spoke to him in private very seri-
ously ON the matter, "horing that he would
not take advantage of his position to compro.
mise Maries chances of an eligible match"
This was extremely bitter to Thurstan, whose
proud spirit was deeply wounded; and hence
forward he came rarely, and adopted defer
entail, distant manner.
Marie, on her part, scarcely noticed him
now that they were arrived, he at manhood,
and she at womanhood. He thought it was
pride; still he felt constrained to call occa-
sionally, for in truth he loved beyond express
sion.
Nothing destroys a mans spirit like power
ty, especially, if he still, by birth, belongs to
that class OF whom it was said nOblesSe obtige
and can not fully descend to the little mean
nessess too often compulsorily practiced by
IuOSc WIN earn JuciI udlly UTedu. L utTt WcIt
as yet no lines upon his forehead, but there
was an indescribable expression CT subdued
pain.
''Pve come to say good by" said he to
Captain Williams, as the two sat together in
the background, while Marie played and sang
gayly. Mr.. Delaselle nodded as he entered,
and then devoted himself to Mr.. Marshe.
s'Where are you off to, tben?" asked the
Captain. s'Why on earth don't you 60 into
the army"
"Can't afford it-and can't live on thirteen
pence day either. No; I'm going to China:
you know I've an idea could help them to
fortify themselves against the Russians. They
are much alarmed at Russian aggression east
ward. General Kauffman's guns easily
smashed up the wretched walls and towers Of
the Central Khans. think China ought to
pay we'll for instructions how to build re-
doubts la Vauban."
ats not bad idea; but how about leav-
ing Miss Delaselle 2 l thought you were
Well, no matter, you're just the man for her.
Yes, I'll say that even against my own inter-
est. She'll be snapped up before you get
back man. Look at Marshe, and that prg,
the curate, and the old lord -pah! Are you
sure she doesn't care for you?"1
''She scarcely acknowledges me-" said
Thurstan. "And yet we used to-Still she
has a right to do as she pleases. At all
events start tomorrow night for South
ampton from Waterloo Station"
'sPll see you off. By iove, I'm sorr y,
deuced esorry! The best fellows are always
showed into corner. Tomorrow night
it's st. Valentines day tomorrow now
think of it.''
Just then Marie's voice, bithe and rich in
tone, began with an inimitable expression
of innocen mischievousness, so to say, the
old verse,
"A' the lads they look at me
Coming through the rye"
Sits just like her," said the Captain sand
yet do you know, Thurstan, believe there's
something good in that girl despite all this
| frivolity. 1 wish you could have seen her
| just now when they were discussing mar
l riages for money, and said the best and tru-
| est girl was the one who married for love.
| There was fash in her eye; don't think
| she knows her own heart YETI
''Nr. Bayard," cried Marie suddenly from
her seat at the piano, ''come and sing our old
| favorite Annie Laurie.'"
The circle sneered at the mention of so
| simple ballad. He hesitated, but she in.
| sisted, and finally he sang it sang it as only
| a man could who felt every line. 1t was true
| that she had never pledged her word, but was
| indeed, Gall the world to him. He had
a beautiful voice bell like, yet liquid, and to
/ dlltr just Oue worn vi DyrOu.
Glove hath not in all its choice
An arrow for the heart like a sweet voice.
They were all silent when he ceased Marie
| indeed seemed to recover herself with an eff
| fort, and thanked him gently, in a tone that
| unnamed him.
| "Dear mep cried the lawyer, tive for
| gotten had telegram to leave at the office.
Excuse me. I'll return"
| Mr.. Delaselle accompanied him to the
door.
| Something very desp:cab,e in business, %
| said Lord Pauline.
Every despicable, very," echoed the curate
| the aid of the law must naturally react upon
| those who listen to their revelations"
II believe there is a great fire." said Mr..
Delaselle re-entering; '1et us 60 up to the
high windows to see."
The gentlemen and Aunt Jane, who had a
| special horror of fire, followed him quickly
| and Marie was moving in the same directi on,
when Thurstan. who had stood aside to LET
the others pass first, spoke her name gently.
| She paused, and for the moment they were
| alone.
| eyes," she said kindly.
| IL just called to say good by; start for
China tomorrow night-some years before I
may see you again." said Thurstan, in hur-
ried and confused manner.
SIS this true?"
sit is indeed quite true. You will remem-
Der me sometimes, Marie?" he almost said
''my darling" but his courage failed.
Her eyes flashed slightly.
"Yes, 1 shall remember you. Stay, let me
| think hush! Is it fire?" she added, in a
| different tone, hearing footsteps.
| CAT great distance; no danger" said Mr..
| Delaselle. Aunt Jane glanced suspiciously
| from Thurstan to Marie and back again.
He felt that he was looked on as de trop,
| and was confused, believing too that to stay
longer would be simply to prolong his tor
ture, wished them good night, and left what
he had almost nerved himself to say to Marie
| still unsaid, and now probably beyond his
| power 10 say.
A stiffness fell upon the party, and Marie
| seemed to have lost her gayety, till in less
| than an hour Marshe returned, and she
| Jane and Mr.. Delaselle, who saw in this a
| sign of affection for him, and were treasured.
Marshe was very lively. The fact was he
thought he had done clever thing
1t was this: Driving to the Office of the
| firm, Marshe, Marshe & Copp, he recolected
| that he had a valentine in the pocket of his
overcoat. 1t was a very expensive one which
he had selected with much care, containing a
few love verses of the approved order, sur
| rounded with gorgeous design, and per
| TUNED. He argued with himself pro and
con, after the manner Of the judicial mind, as
| he drove along, whether he should address
the envelope himself in his own proper hand
| writing, or whether he should disguise his
style, or get some one else to assist him. This
highly important question has agitated the
hearts of valentine senders ever since the
| graceful old custom began.
Clearly, If directed in his own handwriting,
Marie, who knew it well, would recognize the
sender Immediately; ofmystery there would
be none, and the fun would be lost.
If the address was written by a stranger it