, 1886-11-09

the weakness is human; where is the
man who can endure unlimited pros
perity;"
Give the figure n sentimental turn, ~
the gentleman suggested, "and for pros
perity read affection, the morning glory
illustration is not happy"
81 shall certainly claim thick clouds
and rainy weather at once, and my
glory will thrive the better. The closer
analysis develops new charms the
young lady continued, "and l feel my
self indebted to DIR. Thornton for the
compliment he has paid my wonanly
nature"
That gentleman bowed again as he
said, @They are beautiful certainly, but
u%nenduring, despite your ingenious ar
gument."
Fragile is a better word" and the
young lady pinned a few blue-bells at
her throat.
"Niolets would suit you perfectly,
Miss Styles" Grace Dorman said sud
denly; lust match your eyes. DIR.
Thornton, why didn't you tell me vio-
lets she said rcproachfully.
Il dislike Them" the gentleman said
shortly, as for an instant his eyes met
those of Mary Styles.
And with me they are f~avorite flow
ers.' The young lady lifted n locket
which hung on her chain as she spoke
and, touching a spring, disclosed four
little pale faces in the glass case.
you should wear violet roses" Miss
Dorman said, taking the locket; these
are white"
ayes, and old. A charm against
fever, - she said, laughing gently, mot
worn for their beauty now" As she
spoke the glass case dropped from its
place, and the four little heads fell on
the cloth, crumbling to powder.
mo matter, l 9 assure you" Miss Styles
fastened to reply to Miss Dorman's cx-
clamation. Il no longer need them. l
hope DIR. Thornton" she added inno-
Gently, "the faint odor does not incon-
vcnience you. | assure you they are very
old-and-dead."
She blew the dust from her rs she
spoke.
"A physician should learn to keep his
nerves well in hand" that gentleman
said gravely. 81 have been the indirect
~ VI NJ tlN1iAAtilAf IL lhol litlA L
should suffer thereby. May | pass your
chocolatey'
The fortnight was over, and the soft
moonlight was flooding everything on
the lawn with its radiance, ms Miss
Styles, the evening before her departure
from Seven Oaks, ran lightly down the
gravel path TO a summer house, in
search of n shawl left there at after
noon tea. The wrap had been secured,
and she paused a moment on the broad
stone step, to note the effect of the
moonlight on the silvery thread which
wound at the foot of the garden, when
a voice Mt her elbow made her start. She
recognized it at once. The getleman
threw aside a cigar, as he said:
Il almost feel your coming here as an
inspiration. | was thinking of you"
He wa standing by her now, and look
ing directly down upon her. 81 have
something to tell you, Mary; will you
hear it?'
She stood with her face averted, her
gaze still fixed upon the river.
NO, there could be nothing you could
have to say to me that l would wish to
hear, she said coldly.
But there are duties one can not io-
more m a question of what is agreea-
hle.r the gentleman went on ~nnd !
ask YOU to rear me simply rs n matter
of duty
"Dutv is an odd word from Won +,
me" Miss Styles turned, and met the
full gaze of a handsome pair of grey
eyes.
4Yes an u~nrocornized ouantitv be
tween woman and man the gentleman
said. wet n woman at Ieost owes n hear
ingt to the man who loves her. What
ever weight the words might carry. - the
Young man went ON. "and whether i'll
or well chosen I must sneak. tell Won
AGAINST reason. AGAINST NV best indc.
ment. in defiance of pride. | tell Won
that | love YOU unreasonably. blindlv.
with an intensity that conouers pride
and defes nv Judgment. with n love
which after ten wears WAITING Of sill.
cnce and separation and eyer- present
sense of honolessness is still uncon-
mered and endurino | claim bv these
feelings. which Won alone have brouoht
TO life. the RIGHT TO mead their cause 7
claim this right. Mary he added with
infinite tenderness in the tone "nnd beg
to be allowed one more effort To- win
your love-
-Those are stranpe words from vo,, +,
me, Alec Thornton. Are we acting .
farce.n
is it then incredible that | still love
youY 1t is strange that my love has not
died. vet | must confess its vitality. In
the first hour of our meeting at Seven
Oaks | knew that NV heart had never
dethroned its queen. that however cruel.
she must ALWAYS reign -