The Florida agriculturist., 1889-06-19

she said in low voice; ''do gol what is
the use of running any risks?''
Il have as good a right as anybody to
be here" Percy replied. IF we both
happen to be here at thesame time, what
of that?"
''What is the matter? You look quite
illI' she said
At this moment salesman, having dis
patched an adjoining customer, pre-
sented himself before her with what
can do for you, madam" She handed
him card and said. Il have called about
that necklace; it was to have been ready
this morning" The man took the card,
bowed and hurried off. She turned again
to Percy Her muff was in her left hand,
and as she turned she laid it upon the
glass counter, on the side furthest away
from him. His sudden appearance had
evidently disconnected her.
He met her look and thought how
charming she was. She was dressed in
fine black velvet trimmed with soft furs,
and wore a wonderful bonnet, adorned
with birds feathers and sparkling points;
delicate silken veil was bound around
it. Her oval face, with it's bright eyes,
small straight nose and rather full lips,
was perfectly pretty; and now the blood,
which had been driven from her cheeks
for moment, came ebbing back beneath
the transparent skin She was lovely,
luxurious and rich; those diamonds in
her ears would have paid all his debts,
and he believed that she would relieve
his necessities in a moment had she
known of them But how impossible it
was to tell herl How inaccessible she
was, though he could have thrown his
arms around her as she stood there! He
felt helpless rage-an impulse to seize
upon her and make off with her bodily.
If haNonly had had money-money, and
plenty of it-there was nothing so wild
that he would not have ventured to pro-
pose it to her. What power money was
in this world!
All this time he stood gazing at her
and saying not a word.
''What is the matter with you, Percy"
she repeated. "What makes you look
SO? You are making everybody notice
us. Are you She hesitated.
81 am sober, if that's what you mean" !"
he said. eff we were alone would
show you what is the matter with me-!
Good God! Is there no place in the world
where we can be alone together for half
an hourY'
Some one touched him on the arm.
He turned savagely. 1t was only gen.
tleman who begged his pardon. He had
left cane standing against the counter;
it was not there; he apologized and went
off. Percy came round to the other side
of Sylvia and leaned on the counter, TAX
ing her muff in his hands.
81 can't stand this" he resumed. II
never see you at all now | have as
much right to see you as any of your
acquaintances. You keep out of my
way?
eff you would be content to see me as
my other acquaintance debut you
know perfectly well how dangerous it is
And you could not have chosen a worse
place than this" She bent forward and
added in whisper, Il expect Mr. Tun-
stall may come in at any moment. He
knew | was coming here this morning
about the necklace, and said something
about intending to try and meet me. Do
go! 1t will only make it more difficult
hereafter.
1T cannot be more difficult than it is
already" replied Percy suIlenly. II
should like to meet him and have it out
with him, if he wants to say anything!
TWhat is there he can say, for that mat