The Press., 1894-03-22

equally elegant and unsectional subjects of conversation and avoided all political questions.
 And how happy we were-Harry and Ito think that we might now be as friendly as we pleased!
 CHAPTER III.
 Impulsive people like Victorine rare- l ly do things by halves. It was not long before it would have been danger ous to say anything against her whilom 1 enemy, MT. Summers. She spoke of him as "the essence of chivalry, ''"t that | brave man, that noble creature. " She read great deal of poetry. She sighed often and deeply. She wrote upon the margins of her books such re- marks as ''so like one know" or "he would have done the same'' whenever the hero did something particularly fine. Eventually I became convinced that Victorine, for the first time in her life, was in love, and with the man from the north, who certainly was paying her 'particular attention" in the most formal manner.
 We were sitting by the open fire one evening, sister and I, when she suddenly spoke.
 'Persis.' she said, you have been such a good, considerate sister that l would not do anything to offend you for the world. Tell me and speak frank ly, would you despise me if, after all that l have said. I should permit a northerner to aspire to my hand?''
  II should think you very sensible. l know of course that you mean MT. Summers. Let me congratulate you"
 "Oh, not yet, . said Victorine. "He has said nothing to give warrant for that. My hopes may mislead me, but he comes here often.''
 "Yes, and he comes to see you, Vic torine, said decidedly.
 II am not quite sure, my half sister said in a low, dreamy tone. "Once or twice when 1 have seen him looking at you I have said: She is the object of his admiration. It IS not l. You have mary charms. Persis. You are young, and men of mature years think more of youth than young men do. You are not interested, love:'
 I'm MT. Summers? Only as pros pcctive brother-in-law,' said, trying not to laugh.
 II am glad you feel as you do," saii Victorine. ITO tell the truth, I an deeply interested. She paused and put her kerchief to her eyes.
 'Thank you for your confidence" said and kissed her.
 Il nFI,o,, ont l,or T cry, and 1 resolved to take run abou the garden, for had been busy all day over some sewing and needed the ex ercise. l said as much to Victorine who answered.:
 II Very we'll, only, pray, do not g( outside the gate without escort and dc wrap up. Here, put on my cloak. , She took it from the sofa, where it lay Il and wrapped it about me, pulling tht hood we'll over my head. Then away went, walking briskly round about the garden several times, until at last paused, and folding my arms upon thu palings looked out along the road. It was a beautiful night. The ful moon was just setting over the distan hills. The whippoorwill was calling plaintively ill the woods A long cared rabbit went loping through the gras and sat on it's launches to look back a me, and then, as though convinced tha was more dangerous than he ha( thought at first, vanished in haste. How sweet and peaceful everything was! 1 turned my gaze toward the Sum mers residence, and at that moment tht door opened, flood of rosy light rush ed out. and I saw Harry and his father crossing the road, They paused, MT Summers spoke to his son, saw Harry enter the gate, and in a moment more there was a rustling of steps at my side not Harry sit was MT. Summers whC stood there The moon at this instan gave her last dip below the hills, lit tie golden haze remained and van ished. In the starlight, the shadow of the trees was very deep where stood I cannot tell what curious feel ings crept over me-a sort of fright though why the presence of that mos respectable of gentlemen should hav terrified me I cannot imagine. It ma, have been because there was something unusual ill his manner. He came upol me stealthily, yet breathlessly, and il a moment more and without warnin, he put his arm about my waist.
 ''I have been seeking this opportunit. for long while, :" he said, For once catch you alone, for I saw your sister shadow on the curtain just now. Real ly, I believe I am bashful. I ought t. be past that by my age, ought I not But 1 have no courage where you ar concerned"
 All this while 1 had been doing m, best to escape from his arm, and nov he took it away and folded both h1s owl behind his back.
 Be free, struggling little bird," h. said. Certainly l am too bold, bu perhaps before long-ahem-in fact, t, go straight to the point, must tell yol that love you; that I have loved yol ever since took you in my arms ant bore you through the flames on tha night which I can never forget while exist. I have never met any one sine those past days when courted my OK cellent and lamented wife, then Mis- Jones. My income is ample, though am not rich If you will share it, i you will be my wife, shall be the hap piest man alive. I should prefer mak ing the offer upon my pended knees but the grass is damp. I am not fluent speaker, but trust express tn emotions of my heart. My dear youn, lady, do not avert your face. Let m read my answer in your splendid eyes here he touched my shoulder deli cately with the tips of his fingers 'si ii your eyes, my angel.
 Meanwhile had been transfixed wit horror Hera was a nrettv stata a