The free press., 1895-04-11

mlre and respect you, still L do not
love you"
But he had Mt last overcome her
scruplcs.
81 would rather have your respect
and admiration, We've, than the love
of any other woman L have ever met, :"
he had said. Indeed, you are the
only one who has ever touched my
heart"
And, though Vieve's "dear girl
friends" considered him something
| bordering on martyr, Sir Vernon
regarded the matter in an entirely diff
ferent light.
He was aroused from his reverie by
the laughing words, "How many
thousand miles away are your
thoughts, old fellow" and the clasp
of shapely brown hand as Darrell
Kingdom paused beside him.
"Not but a few steps from here,
Dal, he said, returning his friends
greeting warmly. ~ am watching
We've and wondering what that dear
little innocent has done to SO COM
pletely bewitch me out of my senses.
tell you, Dal, she will make an ideal
Lady Harrington, and if 1 were to
lose her it would make complete
wreck of my life."
"You are awfully fond of her, aren't
you, Vernon?" remarked his friend
quietly. "You know always prophe-
sled that no woman in the world would
ever win your love, and 1 was right,
for, though Miss ST. Claire is high
bred and beauty, she is as innocent
as cherub in long clothes, and /
hope to heaven she will always remain
SO, added Darrell earnestly.
1t was at this point in their con-
versation that Sir Vernon was called
away by a message from his hostess,
and his friend sauntered out upon the
terrace to enjoy the comforts of an
undisturbed smoke and few moments
quiet thought.
Darrell Kingdom was handsome
man, nearing thirty, with a superb
figure and wealth of crisp, dark
curls, with eyes of vivid blue, the
dauntless and restless expression of
which served only as an addition to
his unusually striking face. He had
squandered two fortunes abroad and
had led rather wild and rowing life
had broken many trusting heart, re-
turning at last to New York, at his
mothers sudden death, to meet his
fate in golden-h haired We've, only to
find to his utter despair, that another
had gained the prize he coveted.
"Well, it is my luck exactly, and
just and bitter punishment for my
careless disregard of sacred VOWS and
fond hopes. But if We've loved me
and YVES free" land unconsciously
soft expression dawned on his sombre
eyes). "and had ] my squandered for
tune, L would yet be but q sorry sub
i,ct for such sweet little ruler. But
sine is safe," he added, with mirth-
less laugh. "Had it been any one
else but Harrington, however, |
should let no obstacle prevent me
from trying to win her.
1t was at this moment that he
caught the CLEAN of II white dress and
golden head, which sent n thrill
through him and caused poor Oar
rell to make hasty and bitter deci-
sion.
81 shall leave tomorrow morning
and accept the position out West
which I declined yesterday. Thus
shall I leave my temptation behind
me and do right-for the first time IN
my selfish life"
SO saying he strobe toward Gene
We've, who stood alone by the terrace
rail, gazing at the silvery moon with
disappointed look in her usually
radiant gray eyes. If Darrell could
only have seen the tender heart hid
den beneath Vieve's white dress l am
afraid the good resolutions just formed
would never have materialized, for,
unluckily, she was in love with the
wrong man and had tried IN vain TO
tell Sir Vernon, who only laughed,
adding gaily: "Why, We've, If you
forgot your evening prayers suppose
YOU would consider it necessary to III
form me-.