The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-12-28

N-~i
the world, Miss Knox; but what is the
use of my worldly wisdom if | may only
use il for my own good. and never for
another's? | have overstepped the bound
airy Of conventionalism, l know; but 1t
was for your sake-your sake only.
Yet l wish you had not spoken"
Il might" he went on, as if the words
were being forced from him-'I might
have told you of another love less calcu-
lating, perhaps because utterly with
out hope-a love that only desired to see
you happy. But | would not speak of
myself; all my thoughts are of you. Only
let me watch over you, shield you from
the dangers you are too inexperienced TO
suspect and | shall be content
Il am very glad of your friendship,
very proud of it." she said, gently.
Then | am more than repaid" he an
swered, gravely.
AS they went toward the supper-room.
they met several persons returning thence,
among them Diana Knollys, who was
leaning on Colonel Prinseps arm. She
smiled kindly at Jane. who returned the
glance, carefully avoiding to look at the
same time into her companions face. If
scandal were so easily set atloat, it was
scarcely sufficient to show Indifference
only, she must prove to him that his
presence was positively distasteful to her
Il wonder where Jack Blount is; |
have not seen him for some time" said
Barry Larron, abruptly, as they passed
on.
II think he has left" faltered Jane,
trying to look unconscious, but failing be-
meath the keen gaze that was directed on
her.
"Ah, is that il p was the softly spoken
remark. Child, how many lovers you
have, yet not one worthy to be success
full! Or is it that | am too jealous for
you? At any rate | am glad that he has
failed"
You are drawing your own conclu-
sions,' said Jane, hastily. Il never said
anything to make you think that he has
gone because of me-"
DO you think that we are all blind?
His devotion was too apparent for any
mistake-Graeme has lost his money; he
thought you would accept him, and betted
on it. though he should have known Won
better now than TO suppose that you
would be tempted by the advantages Of
wealth or position"
Did Mr.. Graeme bet about me?" asked
Jane. angrily.
We'll, yes; but | ought not TO have
mentioned it. The fact is, that | have
been speaking so freely that | forgot
there must be limit to my frankness
Besides, it has vexed you-I can see it
has, and he will never forgive me for my
indiscretion if you resent it,"
What would be the good? II seems
that people say very much what they
like, regardless of any ones feelings: vet
] should not have thought that he who
always seemed to be my friend would
nave made me the subject of n bet"
He is young, and | dare say did not
think. You must not take it so. or shall
blame myself more than | already do for
my own thoughtlessness in having re
peated it. And now sit down here while
| get you some supper. You are looking
quite tired and faint"
Having accomplished what he desired,
Major Larron reverted no more to dis
agreeable subjects; when he chose no
one could be more brilliant and enter
tanning and he exerted himself so sue
cessfully now that he won back the color
To James pale face and a smile 10 her
lips. She was surprised to find the time
had passed So quickly when her father
came in search of her. TO say that it was
late and they were going home.
Major Iarron saw her TO the carriage,
and took the Onus upon himself when
| Mrs. Knox demonstrated with her daugh-
| ter on her long absence from her side.
! Valentine GraPme had also gone to see
them off, but Jane was very stiff with
/ him, and pontedly turned to Barry Lar
1 ron to wrap her shawlS about her and
/ help her TO her seat in the high dog-cart
The adjutant looked decidedly crest
/ fallen as they drove away.