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

CHAPTER INV ll.-tContlnueuJ
They were not in the veranda when he
went out, and he strolled further away 10
where he knew some seats had peeh
placed. Even then he did not see them
il was James voice which betrayed thelr
presence at the other side Of tent, near
which he was standing.
How can you say such cruel Things
and so untrue she was saying, III eA-
cited Indignation.
Il fancy the cruelty lies in the truth
Of the accusation." answered Jack Blount,
cuttingly: and the listener could no
longer doubt that Diana Knollys had
been correct in her estimate of the man
and his power of being disagreeaple.
They said you were a f1irt. Only lew
months ago you Tilted Colonel frlnsep-
the fellows told me that at mess tonight
-and-now-"
He stopped suddenly as Colonel frlnsep
himself stood before them.
"Perhaps | am the best person to retute
that calumny," he said, quietly, but win
a repressed passion in his tones, that
Jane knowing him so well. easily de-
tected. That Miss Knox gave me up
was my own fault; have never had the
slightest reason to reproach her.
"Of course if you say So" began Mr..
Blount, ungraciousy.
II do say So and must beg that here
at least you will not refer again to the
subject on which you have received such
inaccurate information"
With q malicious scowl darkening
Blount's face he turned upon his heel and
left.
The witchery of the time and place had
cast its powerful spell over stephen Pm
sep. Gradually as she spoke he forgot
everything except that she had been his
love. The moonbeams fell upon her I'M
covered head and upon her lovely up
turned face as she pleaded her eXtenua-
ton.
rs it your fault you are so fair! Even
that dolt could not be blind to your sweet
beauty he exclaimed, passionately, and
would have said more only that she
shrunk from him trembling
AS she turned away, bashful, yet so
glad. so rapturously glad to know he
loved her still, she encountered the stony
gaze of Jacob Lynn. He was hidden be
hind some trees close by, and must have
heard what they had said. A sudden
fear assailed her lest, in his jealousy, he
should come forward and do some des
perate deed that would ruin him forever.
Even if the Colonel knew of his presence
there it might be serious for him.
Colonel PrnSeV then led her back to
the ballroom in grave silence, angry with
himself that he had kept true to what
with her had evidently been only an
evanescent feeling, Yet unable TO steel
his heart against her.
Barry Larron sauntered up to them as
they stood together in the ballroom.
They are waiting for you. Colonel. to
lead the way in to supper. Miss Knox, l
think You promised to go with me-
Startled at his voice Jane withdrew her
face from the grateful GOODNESS of the
flowers and wondered why. as she did So
lie looked at her so strangely.
Colonel Prinsep bowed and left her.
I Then Major Larron spoke his thoughts.
You cannot think how it has pleased
me that you have deigned to wear my
flowers" he said.
Your flowers! Was it you who sent
them q
Who else? I hope you did not choose
them under a false impression"
"I-oh. no. | never thought"
. Disregarding her confusion, as he had
disregarded the quick movement which
/ she had made TO cast the flowers from
/ her when he claimed to be the sender,
he spoke again it was as though impelled
by feeling stronger than his judgment.
Miss Knox. | wish | were your brother
/ or some one that you could trust to ad-
wise you well.
do you think that l am in need of ad-
! vice."
Il do Will you promise not TO be of
Tended if | speak,
Yes, | will promise though | cannot
guess what it can be that you are going
TO say"
The ballroom was deserted now. and
they stood alone in the center of il. Jane
with her hand lifted proudly. MS though
defying him TO say anything that could
affect her. and holding her bouquet as far
away from her as possible. The flowers
that had delighted her had become hate
full in her eyes now that she knew the
giver, and had actually caressed them in
his sight.
( Major Larron looked down al her sadly.
81 wonder whether it is worth while to
risk the loss of your friendship for the
sake of the predetermined good that |
might do if | spoke; | wonder if it is even
| worth while TO do a disinterested act of
kindness!
Tell me, and let me decide"
81 will. since you wish il. Do You
know what has been the general talk
since You entered the room? You do not
of course not. You are too young and
inexperienced to believe in malice or
idle tongues and | dare say you fancy
il is a profound secret only known tc
your heart that you love the Colonel and
wish to win him back"
She turned deathly pale, and was toe
i
ton Looking up she saw his face avert
ed, and was touched by his deIicaCy
knowing nothing of the swift glance by
which he had assured himself that his
shaft had gone home.
DO not be angry with me that | re
peat what every one else has said.
thought it right that you should know
and SO be able 10 put an end to the Cos
sip, which in your purity of mind yOU
could not foreSee You are so proud.
know how it would gall you We're it to be-
said that Colonel Prinsep married yor
from pity"
DO you think l would marry any one
on such terms:" she cried. Indignantly
NO, | do not; but then every one has
not studied your character SO carefully
rs |. l know that you are too noble Il
allow any mercenary or interested mo
tives 10 influence your actions and
know, also, that you could with a wor,
win back Colonel Prinsep TO the allegi
ance he fattered himself that he la,
thrown off Don't be offended that
speak So. Consider the circumstance
from an outsiders point Of view. and yol
viii see that il is natural he should bt
glad 10 have escaped what the worl,
would call mesalliauce. notwithstand
ing your grace and beauty. Before h,
loved you so entirely-so unthinkingly
that had Won married him then. neithc
he nor YOU might have had reason to re
pent: but now he has had reason I,
weigh the pros and cons, eyen-for he i
very proud-to congratulate himself tina
something occurred TO part you. Whei
he came back 10 Alipore, it was in tn
confidence thar 10 meet you was no lonCe
a danger-that he had, in fact. conquere
his unwise love. In these circumstances
you would not care 10 draw him back I