The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1896-02-01
CHAPTER XXNV

coming often 10 TIE house. his former
friendly relations with Jane were insen-
slDly renewed. She forgot that once she
had been so hurt at his having made her
the subject of Il bet, and he that unex-
planned meeting at the gates Of Colonel
IrinSeps house. Mrs. Denc encouracad
his visits, not only for her own sake,
but because she thought that pprbaps
something might come of this friendship
with Jane. The girl was looking so un-
happy now, SO unlike what she had al
ways been before; and, woman-like. Mrs
Dene had a vague idea that matrimonv
was remedy for all ills Although she
had promised her support to Major Lar
ron, she would have been infinitely bet
ter pleased TO see her protege engaged
to Valentine Graeme.
Il wonder you never fell in love with
Jenny" Mrs. Dene said to Graeme. after
they had been sitting some time together.
How do you know | never did," he
retorted quickly. Il am not sure myself.
| know | like her better than any girl |
ever met"
Then why have you never tried to win
her."
A foolish bet l made about her with
Larron. Then-it has been whole chap
ter of notwithstanding occurrtd
which put me off again"
What was il! :" asked Mrs Deue
Something which made her appear less
simple: not-not 50 perfect as l had al
ways thought her"
She is as good as gold" calculated the
young widow. warmly.
Il used to think so; but then no one is
faultless, and in this case she NAV not
have been so much to blame as il ap-
peared. Only | was disappointed and
chilled. You see we like our wives 10 be
as Caesars wife was-abovc suspicion"
LAS she is-take my word for that. Val
entine She is i'll some secret trouble
now, and il may be something in connec-
ton with that which gave you cause to
doubt"
Il wish l could tell you all and let YOU
judge, but promised | would not"
And nothing you could say would
shake my faith. Hers is one of the sweet
est. and at the same time noblest. char
aCters | have ever known. If you love
her, really love her, Valentine. don't let
any suspicion of her come between Won.
Take my advice. tell her about your bet
with Major Larron, and for the rest trust
implicitly that whatever she did was
done for the best"
You are a very loyal friend"-smiling
' L
lieve you would as soon marry Diana rs
Jane"
why do you always bring up Miss
Knollys Nance" exclaimed Val. petulant-
~, rising from his seat to poke the fire
vigorously.
And why do you always resent it so,
if indeed she is no more TO you than any
one elseE" asked Mrs. Dene, maliciousIy
MAKE up your mind which you prefer.
and"
She stopped short, and in her embar-
rassment knocked down a small vase
that stood on table at her elbow Both
girls had come in from the veranda and
stood side by side, rs though puDosely
atfording an opportunity for choice
Diana. her head as usual held daintily
high. her lovely figure almost defantly
erect: and Jane. eyes cast down. blush
ing violently at the words they had both
overheard and suspected might have ref
creuce 10 themselves.
SO he had made his choice. thought
Miss knollys. All well. it was hest so
for even if he had loved her as she with
out doubt loved him. she could never have
overcome her pride sufficiently to have
married him. She whose family was one
of the oldest in England, TO stoop to bear
name which was only celebrated in tho
particular line Of business his relations
had selected. Yet why did she feel such
q dull aching pain in her heart. if indeed
she would not have it otherwise than it
was
DO not go. Miss KEox. have some
thing TO say to YOU" Valentine began.
and She looked MP in such evident dis
may. that he added hastily, 1T is only
confession | have r.. ma L..
'tonfes>i5n always obtains absolution
Say on. l am sure it is nothing very
dreadful"
1T was foolish bet that made about
You some weeks ago, that you would
marry Mr.. Blount Don't look so hurt.
Miss Knox; indeed. l hardly thought it
possible. | only made the bet in the hope
that | might lose it. | am such an I'M
lucky fellow thar l always lose my bets
and. indeed, l should not have accepted
the proposition. only was feeling wretch
td, ~o->u-
Who proposed it," asked lame.
All, that Of course ! cannot tell v7u,
| only want 10 win Your forgiveness tnr
myself. not 10 shift the blame upon an
other. Tell me, are you very, very au-
gry:"
Il knew it bcfore"-quetly.
And that is why you spoke so coldly
10 me for some time afterward l wish
l had made Il clean breast Of it before. l
wanted to, but-who told you, Miss
Knox"
That i my secret. Tell me- with whom
the bet was made"
L caunot-you know I cannot" said
Valentine. distressed.
We'll ! viii he less punctilious. It
was Major a-rnD who told mo on Tho