The free press., 1896-06-18


sion OF his feelings. Violet, too, had
probably heard it before, but from
Ronald's lips it sounded absolutely
new, and her long eyelashes dropped
lower upon her cheek as she listened.
They were walking between banks
of flower and fern, and the silence be-
tween them was too sweet to be
broken at once; but Roland knew
that their solitude might be disturbed
at any moment, and rousing himself
from his dream he had just opened his
lips to speak, when voice from some
hidden speaker came plainly to their
ears.
'It is almost certain to come off to-
night, think. / got him an invita-
tion on purpose.
Ronald started it was Lady Maria's
voice. but he had not the remotest
idea to what she was alluding. In an
other momeLt, however, she received
her answer and it was Violet's turn to
start, for it came in her mothers &C.
ceuts
"We shall be only too grateful to
you if it does come off, for her papa
and I have always set our hearts on
her marrying lord. The very min
ute that Violet tells. me he has pro-
posed, the check shall be sent to you. :"
Ronald drew back step, his cheek
growing white beneath it's bronze; his
hnnds clenched involuntarily, and for
moment Violet expected to see him
dash out upon the conspirators; but
their voices were already receding in
the distance, and as he looked around
he saw the anguish in her face.
"Violet, Violetl" he cried, seizing
her hands in his, "you knew nothing
of this 1 swear it with my dying
breath !"
She drew her hands away, and
turned to escape, but he followed her.
~ have not much to OFFER" he said,
'but all have is at your feet"
She quickly looked up, and light
of gratitude came into her eyes.
"How good you are" she said.
Ronald looked at her in bewilder-
ment the words we're not what he had
expected.
"You do not understand" he said.
81 want you to be my wife.
81 do understand, she ans.
wered gently, "and I honor you for
asking me, after what has happened; |;
but I will not take advantage of your
generosity"
ut is generosity" cried Ron
aid, sit is sheer selfishnessl"
But Violet showed no signs of yield
ing.
81 will not leave you unless you tell
me one thing, said Ronald. eff your
heart is free, claim it; but if not. l
will never trouble you again. Violet,
tell me, do you love any one?"
She looked at him with o face that
grew pale under his gaze.
eyes," she said. 81 do"
"That is enough" said Ronald
hoarse]y, and dropping her hand he
turned and went.
'It is strange how ungrateful young
people are!" remarked Lady Maria, o
few days later, to the friends gathered
around her tea table. 81 had ar.
ranged q most suitable match for my
nephew, really done everything in my
power to promote it; and yet he
actually came here the other day and
used the most terrible language-said
that l had spoiled his life. and all
kinds OF dreadful things; AMI now he
has gone off abroad, nobody knows
where. ] am sure only hope that
shall never see him again."
Lady Maria's wish seemed likely to
be fulfilled. for five long years came
and went, bringing no news of Ronald !;
and though five years could not take
tho bloom from her cheek, nor the
gold from her hair, they could, and
did add very materially to the in
firmities of her frame. But when at
last he did reappear, she was willing
to overlook the past in spite Of her
resentment, for Ronald had found his
way into profitable foreign partner
ship, and instead of fame he brought
back money.
Zone of the best things ever did
for you was getting you out of that
ENHANCEMENT |" she exclaimed fer
vently when they met, for Lady Maria
came Of military stock, and she knew
that one OF the most successful
manmuvres is TO carry the war into
your enemy's quarters.
Ronald shot glance ct her from
under his dark eyebrows. but said
nothing, and ahe continued gayly:
ssMr. Harvey went bankrupt 9 year
o. two after you1 vent ewaY, and they
s'1l 8 a| 81