Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-02-27

personal deformity; but Mr.. Paul Ln-
more admired beauty, and liked to
have pretty things around him.
To tell the truth, he was sadly IN
need OF money. It was fortunate that
his old friend. Mr.. Harrison, Margis's
dead father. had taken 1t into his head
to plight his daughters troth to him
while she was yet a child. Mr.. Harrison
had been an eccentric man. and from
the fact that in many points OF rsli-
gious belief he and Mr.. Paul Linmsrs
agreed (for both were miserable sksp-
tics), he valued him above all other
men, and thought his daughters hap
piness would be secured by the union
he had planned.
Linmere had been abroad several
years, AMI he had led very reckless,
dissipateu life. luxurious by nature.
lacking in moral rectitude, and having
wealth at his command. he indulged
himself unrestrained, and when at last
he left the gay French capital and re-
turned to America, his whole fortune,
with the exception Of few Thousands.
was dissipated. So he needed a rioh
wife sorely. and was not disposed to
defer his happiness.
He met Margle with empresssneAt.
and bowed his tall head to kiss the
white hand she extended to him. She
drew 1t away coldly-something about
the man made her shrink from him.
II am so happy to meet you again.
Margie. and after ten years Of sspsrs-
tion! have thought SO much and 30
often of you."
Thank you, Mr.. Linmsre."
"will you not call me PaulT he
asked. In a subdued voice. letting his
dangerous eyes. full Of light and soft
ness. rest on her.
An expression of naughty surprise
swept her face. She drew back
pace.
II am not accustomed to address gen
tlemen-mere spontaneously their
Christian names. sir"
But In this case. Margis? Surely
the relations existing between US Will
admit Of such a familiarity" he said.
seating himself. while she remained
standing coldly by.
There are no relations existing be-
tween US at present, Mr.. Linmere." she
answered haughtily: "and II. in obs-
dience to the wishes Of the dead. We
should ever become connected In name.
I beg leave to assure you In the begin
ming that you will always be Mr. LIN
mere to me"
A flush Of anger mounted to his
cheek; he set his teeth. but outwardly
he was calm and subdued. Anger, Just
at present, was impolitic.
II hope to win your love. Margie; I
trust 1 shall" he answered. sadly
enough to have aroused almost any
woman's pity; but some subtle instinct
told Margie he was false to the core.
But all through the evening he was
affable and complaisant and forbearing.
She made no attempt to conceal her
dislike for him. Concealments were
not familiar to Margie's nature. She
was frank and open as the day.
Mr.. Linmere's fascinations were
MANY and varied. He had great deal
of ADAPTATION, and made himself agree
able to every one. He had Travelled sx-
tensively, was close observer. and
had a retentive memory. Mr.. Trevlyn
was charmed with him. So was Alex
andrine Lee, a friend Of Marsie's. a
rival belle, who accidentally %
dropped in to spend the evening.
Mr.. Linmere played and sang with
exquisite taste and skill-he was COM
plete master OF the art. and. In spite
OF herself, Margie listened to him with
a delight that was almost fascination.
hut which subsided the moment the
melody ceased.