The free press., 1896-06-18


TAk7,ooo0' ever-changing music,
all these go to make up
= enchantment!
~ So, at least, thought
ord Ronald d'Esterre.
He had but just returned from a
10 years sojourn in the heart of AT
ca, sojourn filed with dangers and
tivations; his years numbered but
Ee and twenty, he was possessed of a
ell-knit, springy frame and keen,
Jar eye and he had come back from
travels with fame, courage and en-
rance, but without penny that he
bid call his own.
What was next to be done? This
the problem that filled all his
IRE thoughts. HIS elder brother
fitted him out for his expedition
h the polite intimation that the act
virtual washing OF his hands of
superfuous cadet; his aunts had
sed him SO warmly at parting that
was amazed to find them mot at
me" when he returned to London
godfather had given him twenty
Ind note and such hearty farewell.
it was bewildering to be cut by
when they met once more in the
b smoking room. ''It really seems
if they wish / had never come
blk |" said the young man to himself,
b O smile at the iucredible idea;
as time passed on his smiles died
by, and he ground his teeth savage.
BIS he realized that his rotations had
ught it good investment to 10y
$500 and an infinity of farewell i'll
hope of getting quit of q trouble
me encum brance. The thought was
litter one, aud in his first fury he
red to leave his native shores by the
ship, and never return to them
in. But upon the heat of his pas
there fell cooling breath, as if
heaven itself, and the lion was
ightway changed into a lamb.
b Ronald d'Esterre had been accus-
ed so long to be looked upon as a
rimental, that ut first he scarcely
d to show the attraction that lay
him IN Violet Harvey's appealing
eyes and soft, shining hair. 10
amazement, however, he found
obstacles melted away miraculous
his approach. Violet herself was
md retiring, it is true, but her
er smiled sweetly upon him and
hther shook him warmly by the
ever man 50 blessed before?
rue love does run smooth some
after all !" he said to himself on
right June evening, as he walked
yard after meeting with Mrs.
y in the park.
all you be at Lady Chester
party to-night?" she had said.
It and are going, and we shall
appointed if we do not see you."
honest face had glowed with de-
she spoke, and he seemed to
aiding on air as he walked
IN Aunt Maria has taken me
TO favor again." he thought;
|as horribly cross when I first
pme, but now she is sugared
|henever I come near her. J.
it was my fault. l know that
ili-conditioned brute until
anne to soften mel"
Maria's fowered headdress was
object that met Lord Ronald's
en- he entered his hostess
drawing rooms that evening,
pwhat to his surprise it WAS
proximity to Mrs. Harvey's
gray head.
build not have thought that
kia would have anything to do
+" he reflected. "She always
she can detect the faintest
i trade, and she must know
we'll that Mr.. Harvey made
in malt"
moment, however, he caught
lolet, and forgetting all else,
his way eagerly through
until he reached her side.
have been only fancy. but
it seemed to him that her
es q warmer one than she
iven him before, and his
tier as he bent over her.
+ not come into the con-
he said, pleadingly; ''it is
tithout a word. and they
together.
know that 1t is only si4
first saw your" he said.
believe il myself, for it
bad know, you all my
idee even - be spoke