The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-09

| III.
how blind-how mad I have been!'
CHAPTER "
Come in," said Evelyn's clear voice,
answering knock at the drawing-room door,
and the door opened, and in walked Gerard
Ernescllffe, just as he used to in the old days
only, he was changed now.
She could see the changes the look of stern
endurance, the pain deep settled in the dark
grey eyes
''Gerard!" she said stretohinor ou+ bar
hand
He took it, and held it tightly for mo-
ment conquering a passionate impulse to
press it to his lips; then he dropped into the
low chair beside her.
she was little startled by his looks and
manner; he seemed shaken; he seemed to be
holding himself in, as it were
Had there been an open rupture?
Evelyn had heard good deal about Lilias
from one and another but never a word from
Gerard himself
She had heard OF that luckless dinner
party, when the hostess sulked, and the host
mad to smooth matters over she had heard
OF many other things, and always it was
Llias who made the Acknowledgement in
deed, behaved as she had not dared to hope
any man would behave
How is Lilias?" she asked after mo-
ment's pause.
We'll, I hope. She isn't at home"
Not at home! What do you mean,
Gerard?'
the day before yesterday"
ON visit, suppose?'
"On a visit-yes.'
evelyn was silent, perplexed, and grieved
ErneScl1fe turned and looked at her
1T wasn't my DOING he said gently "She
wished to go. l told her it was against nv
wishes; but that had no weight with her.
could not downright forbid her to visit her
own mother"
mo; but I am very sorry. Gerard. very
sorry. 1t will do her no good to go among
her own people again.
don't know that it will make much diff
ference" said Ernesciffe, quietly
is it as bad as that, Gerard 2"
AYE; but I'm not going to complain.
don't want to speak against her-the fault is
nlne and l must abide by it; but let me see
hardly know what to say. You
Know
She paused.
Yes; know he said, not looking at her
1 quite understand why you left off coming.
and never asked us to your house: and for
weeks nave not come near you What is the
use? Llllas chooses to think that I see YOU
constantly. If foolish woman means to he
jealous, you can't prevent it; with or without
cause she will be jealous STILL
yes l. know; but if your wife never
Forgive me, understand. I am selfish.
Eva. 1 would not compromise your name for
all that earth could give me-"
L wasn't thinking of that" she said.
earnestly am not afraid of anything that
could or might be said of me- / was thinking
OF vou-of your home. Would it not make
matters still worse If you saw mel won't
say often, for that you must not do. ANYHOW
Out at al? Ii it makes no difference and it
is any help to you to see me sometimes. then
come. Can you answer me truly in this.
Gerard, feeling sure that your wishes are NOT
misleading your judgment?"
On my soul, l speak truly" he said.
meeting her eyes fer roment with clear
S'Souy SoAC' nave not proved nv oOOd
1altn! Have l not kept away? All these
weeks l have longed to come here. bnt r
knew what would please you best, and I did
not come. More than once was nearly oon
quered 1 turned aside-I almost reaota7
your door; but had strength to turn awsU
again. l don't think | am so strone 49,;
His voice sank almost to whisper; his hand
unccnsciously sought hers, and chino 70 ~
II don't deserve your nelp. Eva hnt 49, a.
it SO much.' neeu
The woman held her breath for moment.
then aI she she Ia lad her free hand over his.
Il Will help YOU she said eff T can
He bent his head, and pressed devont ,i,s
to the hand that rested on his ip'
God bless you, Eva!" he said. buskilv
Inen, though with an effort, he repIied and
loosed her hand, and they began RI tsIl, -,
general things-concealng heartaoha lA ~ anou,
fabric of gay colors, as well-bred mon anG
women of the world do every dav 49,
Not TILL Ernesclffe was going was ri1ias
spoken of again. Evelyn asked then If sbe bed
written. - @"e ii''u
No. he answered; mot a line ;,
Mrs. Vereker suspected what was in tho
young Wife's mind, but she would NOT sav a
word against her. '
She asked
Have you written?"
He shook his head
Il can't" he said
And Evelyn was silent; she understood that
point beyond which neither man nor n.on,on
can go with dignity, especially in dealing viii