The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-05
put on her hat and a cape Then she saun-
tered out into the grounds


tered out into the grounds.
She walked about a little, but the solitude
was unbearabie She decided to walk briskly
to the town, and change her library books.
&c. in a few moments, she set out at sharp
pace. Her way led through nowery lanes,
very quiet and peaceful; and at sudden
turn in one, she face to face with him
who was filling her thoughts-Bertie Rich
nlond. H..
The young mans face was drawn and pale,
and his blue eyes seemed full of despair. He
looked years older since the happy time, two
months ago, when poor Caroline had fancied
that he loved her.
The girl would nave bowed and passed on.
but the young fellow stopped her
You're going to cut me now, are you?" he
said, bitterly and abruptly. L thought you
were my friend, Carrier
L had no intention of cutting you, BERTHE,
returned the girl, little hurriedly. Il am
going to the town with my book"
'Oh, don't trouble to make excuse he
cried, with a harsh. unnatural laugh. L
treated you like brute, 1 know, and nat
urally you resent it. But, perhaps, if you
knew how I've been punished for it, you
might feel a little pity. I've been in hell,
Carrie" and he turned wild burning look
upon her, which made the girl shudder.
The question she would have asked died
upon her lips, and the young Fellow turned
away, and began striking at the hedge with
his cane perhaps to hide his quvering lips.
Il suppose you've heard the news?" he said,
without looking at her.
No, what is it?'
scnately; Ito Sir Hugh Pennant. He's a
baronet and wealthy and I'm only a coun-
try squire What fool I've been, haven't 1,
Carrier"
He turned his blazing eyes and flushed face
to the girl, and she, who loved him, felt
tender pity for him.
Carrie, he went suddenly, selling her
hand; will you take ne? Let be married
at once cared for you, you know, before.
You like me, don't you? l thought you did.
Will you have me? 1 haven't relation in
world SaU VOL
go abroad and you'll help to forget"
The girl hesitated Her pride wound
ed, but her love was an unselfish one, and
rose higher than he. own feelings.
If you have ceased to love her. she began,
slowly; and"
The young fellow flung her hand away
roughly.
Ceased to love her!" he said passionately.
II worship her! adore her! 1 could kiss the
ground she walks Oh! 1 shall never cease to
love her!"
Very WE'LL" the young man called out des-
perately after her. If you give up I'll
so and blow my brains out!'
The girl stood still, trembling VIOLENTLY
1t was evident that he was in a desperate
state, and quite ir a condition to- commit
some rash action. She, and she alone, could
save him.
She loved him. Did she love him dearly
enough to sacrifice her pride for him? Should
she go after him?
He was still walking away without a look
behind, walking in a wild, unsteady way.
The girl ran after him with fleet, light step.
Bertie! she called, with sob in her
voice. "Berte stop!'
He turned and waited for her with the
wild look still on his face
Want to say good-bye?" he asked grimly
No. L want to say that-that will do as
you wish Tiff you think it will make you
happy"
"Happy!' he repeated. ooh, yes! no doubt
we shall be happy
You must try and let me make you happy
Caroline said more firmly. I'VE will go away
as you said.'
Yes, yes" he said 1--WE will go away
sCon 1 should like to be married before her
he added, in a vndictive undertone
Caroline shivered. This was a terrible mar
rage to which she was pledgng herself; but
she did not falter. Surely she could win him
back and make him happy, and if she left
MN to himself she dare not think what
would happen.
1 can't be married at once, you know"
she reminded him. Lady Potter cannot live
many days. l could not be married while
she lies dying
I'VE don't want a fuss" he returned inn
patiently. You couldn't have satin and
bridesmaids and all the rest know: but Won
can meet the day after tomorrow at the
church at 8 o'clock in the morning, can't you?
I'll get a license. We've both lived here long
enough. 1t will be all right
But afterwards? I can't leave auntie'
You needn't. Well keep it quiet till Lady
Potter is gone; then you can come away at
once Say yes or no." he ended, roughly
Inere was an lnstants pause before the
girl answered Yes during which she choked
back both tears and doubts; but her lover
noticed nothing.
Very WE'LL he said, more naturally than
he had yet spoken-"the day after tomorrow.
at s o'clock, at st. Margaret's"
The girl bowed her head and was turnin,
away, when BERTHE caught her shoulder
roughly.