The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-19


she appeared so violently distressed and agl-
tated VIXEN YOU and sne met again in this
house. unexpectedly"
am perfectly willing to answer both these
questions, Lord Roseraye, and am sure that
when l have replied to them your doubts Will
vanish as msts before the sun, for L have
nothing but good to say of Miss Thorne. l
met her, first of all, about two years ago at
seaside place in France where she was
staying, on visit to aunt of hers. We
saw good deal of each other, and were on
very friendly terms. If 1 forfeited her friend
ship, 1t was my own fault behaved like
cad and fool. My only excuse, if l have an
excuse, is that 1 had taken too much cham
pagne
There were lot of together in cafe,
or club and Miss Thorne's name cropped up
in the course of conversation. She was great
ly admired, as was only natural, but equally
respected, because she kept all men at a dis
lance someone happened to make the re-
mark that there wasn't one amongst US who
would dare to try and kiss her. My brain
was overheated with wine, and l am ashamed
to say that I accepted a bet and swore that,
cost what it might | would kiss her on the
morrow as she walked on the beach.
When the morrow came 1 very disn
cHned to carry out my pi oject, but-you know
what idiots young men are-I was afraid of
being laughed at if ] drew back. Having
kept my courage to the sticking point by the
help of rather heavy lbations, followed Miss
ThCrne on to the beach, and knowing that
the men with whom 1 had made the bet
know what happened afterwards. She was
so utterly astonished at my daring to take
such a liberty with her that for a moment
after thrusting me away from her she re-
mained speechless then with one look of
unutterabe contempt, she flung in my face
the word, 'Cad! and left me. had won
my bet, but at what a price!
Needless to say that she refused even to
for England. Two Jears went by and 1 had
forgotten her and the episode, when suddenly
found myself face to face with her here in
your house. l was, l confess, both startled
and annoyed, but being a man of the world
was able to hide my feelings; but Miss
Thcrne betrayed herself. Had she been what
can see you feared, she would have played
her part so admirably that you would have
suspected nothing; but having cause to
be ashamed, she did not attempt to conceal
her disgust at meeting me again. And now
that l have made this confession, so little
creditable to myself, you will understand why
it is Miss Thorne appeared you thought
agltated and why she was not anxious to
claim previous acquaintance with me- 1
can assure you that do not feel proud of
the part played in the dsgraceful episode
added the Frenchman, with a we'll acted air
of sEamefacedness,~ and had you not ques-
toned me on the subject, you would never
have heard it from my lips. But 1 could not
refuse to tell you the truth, especially as in
clearing her character from suspicion I re-
move all obstacle to her happiness, and thus
am able to make atonement for the insult
have offered her..
For moment after the Frenchman ceased
speaking there was silence between the two:
then the Earl, from whose face the last ves-
tige of a cloud had vanished, stepped for
ward, and holding out both his hands, said
impulsively:
Rene Laroque you are the best fellow liv-
ing! l can never repay the debt 1 owe you
for the generosity and frankness with which
you have answered my questions. I shall
always remember that it is to you owe the
happiness of my life and hers-for 1 think
she loves me-and if ever 1 have the oppor-
tunity of proving to you my gratitude by
doing you service, swear that I will do it,
were it to cost me the half of my fortune
or the risk of my life!''
Again there was silence for moment then
the Frenchman said:
Il wish, 1 almost wish you had not said
these words, Lord Roseraye because
"Why?" asked the Earl, with an air of sur
prise.
Because when I met you in the portico an
hour ago l was coming to find you to ask you
a favor-the greatest, perhaps that or any
man could possibly ashland l would rather
not ask it at this moment 1t seems like
taking mean advantage of promise made
in an impulse Of generosity
NO. I should never regard it in that light
Rene Laroque, because you could not possi-
bly, tell what was going to say to you when
asked you for an interview. Have no fear.
of me?"
The Earl spoke calmly, if somewhat cold
ly, but his handsome face was very pale.
THE hand of your sister, Lord Roseraye.
love her, and I have reason to believe NV
love is returned 1 aware that she is
wealthy, and 1 take Heaven to witness that
wish she were not! cried the Frenchman
with suppressed emotion Il wish she had
nothing but her beauty for a dowry-she
would still be rich by the gold that is on her
head. Let her keep her money, settle it all
tightly upon herself SO that 1 cannot touch a
penny of it, only give her to me- for l love
hQr nd "a 7 will do I1ac+