The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-30


labored as Castlemalne came up, while be
fore them rose hedge of formidable dlmen
slons dividing two meadows from long
grassy slope, down which the hounds Wer
coursing at full cry.
Castlemaine knew that the hunter he wa
riding would take it easily. Of the one rid
den by kitty-unused to our English brook
ana hedseS-he was not so certain; and n
shouted to her to make for the gate standing
open at the further end of the field, for nj
own horse was pulling like mad and SHOWED
that he intended to take the leap or die II
the attempt.
Over they went, clean a dart, but at tn
same moment there was a heavy, struggling
fall, that forced an involuntary cry from
Philips lips, as the Irish hunter rose to tn
leap, caught his legs in the hedge, and cam
down on his head pitching his rider severa
yards away on the soft turf of the meadows
To draw rein and leap to the ground wa
the work of instant, and Castlemain
had fallen on his knees beside her.
My darling, are you hurt? Speak, TO
heavens sake, speak," he cried, raising he
tone as might have penetrated more dead
ened senses, while. daZed and bewildered
she opened her eyes, and looked up into hi
white, anxious face
"A little shaken, nothing more" she an
SWered, reaSSuringly, making an effort to dis
engage herself from his embrace. He rose t
his feet instantly, and assisted her to rise.
How could you do mad a thing?" h
said hoarsely; his face was white, thoug
her own had barely changed color. 'Yol
might have been killed"
An! life is mace of what might hav
beens," she answered, airily.
1T was Madness he said; why did yo1
attempt it?"
her eyes dancing with girlish fun. Don
look so serious, Mr.. Castlemaine; but tel
me fairly, could you have borne the humil
lat1on of passing through a gate while you
companion took the hedge? 1t was pride
and l own it. Won't you forgive me?"
He did not answer as he turned to exam
inc the culprit, who had struggled to hi
feet, not hurt, but looking decidedly crest
fallen.
do you care to mount just YETI" he said
as he brought him up; his voice sounded
hard and cold.
NO. 1 will wait a few minutes please
she answered, waving him back, while sh
caressed the culprit's glossy neck with he
little gloved hand.
Were you very much alarmed?" SHIT
queried, softly after a pause looking VI
into Castlemaine's pale face, with her glor
ious Irish eyes,
alarmed he echoed, passionately. 'l
was in agony!"
She smiled as she PLAYED thoughtfull,
with her favorite's silken name
IF I had been killed would you have
cared? she went on, in a low voice.
"Cared!"e he echoed again. then his face
flushed, and uttering a smothered explana
ton, he sprang forward and clasped her il
his arms.
My darling, is it possible that you care
That you love me JUS little, I who love
you so dearly?"
why, yes, I think I do just lttle,'' wa:
the half-smothered reply.
After a pause.
Il never thought to have won you like
this" he said, tenderly, looking down into
that radiant piquant face, with grave ador
ing eyes. Il was almost afraid to speak
many man in love IS the greatest coward
in the universe"
Certainly you have been rather backward
in coming forward as we Irish saw" she
answered, archly, lifting her face. a mixture
OF girlish fun and happiness, from it's resting
place on his shoulder. Have you never read
those lines:
He either fears his fate too much,
Or his deserts are small
Who fears to put it to the touch.
10 gain or lose it ALL ,"
. An! nut make some excuse, mavourneen
Ren.ember you are an aarPs daughter, and
only Foreign Office clerk
And heir to the dukedom of Craymore .
she reminded him. proudly
ana without which I dare not have
terly.
Nay. do not speak sol" she cried. dis
tressfully. eff you had no such prospects I
should love you just dearly"
Forgive me, sweet" he said, with emotion
as he covered her bl1shing face with kisses
But have you ever thought what that love
implies? Years of waiting
And even then, 1 snail not be very old
remember, am only just eighteen" she re-
minded him, the glamor Of youth and hope
in her far horizon.
And they were not in at the death neither
did Kitty appear to feel even a passing envv
when Lucy Ravenswood carried off the
prusn, presented by the duke. who had been
her shadow all the morning
When they parted, an hour or two later. it
was with the understanding that their en-
gagement should remain secret until Cas-
tleElalne should nave obtained a long-prom-