The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-19

gazelle eyes, the grace of her every move
ment, and the sweetness of her smile.
If he had not told her so already, it was
not because hea feared she would refuse his
offer of marriage The fact of his rank and
fortune, so tempting to most women, would
not, he knew, influence his cause in the least
degree, but something in her glance as it met
his told him that she cared for him.
Several times he had been on the point of
telling her that he loved her, and asking her
to be his wife, but he had heSitated, dis
tress, almost of terror, that crept into her
wonderful deep eyes
For several weeks past he had watched her
closely, studying her every expression and
gesture, and the longer he watched, the more
firmly convinced he felt that Odille had some
secret trouble or sorrow that the cause
of the mysterious shadow of melancholy
which clouded her fine proud face so fire.
QGently when she believed herself to be I'M
observed.
What this sorrow could be the earl could
not guess, but the thought of it inspired in
him vague fear that was almost distrust-
a fear of losing the woman he loved, still
worse fear of finding her unworthy of his
love.
This underlined yet hunting dread it was
which made him defer from day to day put
ting the momentous question to Odille, on.
the answer to which all his future happiness
depended.
She had allowed the earl to belevezthat her
fathers reason for refusing to let her show
herself in the hunting field mounted on one
of Lord Roseraye's horses, and accompanied
by him, because he felt nervous lest any
accident should happen to her, but in her
heart of hearts she knew better; she knew
1t was pride not nervousness which actuated
him; and keen though her disappointment
had been at having to renounce what to her
was a very great pleasure, she could not but
admire the frmness, dignity and independ-
ence of character which made Fergus Thorne
in spite Of his fallen fortunes, SO worthy of
respect.
If he did not object to her riding through
the country lanes with Lady Lillian, it was
because he considered that in doing, so she
was performing one of the services required
OF her as companion and chaperon to the
young heiresS. In the hunting field her pres
ence was superfluous and she was out Of
place, or, at least, such was the opinion of
Fergus Thorne.
My father is right said the young girl
to herself, with SIGH as she descended the
stone steps on to the gravel path, and moved
across the wide smooth lawn; more than
he is even aware Of. All hope of happiness
is over for me. I must content myself with
peace of mind and quiet conscience-that is
worth something at any rate, especially to
those who have learned the meaning of de-
spair, as 1 have. How thankful I ought to
feel for having escaped the disgraceful con-
sequences of that early folly which, did my
father know of it, would cause him to disown
me. And yet-oh! what almost superhuman
courage it needs to put the cup Of happiness
which I may not quaff from my lips!''
The young girl, whose eyes had been fixed
on the ground in deep preoccupation, started
and looked up.
A man about fifty years of age stood be-
fore her. Powerfully built, though of barely
medium height, he had fine, intellectual
resolute face-the face of a strong man whose
ideas Of rectitude and honor were of so I'M
compromising order that he would not
cover up countenance a wrong, not even
to screen save the life of his own child
At this moment, however his rather hard
features were softened by very pleasant
smile, and his grey eyes grew tender, as they
tlways did whenever they rested on his beau
tiful and fondly-loved daughter
Il am glad to find, Odille, that you have
|so willingly and promptly followed my
wishes, and refused the earls invitation to
hunt
1T was enough for me to know that you
did not approve of my going, father" replied
the young girl, gently, looking up into the
face of the older man with loving eyes. Be
sides which, could not but feel that you
were in the rght-as indeed you always are
I'm this case, Odille, convinced of the
wisdom of my decision" said Fergus Thorne,
drawing his daughters arm through his own
and walking along by her side. Knowing
how much you would miss horse exercise
to which you have always been accustomed.
if completely deprived of it, have never OBJ
.1ected to your riding out in the country lanes