The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-23


his attitude that smote her with surprise
He had already seemed so strong and re-
liable that this aspect Of unusual deJectlon
filled her with alarm.
She ran to him in pale diSmay, and LAID her
hand timidly on his arm.
What is the ma.ter?" she exclaimed. Lit
your face, Mr.. Romer-you look so strange
that you brighten mel
The expression of anguish in his eyes was
enough to make her shiver.
But at the sound of her voice, he seemed
to waken from d trance-he stood up, a
forced smile his lips.
why you not playing tennis with the
others?" he questioned. Il came here to rest,
and you have been cruel enough to disturb
me- he added. his tone somewhat unsteady.
Cruel she repeated, reproachfully. 1t
does not agree with you to be as dull as
recuse, Mr.. Romer Will you play tennis 2,
Il think not-unless with Miss Bramole,
he added, deliberately.
He was not prepared for the look of hurt
surprise that Clouded Elvas youthful face,
and it thrilled him with it's appealing wonder
that he could have meant to slight her frank
proffer
IT do not play so well as Miss Bramble,"
she said, struggling with her disappointment;
and then suddenly, she colored hotly-a SEN
sation of shame struck her dumb and pow
erless.
Perhaps he knew that she would rather stay
by his side than join the gay group on the
lawn, and he wished her to understand that
he preferred the society of Lena Bramble.
Inc distress OF mind acute that II
made her giddy.
He must dispise her to have given that cold
rebuff, when, knowing that she disliked ten
mis-, she had been quite willing to enter into
the sport-with him.
She recovered her composure after dazed
moment, and, shaking back her curls, said
with a fleeing smile
cit is delightful to be an heiress! Even
you are dazzed by the golden glamor Mr.
Roner! You are not hermit, after al!'
She parted the thick boughs of the creeper
as she spoke, md sprang into the path out
side the arbor, leaving him with flashing eyes
and dusky flush on his face.
He had not dared to respond to the taunt
becatse Of the passionate yearning to fold
her to his heart aid tell her of his love.
CHAPTER VII.
C1orinda had been a splendid hostess that
afternoon, regning with queen-like brlian-
cy among her guests, and not one word had
been uttered in reDrOOf at Sir Oscars late
arrival
She had accepted his excuse about the
OHaras' trouble, and his desire ii help them,
with a smile, fash of her dusky eyes, and
he had no conception of the fervid intensity.
of the malignant rage consuming her.
Elva had gone to her room after the de-
rarture of the priory visitors. and was stand
ing at her window gazing out into the moon
flooded grounds. when slight sound startled
her, and, turning, she saw that Clorinda
coming towards her.
The regal figure, in daffodil taffeta, drawn
up tensely, instinct with subdued passion
and hatred, was enough to inspire terror in
it's menacing quietude, and when the young
girl recoiled with wide-open eyes of alarm,
Miss Vansdlyt laughed.
1t was a laugh of malevolent mockery, Of
fury and spite.
so you were walking with Sir Oscar this
afternoon instead of coming home to help me
with my guests she began, with contracted
brows. You dared to keep my fiancee dane
ing attendance upon wretched fever-strick-
en- woman! A charming excuse by which to
attract the interest of my future husband.
The suffering O'Haras indeed! AS though
you care about their miseries and woes!
Elva was close UP to the Window pale,
shrinking figure, with a stream of moonlight
on her amazed and fear-filled face, while her
relative towering before her, a wicked
glitter in her furious eyes
Il was sorry for them, Clori," the former
ventured to demonstrate. Was there any
harm in my telling Sir Oscar of their trouble?
I had heard that he is very charitable,
and I thought he would send doctor to the
poor thing
"Oh, so very charitable!" jerred Clorinda,
contemporary. Il will have nothing to do
with charity when l am Lady Drake What
business had you to propose that Sir Oscar
should assist these people? Did you want so
much to make him notice you?"
you talk wildly. Clordinda," Elva said
stuns to retort please leave my room You
cannot reason calmly, and 1 do not like to see
you storm so strangely dread speaking for
fear of rousing you You know that; please
go!"
How dare you order me to leave you?"
Miss Vansdlyt Kissed. Il will not stir till
choose you coWardly little hypocrite! How
do know what you may betray in your puny
moments of confidence, to either that solemn
faced secretary or Sir Oscar? I have small
faith in YOU.
Elva looked steadily at the flaming eyes
1,1,r, mo