The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-12

fortune had overtaken me, instead of my
having been fortunate enough to meet your
cousin"
Her friend said quietly
That may be great misfortune-you are
quite romantic enough, without having young
men to rescue you from danger.
How ridiculous you are, dear-as if were
a child!"
Forgive me, darling; but-but if Ralph
were to fall in love with you, and you thought
that because he saved your life you must
fall in love with him, it would be great
misfortune, because there is Philip, you know
and then Ralph isis
rs what?"
Il ought not to say a word against him, for
ne is the dearest fellow in the world; only,
there is-a mystery about him"
"A mystery! What can you mean? He
seems to me singularly frank and outspoken.
But for all that, we-his family-cannot
understand him. He used to be the merriest,
pleasantest fellow going. Suddenly, about
three years ago, he went abroad. and for
months and months, we heard nothing of him,
except Indirectly. He had been met in Italy,
in Morocco, in Spain; but always alone, and
stunning the friends who came across him"
But, my dear Kitty, l don't call that
mystery. Perhaps he was ILL., men hate being
noticed if they feel out of sorts.''
He was never better in his life. But, hush
here he comes! Don't let him think we have
been talking of him.
Lord Beauvoir came out from the house,
closely followed by the butler, who conferred
with his mistress in undertones, as her cousin
seated himself at Miss Vaughan's side.
Good people, you must excuse me for
Benson tells me that they are unpacking my
new dinner service. and they would like my
supervision You know, my own house
keeper"
What dear little soul it isl" said Ralph,
as he looked after his Cousins pretty figure.
oh, dear, how time passes 1t seems only
| yesterday that she was crying her eyes out,
all but heart broken ut her husbands death,
and it is five years ago! You didn't know her
then" he added, quickly; you must have
been still in the schooroom"
Il was" Lillian said, simply; "and oh Kitty
had been so good to me! b 1 hated the idea of
chaperon, and she has devoted herself to
me-we almost live together"
Then they talked, then the conversation
languished, and there was silence between
them-a silence that had it's own charm; each
was thinking of the other, and guessed that
it so.
| Every now and then Lillian gave furtive
glance at her companion.
His handsome face was very pale and bore
traces OF great suffering when in repoSe; but,
when he smiled, there was something very
winning in the soft brown eyes that spoke of
a naturally tender heart.
Though she had implied to Sir Philip Fair
fax that she was extremely worldly wise
Lillian was really very innocent young wom-
an, and the purity of her soul gave childish
freshness to her sweet voice and looks.
| Men might haze. used her own words to
express the impression she created on their
f'blase minds; Nshe was like a glass of spring
water after neat.brandy, and Lord Beauyoir
asked himself if he had ever seen a fairer,
| SWeeter woman.
| Suddenly she spoke.
| you have been abroad a long while?"
Ralph started visibly.
| kitty has been talking of me-" he said
quickly.
| Yes-no-she only said-wondered-"
Wondered why I went?"
Yes. Please don't think me very i'm
BoauVOir. 16n'
go away for so long-people who love you,
your relations, are apt to fancy things
Let them fancy! What do care what
anyone says? All, am wrong, do care now,
and if you will allow me to tell you a little
| about myself, you will see that there is not
much for gossip to take hold Of Three years
ago I was tired of London and went abroad
to wander about indefnitely-my travels were
so Interesting that 1 never thought of coming
back till I heard that my father who was
mere to me than I can say, had died suddenly
He had recommended my going abroad and
so I stayed until the first shock of my loss
was over"
"And now have opened your wound again.
am so sorry. How you must have suf-
fered!'
She saw that his eyes were full Of tears.
as he answered, quietly
ct did, bitterly. My father was my best
| friend"
Lillian leant forward and raised her eyes,
full Of sympathy.
She seemed to have known him for years.
But" she said, gently, that is not your
only trouble You have loved-and lost?''
NO he said. dreamiy: ST have never
loved"
She could not help letting surprise, even
doubt, creep into the one word she said:
| ''Never?"
Never" said he, firmly. 81 have not be-
| lieved in love, as I dream Of it; it is too
beautiful for earthly life"
'"Then you are heartless?"
mo no, pray don't think so Nv hoar+ 10