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

Lillian was standing by an open Wl.iuo"'
surrounded by group of friends, Lord Beau
voir amongst them.
'Beauvoir, you here? How delightful" ex-
claimed Philip he shook hands with
Lillian and then turned to Ralph
You sknow each other?" said Lillian Il am
so glad o
She glanced rather pointedly at Ralph,
with a look of entreaty, which opened MS
eyes. "a,
Know Ralph Beauvor? Why, he as good
as saved my life in Switzerland last year"
exclaimed Fairfax, but even as he spoke
horrible certainty crossed his mind-of course
Ralph Beauvoir was Kitty's Cousin Ralph
Isn't it nice, Kitty?" said Lillian. Lord
Beauvoir and Sir Philip know each other.
Very" said Lady Carruthers, dryly.
Lord Beauvoir!" exclaimed Sir Philip.
Then your
Ralph bowed mis- head.
He had understood Lilans mute appeal,
but could not trust himself to speak TO the
rival whose name he now knew.
He said few words to her. and then
quietly took his leave.
More than a year before Ralph Beauvoir
and Sir Philip Fairfax had met abroad and
had travelled for some weeks together.
Then Philip had returned to the life he was
so fond of and the two had not met again.
Sir Philip had quickly picked up the threads
of his town life and how that life stood out
in his mind when he realized that it was
Ralph Beauvoir who his rival! He could
have nothing to reproach himself with, and
would prove more formidable than a of
FarfaXS set.
He must know at once whether Kitty was
right-Ralph would not refuse a direct an
swer to a simple question, and he must learn
the truth
AS Philip Fairfax made this resolution,
letter was brought to him, forwarded from
Scotland.
He knew the handwriting, and sauntered
cut to the stables before he opened it.
'My dear fellow, what has become of you?
nave you vanished away in that Scotch
mist that even my great devotion could not
make me face? You surely were not in
earnest when you said you would never see
me again? L am willing to forgive and for
get. The new piece is rehearsing famously
and promises a grand success Send me some
signs OF life the best of which would be your
own appearance in the little room you know
SO well. Yours as ever NELLIE"
He tore the letter into hundred pieces,
out said to himself that if Lillian was not go
ing 10 De MS Vile, he saw no reason to refuse
the actress overtures towards reconciliation
When Lord Beauvoir returned to Bramwell
Lillian
She had a slight headache, would he mind
going to her boudoir?
How good of you Is, see, mel, said Ralph,
gently, as he took a seat beside her 49,
L11an's sudden headache was no pretence
- Sir Philips arrival had created reyulsion
OF Ieellng that made her quite ILL., y
she had allowed herself to see Ralph day
Ny oay ne thinking tnat she was going to be
married, and now she could not bear it any
longer-she must send him away
NOT once had the word love escaped them
ana yet each knew that, to the other love
was greater than life itself
AS Ralph spoke, Lillian grew paler nerv-
Ing herself for the cruel task she had set her
self. ~ iei
Yes" she said, 81 ought to have seen
you-I ought to have written-but 1 had not
the courage"
And she sighed deeply
And Ralph!
AS Tor the moment their eyes met. he sank
on his knee by her side, and Selling her
hands. buried his face on them
on! Lillian, Lilian!' he cried: ..foreiye,"
But she hardly heard his last word.
she raised his head, and bending to him,
Kissed his forehead as she whispered:
Ralph, love you'll"
He started to his feet with an ;nart;onl. 70
cry OF pain. then sank into a chair.
on! Ralph, Ralph, forgive me; | did not
knowewhat did,
MY loVe-my lOve!" he rnoanad STE yo,,
kneW-f you only knew"
knew what Ralph? What is this barrier
that separates US? Or-don't you--love ma
as love yOu?"
hush nush, dear one! 1 not love YOU? T
"ofshlp the very ground you tread on OH
why did stay near you? | ought 70 boHa
gone Wnen first l knew my misery lillian
you mus5 know my secret noW-know whv
l Irleo 10 leave you, to forget you if possible
Alllan-i love you--and 1 am married.,
"Ralph!
l. was only one word-one cry, but Lillian
looked at him like a wounded animal.
look that struck deeper into his heart than
any words could have done
Lillian, for Gods sake don't look at mo
like that!,' AooA d. me
Ioor fellow she murmured; how you
must have suffered!' 'oN
Then-you forgive-Lilian?"
You. suffered alone, now we suffer TO-
gether." To-