The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-09


deck, and with what eager intrest they con-
Verseo, While the count seemed to gravitate
naturally to which ever corner of the saloon
madame chose, and was generally to be found
on duty at her elbow.
Hilda looked across now from him to
Madame Legrand, and studied her chaperon
afresh in the new light that had just illu
minated her mind with regard to her.
she was certainly pretty in small kitten
lsh Way-black-eyed, black haired, and with
tiny hands and feet and supple waist
she was fve-and- thirty, but she bore her
age SO well as to appear younger by at least
ten years.
She had the true Parisienne's art of making
the most of every atom of charm she pos
sessed, and she was also mistress of the
science of wearing her clothes to perfection
ana OF looking smart and bright in anything
she choose to put
Just now she was all animation and SPARKLE
and in the black and-white that she still wore
in memory of the late Monsieur Legrand
with youthful flush on her mignonne little
face, and her dark curls a little roughened by
the sea breeze, she looked more fascinating
by far than her pupil Nellie
Hilda madames dark eyes seek Gas
of the gaiety had died out of her face. and
that she looked little bored now that he
had left her side.
Hilda picked up the book that had lain I'M
opened on her knee while she talked to Ray
mond Grant, and with smile of dismissal
to the count, made her way down to the sa
loon.
She had learned to look upon CASTOR SO
entirely as her own property that it was
a little startling at first to find him swerving
in his allegiance, and paying his court COW
ertly at another shrine; and Hilda wanted to
be alone to think out the question
She had fancied Gastons affection for her
self was genuine one, and not merely love
for her money instead, and she had not even
yet decided in her own mind what answer
she should make when he repeated his offer
in, f1,,3@
love him, but she liked him very well.
Their tastes agreed. and his temper was
perfect, and sometimes it seemed to Hilda
that she was drifting into that state of mind
that would end in her saying cool Yes
and become Madame la Comtesse de Vile
franche.
For the last week or so she had almost
forgotten the question she must soon decide;
she supposed the novelty Of the first days of
the homeward voyage, and the making
acquaintance with new felOW-voyagerS, had
driven it from her mind, and it was only the
sudden revelation of this morning that had
recalled it to her forcibly.
There was to be no music in the saloon that
evening, but little impromptu dance on
deck instead, and, as they all rose from ta
Bile, Hilda was going to her cabin, when Mel
lie joined her.
when are you going to keep your promise
Hilda? Oh, you know what I mean. To
show me your diamonds. Do now, there's a
darling! There's just time before need go
upstairs
IF you are so very anxious, come then;
but I am afraid you will be disappointed for
the stones are only partly polished, and not
yet cut"
The girls went into the little cabin together
and Nell perched herself the shelf-like
berth, while Hilda jingled some keys, and
pulled out sundry boxes and bags from the
dim corners, and stood up at last with
flushed face and with little wooden case in
her hand.
mind, you on honor, Nell you must
not tell soul I have them here, for, of
course, Captain Lane should have them in
his strong room by rights. However, no one
knows 1 have these stones, would think
them of much value if they did, so I chose
to keep them myself, and I think they are
safe enough with me" She picked some
little case, and laid across her dark serge
skirt a line of large white stones. eff you
will turn the light, you will see them bet
ter" she said, and Nell touched the switch
of the electric light.
"How lovely!'' she cried, breathlessly
And your father really gave you all these
for birthday present? What lucky girl
you are, Hilda!
IT don't know that diamonds always bring
luck, my dear" said Hlda, holding up one
half-polished gem 20 the light, then laying
it down among it's fellows. Il may perhaps
be little vainer when I have this necklace
made up, though hope 1 may not: but
doubt if shall be one whit happier when I
wear it,"
She was playing with the stones on her lap.
with her slender fingers, but her ewes were
not upon them, and her face had grown
grave.
Nell looked at her aghast
my dear Hilda, you don't mean to say
that seriously? You can't mean if think
if 1 had diamond necklace given me. worth
worth how much did you say?"
''The stones are valued at five thousand
pounds"
"Ah. yes: well, I should think my cup of