The Holly chieftain., 1899-11-03

months RELAXATION. They were vey/
happy. Bernard. they all agreed, had
behaved remarkably we'll. he had
shown such thought and consideration.
He was not at all unduly elated at his
prosperity. and had done just the right
thing in making no radical change un-
til the will was proved and the tedious
law business completed.
| But when the cottage at Bourne
mouth had been taken, the trains
looked out. and the day of departure
fixed, Marguerite electrified them all
by gently refusing to go.
Bernard's money" she said. "and
should not feel happy. thank YOU"
But. but, my DEAR" spluttered the
good doctor, that's false delicacy, you
know-that's straining point! You
surely may accept favors from the man
you are engaged to-"
Bernard and are not engaged"
she returned with quiet persistence;
then. after short pause, nor ever
shall be-" she added.
I'VE shall see what Bernard will say
to that" said Mary. ''He is the only
person that can manage you, Mar
guerite."
Marguerite smiled.
I'VE won't discuss It," she said
steadily. only am not going to
Bournemouth."
There was no shaking her decision.
Her will was indomitable, and uncon-
sciously she Influenced all. With
quiet tact she persuaded them all to,
start without her, and lived on by
herself In the dull. close London
house. looking eagerly each day for a
possible answer to the advertisement
which Bernard had inserted in the
West OF England newspapers.
Had Valdane Martineau known of
that advertisement 1t would have oe-
casioned him some uneasiness. A..
rather strange thing had occurred on
the morning the day after he paid his
visit to the Stellings' house. A box
of exquisite, cut, hot-house flowers had
arrived for Miss Lilbourne. No mes
sage or card accompanied them, and
Marguerite was thoroughly mystifed.
Mary thought that Bernard had sent
them. but, on being written to on the
subject, he was Obliged to disclaim
any knowledge OF them. Each day ar
rived fresh selection OF choice and
delicate blossoms; they were brought
by man from floral depot, who
knew nothing of the person who had
ordered them or anything about it.
Marguerite loved flowers and, left
alone In her glory. she grew to hall the
daily arrival of the fragrant treasures.
One day. soon after she was left
alone, Mr.. Martineau called His os-
tensible reason was to say that he was
going to Clarisdale the next day, and
he asked whether there was anything
he could do for her before he left.
She thought 1t was very kind of him
to take SO much trouble, and thanked
him warmly. He stayed long time,
and she gave him tea in the drawing
room, which was almost full of those
lovely flowers. He bent to smell one
Of bunch of tea-rose5uds, and re-
marked that they were very fine for
London. Hereupon she innocently re-
vealed the fact that she did not know
who had sent them.
But 1t is some one who is very
kind" she said-"some one who knows
what flowers are to Londoners. Each
morning l am always afraid 1t will be
the last time. 1 think shall cry when
they leave of coming"
The sender would feel more than
repaid II he or she could but see how
the gift Is appreciated" returned VAL
dane gravely.
You are fond of flowers, too" said
Marguerite. Il knew you were by the
way you noticed these when you came
In. Won't you have rosebud?
have SO many. and l don't want to be
selfish, you know"
"Will you really give me one of your
fowers?"
'Of course-any you choose"
III l might choose, would ask for
one of those" He pointed to a vase
full Of marguerites.
"Those-they have no scent"
They are my favorite flowers"
"Of course you may have some"
She selected three of the pale starry
flowers, with piece of maiden-ba,r
and dexterously made up a button-hole
for him.
He took 1t with very low and quiet
THANK you," and, having no longer
an excuse to linger, rose to take his