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

4 have been sort of girl Man Friday for
some time, you see,'' she cried, laughing, as
she took her seat at the table.
Il KNOW, said Raymond, quickly; you
were very brave and patient, but don't think
did not pity and feel for you. I know how
hard it was for you, and 1 would have spared
you if l could"
There was d softness in Hilda's violet eyes
that was not all gratitude, thought that
shone out, too.
Don't speak of that, for 1 cannot listen"
she said, in a low voice. and then turned
aside to her hostess
When they rose, Raymond had half an hour
still, before starting for the train.
Il must see you, please a few moments"
he said, quickly. will you put on shawl,
and come and see me to the gate!" and he
babe his host and hostess ''Good-bye.
Il must hear Miss Marstons message if
she will favor with any, he said, and he
saw the look and smile flashed across from
wife to husband
Mrs. Browne, as she opened the hall door,
and thought in her own mind what very good
materials for the weaving of a pretty little
romance lay in the two figures that went
down the steps together into the moonit
courtyard.
The night air was heavy with the fragrance
of orange trees and pomegranates, growing
in great tubs all round; the plash of foun-
tain, in the center of the paved court, fell
softly upon their ears, and, in silence, Hilda
took her seat upon the stone edge.
Now that the actual parting had come, she
began to realize, in some measure, what it
would mean to lose the quiet, patient care
and unfaltering loyalty of the man who stood
silently looking down at her
1t was hard to find words, harder still to
speak them, and yet she had a duty to per-
form and thanks to utter.
She held out hand that faltered visibly
in the moonlight; and mist, creeping over
her eyes, almost hid him from sight.
MY heart is so full of thanks that I can
find no words. l owe everything to you-rny
very life, and l can never repay YOU" she
breathed at last
You cam he said bending low, though
you owe me no thanks at all, and must not
say the word again; if you could say but one
other little word, you would make me your
debtor for life. Hilda'-he knelt now on one
knee on the stonework, and put one hand
caressingly upon her shouder-"Hilda, while
you were in my care [ could not speak, and
now. have so little time; but love you, my
dearest, I love you. What does that mean,
A little cry had escaped Hidas lips. Don't
keep me in suspense, dear; but let know
if you have any love to give me in return?
Hilda, will you be my wife,"
The note of mastery in that "Hilda," and
the firm pressure of his fingers over hers,
made her look up into his face.
Raymond Grant was no man to be played
with, as she had recognized long ago.
She made no answer in words, but some
thing in her yes rmet9his land told him her
heart was won. 4.1a
"As soon as I have secured another berth
darling" he said smiling.
Yes, but it is Robert Faversham you must
ask for his daughter, Raymond. Don't you
understand? You were mistaken all along.
My name is not Marston, but Faversham.'
And you deceived me-for what pur-
pose?"
Because II how can I tell you, Ray
mond?-because 1 wanted you for my friend,
and people care for my money, not me- 1
wanted someone toto like for myself
alone. You must forgive me, dear
But how am l to win your fathers con-
sent? How ask the rich Mr.. Faversham for
his daughter? L cannot do it,
You have promised to come, Raymond,
and you must. Nothing shall part US, DEAR
MY dearest, will come, but 1 fear it will
only be to be denied. Now kiss me, Hilda,
and give me some trife to keep for good
luck"
She slipped her hand from his, and held out
her wrist.
There was gold curb chain bracelet locked
upon it, and hanging from that, as a charm,
was a little rougn nugget Of gold, heart
shaped.
Can you break this from the chain?" she
asked, with strange smile in her eyes. 81
should like you to have it, Raymond; only
you must promise me never to part with it,
The heart was lying his palm now, and
he answered her, with kiss
mo need of promises between us two,
Hilda
CHAPTER v.
1t was springtime when Raymond Grant
parted from Hilda among the orange flowers
in the sunny SOuth-Summer when he drove
up, one morning. in a hanson, to the address
where he had been told he should find Mr.
FNaversham.
He was ushered into a dining-room on the
ground floor, and was looking eagerly around