The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-12

enormous distance.
Her present surroundings confused her, and
she hardly knew of what to speak to him.
we did not expect you, ROddy, she was
saying, rather uneasily. why did you not
write, and tell us you were coming?"
Il did not mean to come, but could bear
1t no longer Sheila, without you the place is
desert When are you coming back to us?'
he said, wstfully.
mayed at the very thought. Il am happy
here, and everyone is so kind to me-"
Were we not kind to you at home, Shela,
dear?" said Roderc, with tender reproach
in his tone
oh! you were never anything else!" she
said, swiftly. But my father-ah! Roddy,
you know he never really wanted me, and
here they all seem glad to have me-.
1T is just as L foretold; your fine new
friends are taking you away from Sheia,
Sheila, come back before they have quite
stolen all your lovei Come back with me. Do
not [ want you more than all the rest of the
world put together?"
'Hush hush People will heart" said
Sheila in alarm, as a man passing by put up
his eyeglasses to see who it might be talking
So vehemently.
"Ah L can you ashamed of me
already" Roderic said, rhoodily, and yet
misera bly,, that Sheila's heart melted towards
him.
''Oh, Roddy, it is not that bit, but it is so
different here to Rathclare. Wait till we are
at home, and have nice long talk
Home? Where is your home now?'
Il mean Aunt Agnes, of course. I
she will ask you to luncheon. l must intro
duce you to her.
You have learnt their pargon very quick
ly," said Roderic, resentfully. "One would
think you had talked it all your life
Sheila looked at the dark, sullen face de-
spairingly.
She had been used to Roddy's moods all
her days, but, somehow, now she did not feel
her old power to cope with them.
Come and see Aunt Agnes, l am sure you
will like her." was all she could think of to
say; and he submitted, with a very grace,
to be led up to Mrs. Harding's chair, and
presented to her.
And SO you are Mr.. Roderic Joyce, Sheila's
old playfellow. L have so often heard her
speak of you,'' said that lady, with grac-
icusness that greatly belied her inner feelings.
You have been as good as brother to her.
OF course you must come to luncheon, and l
hope you will dine with US as WE'LL
You are very good, Mrs. Harding" said
Roderic, with stately courtesy that had,
perhaps, come down to him from the old Don,
his far-distant forefather; but 1 fear shall
have to leave London by this nights mall
THAT is surely very short stay she an
swered. We'll 1 suppose may all go
home to lunceon now Lord Fanshawe
you coming?' +a.--
Il am afraid 1 can't" said he vexed with
Skeila in that she had carefully avoided
meeting his glance since the advent of this
tiresome old playmate and, raising his hat,
he turned away.
The two girls walked on in front, vaguely
hearing snatches of Mrs. Hardings questions
and Roderic's answers + ON behind.
Why Sheila, you never told me what a
magnificent creature this Roderic of yours
was,' said Edith warmly.
Il don't know why you call him my
Roderic' said Sheila, little irritably.
Because he is evidently yours said
Edith, in her coolest tone Il only wish 1
could say he mine; but, by natural law
of ccntraries, 1 am the last woman man of
his sort would fail in love WITH
Sheila looked at ner cousin, and shook her
head despairingly.
Il don't suppose I shall ever understand
you, Edith she said, with a sigh, as if
giving up the problem.
The luncheon party was, undoubtedly, not
a success; Roderc's one thought was evident
ly Sheila, and it was only by effort that
he forced himself to attend to what other peo-
pie were saying.
The girl herself i'll at ease with the
consciousness that his gaze hardly wandered
from her face, and never had Mrs Harding
found conversation so hard to keep up.
In sheer desperation, she left them together
after the meal was over.
If Roderic mad something to say it was
better said
Sheila's heart beat faster when she found
herself alone with him, and some light re-
mark died on her lips as he crossed over to
where she stood, playing nervously with the
blind tassel, and laid a restraining hand on
her shoulder.
We'll Sheila, and have you not kind
word for one who has travelled all these
miles for it?''
why, of course, I have. What am 1 to
say?" she asked with an uneasy laugh
studiously looking out of the window.
Does not your own heart tell your
"Of course it was very nice of you to
come Roddy," she said, in voice she tried
hard to make quite natural
Il wonder whether you were really glad to
see me- he went on, sadly. Il have not seen
your eyes yet, Sheila. Turn your head round
and let me see.
he olicbl,