The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-26
CHAPTER III.
At the Ball.

Z
TO girl of her proud nature it was, in
deed, dreadful thing that that strange
man should have heard her say how much
she admired him, and that she could readily
nave fallen in love with him if only his po-
slt'on had been suitable
Cnly fancy, Meg, what my feelings would
oe were to meet him anywhere!" she
cried, as she and Meg sat in the latter's room.
discussing the contretemps.
oh, but you WON'T" said Meg, consoling-
~. man who travels third-class and
wears shabby clothes isn't likely to be in
your circle at all He's just a stranger come
down to see the hunt. 1 don't suppose you'll
ever come across him again, DEAR
wen, at any rate, I'm quite determined
not to go to the meet tomorrow He shan't
nave the pleasure of seeing me there
very well, dear just as you like; only I
wouldn't think so much about it if 1 were
you: ia just regard it as an accident"
IL wasn't an accident said Nora with
decision. He listened deliberately, I'm quite
sure of that. Oh Meg, who would have
thought man with such a face would have
turned out such cad''
ALI through the day she hanooaned tho
event IN this fashion; but towards evening
sne @ became her gay, cheerful self again.
me DOCTOR was to take them to a ball; and
she and Meg were, naturally, in a state of
pleasurable excitement about it,
The ball was to be held at the Assembly
Rooms of the neighboring town, and it was
70 De honored by the presence of Sir Rasil
% Dioohe' one OF the Wealthiest landowners in
NAN dozen miles from Dr. Emerson's ahode
81! bdsI was a Stranger to the county
having spent much of his time abroad.
when, couple of months ago, it became
known that he was coming to Leicestershire
tor the hunting season, there was much ex-
clleLnent IN such family circles as were graced
S? y 1ne presence of unmarried daughters; for
DIT Basil was a bachelor and moreover mas
oelleved to be entirely fancy free
Inc two girls looked charming as thew
oeseehueo TO the hall, where the doctor, in
nins Mai 9ress' was waiting for them.
Megs dress was of white tulle over silk
WIN trimmings of lilies of the valley.
Nora wore pale yellow, with clouds of
chillon and Wreaths of Gloire roses.
y GU look very nice, both of you," said the
good-natured DOCTOR as he SURVEYED tban,
Meg, my dear, you'll do Won needn't crona
youI neck to get one more look at yourself in
@ sndt grass. wish certain young gentle
No. was an mere TO see you; but never mind.
giVe/you fair notice that if there's a prettier
glrl than you there 1 shall order the horse
and come home in disgust
Please don't" said Nora laughine seNreg
there "eA we se'
Meg, surely he won't be there" she whis
Pered as they took their seats in the car
riage " ''ie oo
oh, dear, no; nothing more unlikely
should think" o''
suppose we shall see Sir Basil Brooke"
remarked the doctor. Il wonder what kind
OF man he is. His uncle I used to know
very we'll indeed-a fine fellow he was foo
with no nonsense about him. Eh deari MANY
a chop and glass of sherry have I had with
MIN at Dorincourt But this young man will
be great swell most likely and won't want
to number a poor old country doctor among
his friends"
Nora, perhaps he'll ask you to dance with
him" said Meg. You can't think how beau
tiful you look, DEAR
Really? Well, then, let US hope Sir Basil
Will be smtten or the spot and ask me to be
Lady Brooke, and mistress of Dorincourt
You should have your chop and glass of
Sherry them" she added turning laughingly
to the doctor.
Thank you, my dear; it's the sherry with
the yellow seal like, you'll perhaps remem-
Der. But, talking of falling in love I've a
notion that Sir Basil was concerned in love
aHa1r few years ago, and that the lady
Tilted him. I'm sure somebody was telling
me something of the sort the other day."
so much the better said Nora galy
Hearts are always caught more easily in the
rebound. However, Meg, I think we won't
trouble ourselves about this great Sir Basil. I
imagine he'll be such tremendous swell that
ne won't give so much as look at such hum
bic beings as you and l..
In due time the carriage stopped at the
entrance to the Assembly Rooms and, in a
minute or two, DR.. Emerson was walking up
the crimson -carpeted steps, with a girl on
each arm.
The ballroom was full-very full and it was
easy to tell that Sir Basil Brooke was TO he
the guest of the evening.
His name was on many a lip.
He had not yet arrived, and his appear
ance was being awaited with considerable
eagerneSS and anxiety
so very nce-looking, 1 am told" Nora
heard one portly dowager say to another.
"and his wealth is really enormous A much
richer man than the Duke of Melton. Won
know
Nora did not doubt it was Sir Basil they
were speaking of.
In very few minutes she and Meg were
supplied with plenty of partners.