The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-12

ton, to which the disappointed lady treated
them, and, at his fathers wish he took his
wife abroad.
| Then, in Italy, after a series of scandalous
Illrtatlons, she left him and came back to
England-and not alone
! Ralph was too weary and wretched to do
more than arrange to send her a certain al
!owance, payable on the condition that she
dropped his name, and then he wandered
over Europe, not caring much what became
of him.
Now that he knew and loved Lillian
Vaughan he wondered at himself for ever
having even admired Eleanor Travers.
! Lillian wrote to him. but her note
brought little comfort.
DO not come to me- it ran, Il cannot yet
bear it,
| And he answered:
Never again, if you wish it so.''
She had been so happy, her hopes mad oeen
raised so high, that now the contrast made
her sick at heart.
| If she had dared she would have sent for
him again immediately; but she was AFRAID
of herself, of her weakness which, in his
eyes, was her strength.
! When at last she felt calmer she sent him
a message; and he came.
/ Before he could say a word she went quick
ly towards him, and, reading his misery in
his eyes, exclaimed:
Ralph, all is forgiven. Never let us speak
of the past-never''
He could not help himself.
He took her in his arms ands pressed his
lips to hers.
And she too sad to mind, lay passive in his
embrace.
Lillian" he said. presently, ST must tell
you ALL owe it to you
She had been thinking of that woman he
called wife, who had borne his name and
lived under his roof, and drew herself away
from him quickly, saying, impatiently:
No; tell me nothing. l don't want to hear
of her. I should hate her.
Lillian, you believe that 1 never really
loved herr"
"Ah! what can 1 say? You married her"
The reply cut him to the heart.
Of course he had married her of his own
passionate will; but he must-would-make
Lillian understand all about those days, and,
taking her hands in his he made her listen
to his story
When he had finished, she was deathy pale
and he exclaimed:
Il have hurt you, my darling?"
Yes. she said, you have hurt me, but it
was necessary. Now, Ralph, leave me for
the present."
After his interview they met as they had
met before; and Ralph longing to see her
under his roof, had the courage to ask Lady
CarrutherS to bring Lillian to Beauvoir
afternoon.
When the two ladies accepted his invita-
ton to tea, they little guessed into what a
futter of excitement they threw his bachelor
household.
The servants were eager to do honor to the
occasion, and Ralph himself secured the gar
dens and Conservatives for late roses and
| early violets.
| Towards 4 o'clock he heard the sound of
wheels, and went to meet Lady Carruthers
and Miss Vaughan.
The former, saying she was quite at home
at Beauvoir, went on before them, leaving
Ralph to the inexpressible pleasure of well
coming his love alone
'Oh, how beautiful this isl" she exclaimed
as he led into the drawing-room. Your place
is far more lovely than 1 had imagined, Lord
Beauvoir; how dared you disparage it as you
have done?"
Il never thought of it as beautiful till to-
day"
Lillian blushed, and Ralph continued
boldly
Lillian, since you have lightened my home
with your presence it is terrible to me to
think of the future without you as it's mis-
tress-would that I were free to make you
mire!"
Ali" she whispered would indeed that
it could be as you say
Ralph, broke in Lady Carruthers; aren't
you going to give us some tea? am dying of
thirst
Lord Beauvoir rang, and it was brought in
served in delicate Sevres cups that had not
beer used since his mothers DEATH
Diminishing the footman, Ralph waited IN
his guests himself.
But the minutes seemed to fly and before
he had time to realize that Lillian was only
an afternoon visitor, the short day was draw
ing to close, and the carriage was at the
door.
Il have been very happy today" she
murmured, as he put her cloak round her.
And have been in Heaven Oh! Lillian
Lillian, will you ever be mine?''
Ralph" she whispered; remember your
promise Don't let me regret coming
Forgive me this once your presence is
almost more than I can bear
Lillian, are you coming? We shall never
be in time for dinner" called out LADY
Carruthers, who mad been all endurance and
good-nature.
AS they drove through the gardens, Lillian
saw a womans form glide up to the entrance