The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-26

name have not yet caught, slowly prepares
10 follow the others.
If l am to avoid a second hateful tete-a-
tete With my tormentor 1 must not delay
1here is no time to consider the mooesty
or the wisdom of the action, but l rise to my
feet: lay my hand upon the strangers afnl'
and falter, hurriedly-
Don't go-please stay-that is"
In an instant he turns back again, picks up
my fan, puts it into my hand, drops into the
chair next the one l have seated myself 1n'
and commences 20 talk in a low voice, with
| faint drawl in it's intonation that is rather
pleasant to listen to; at least, L think so
afterwards, but when first hear it, am too
ag1tated to notice anything or even follow
what he says
After the first minute two somewhat
regain my self-possession, and then l gather
that he is talking of Nice, of Rome, of Paris,
as If we had met there at some previous
time.
also that Sir Harry is thoroughly dis
concerted by this turn OF events, and
gaZes at us in angry doubt
| Apparently he is not quite sure whether we
are old friends or not, and he is ViSibly i'm
pressed by the respect with which my un-
known friend treats me.
l tremble when l think of my audacity, my
boldness, in addressing a perfect stranger.
and apparently fiinging myself at his head;
and yet congratulate myself so-whoever
ilC ID, dAio whatever IduIl Inlay dIleI NdIuS
discover him to possess, he is gentleman,
and has earned my undying gratitude for
coming to my assistance at the most en-
barrassing moment it has ever been my lot
to endure.
CHAPTER IL
"Well, Barbara, and how did you enjoy
your first taste Of London life?" asks Aunt
Janette, as, after having breakfasted alone
as 1 am given to understand will always be
the case-she comes downstairs, perfectly
dressed. looking wonderfully pretty and
youthful, somewhat about noon.
"Oh, Aunt Janette, 1 thought Faust
beyond all praise! 1t will be something to
and yet it fills with vague, wild misery
that l cannot entirely shake off. even after
a good nights rest"
81 can tell you, you may plume yourself
upon the conquest you made of Sir Harry
GraSmore. 1 have never him pay so
much attention to an unmarried woman be-
FORE
"Oh! Aunt Janette!" I break in quickly,
whilst my cheeks express my discontinue,
as well as my voice. please, don't. He is a
horrible mana low, rude, impertinent fell
low. Oh! how he made me hate him in one
brief evening""
Why Barbara" she exclaims, in great
surprise; what can you mean? Sir Harry is
a great catch in the matrimonial market-a
bachelor, a baronet and very wealthy he is
great favorte with the ladies, l assure you,
and there Will be many hearts when he
does throw the handkerchief LoW!-imper-
etnenti Ny dear" in slightly annoyed tone. =
you must never Apply those words to any Of
my friends My circle is most select I
in the best set, and Sir Harry goes every
Where-knOWS everyone. Come; tell how
he offended you"
"In the first place, we were not intro
duced," reply, hesitatingly, for find it very
awkward to put my complaint into actual
words; che did not know my surname, and
called me Barbara
Really" she says, with slight laugh;
"well that was rather shocking l admit but
not introduce you, and afterwards 1 forgot
mea culpa- Will you absolve both me and
Sir Harry from blame
you, certainly, l reply, holding UP my
face to be kissed, for, somehow, L find my
new aunt very lovable: but Sir Harry,
never. Oh, Aunt Janette, he was so imper-
tinent when you left in his care for few
minutes; calling me by my Christian name
the smallest offense. He paid me the
most fulsCme compliments, asked for a
glance from my glorious eyes, squeezed my
hand, and begged to know where he could
join me in my morning walks"
'I see it ALL cries Aunt Janette, unable to
repress a smile, although she also looks much
annoyed. "He took you for my maid or a
new companion-the wretch! But men are all
alike or with very few exceptions. My not
introducing you, that high dress-for it isn't
cut at all, you know, and has sleeves-at the
opera, people-well, you saw for yourself,
didn't you Barbara, all the material is put
in the trains; there isn't much required for
the bodice.
"Yes; he little thought that you were my
niece-that you would tell me everything
Oh. we will pay him out for his impertinence
but he will be the most mortified when he
finds out his mistake. Take my advice don't
appear to recognize him next time you meet
I will introduce you formally. THERE can
that be half-past twelve that is striking?
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