The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-29
A New Year EIopeEneDt
CHAPTER 1.

throws down the match, smiling at the re-
mOrseless demands upon his immediate at
| tentiOn for non-eXiStent ailment, and WendS
his way towards Rokeby Hall.
He is hoping to begin the New Year in the
sweet society of the girl he loves.
| The night is exceedingly cold, frosty. moon
| light streaming over the Whitened trees and
downs, and as he nears the grey mansion for
which he is bound, the sound of music
echoes gaily to his
The old homestead, brilliantly Illuminated
makes a pleasant picture to his light setting
the throbs of his heart into swifter motion.
The thought of Margaret Gerard inspires
him with foolish delight, and no warning
voice prepares him for the bitter disappolnt-
ment that is to be his portion.
/ Already the rambling drawing-roon is
crowded when he arrives.
| He can see Meg standing near some Christ
mas decorations in her white Dress and he
goes eagerly towards her.
| She is very small, and beautifully formed,
with sloe-blue eyes, that look black when not
m strong light; soft rose-tint colors her
cheeks, and her hair is brightest brown, with
! bronze shades in the waving ripples.
In short, Margaret Gerard is enchantingly
pretty.
She greets the young doctor with warm
welcome, although her smile is not merry
spontaneous as usual.
81 was almost afraid that you might not be
able to GOMEZ she says, lady.
| He grips her hand in tight pressure--so
tightly that expression CT surprise dawns
| in her face and she instantly WithdraWs her
| fingers from his clasp.
You will dance with me?" he asks.
| Instead of responding to his question, she
slightly starts, looking past him to someone
who imperiously strides to her side.
| 1t is GervaiS Golding upon whom her glance
rests strangely; man but little known at
Avonlee, yet sought rising genius-a man
esteemed by Jamie Gerard, who met him at
literary club.
Of all the people in the world, Jamie, fresh
| from college, is the most asIonlShingly cred
ulous, as the doctor knows.
| The latter feels for the talented Mr.. Golding
a deep-roOted antagoniSm.
| Tbs repulsion flames into jealous wrath, as
| the newcomer looks at Meg.
| Why does she pale beneath that lingering
scrutiny?
Suddenly Bruce grasps the truth; singing
pain runs through him. the hope he has
cherished goes out, leaving him, barren, cold
Is this the end Of his dream?
In voice that is husky and unsteady, he
says again
You will dance with me?''
Gervais Golding's dark eyes glitter.
| Meg waivers in distress, and, with effort,
removes her gaze from that powerfully attrac-
( tive face to the doctors whittier, palmer one.
| Il will first dance with you,'' she decides,
and there is a trace of agitation in her voice.
''Mr. Golding is late, and"
| She pauses, shivering Gervais strides
passionately away, black frown on his brow.
Bruce knows she is in dread of having
offended the man who is his rival.
Let him go, Miss Gerard he advises her,
that cruel pang Juggling at his heart-strings.
| eff you wish for happiness, you must never
let that indomitable will conquer yours.
Forgive me!'' he pleads; Il cannot help see
ing that you care fer him. You need not be
angry with ne; this has been the hardest
moment of my life. love you so much, Meg,
and I know that I am nothing to you
nothing more than friend!
why didn't you tell me-" she whispers
shivering again. Il thought you meant to
make Rotha your wife. She limited much,
and I tried, with all my might to think of you
as her future husband"
! Miss Give has acted a lie if she has led
you to imagine thatl'' he cries, his eyes flash
ing. you were the wife L desired to win
A deathly pallor creeps over Margaret
Gerard's face, and, looking at Bruce, she says
in a low tone
81 will tell you secret, because, some
how, 1 want you to know Gervais Golding
has my promise-that will be his wife,
] Something in her tone strikes Bruce with a
vague alarm, and, looking at her sharply, he
asks
DO your parents know-approve of your
engagement"
An ominous chill goes through him at sight
of the startled change in her face.
! "He does not wish me to tell them,' she
says, regretfully.
! Then 1 shall.' Bruce fiercely exclaims
Not yet. want you to be the one to ex-
! plain all-after the bells have rung-in the
New Year
| Colder and stronger grows that icy pre-
sentiment in Bruce Ellington veins, and in a
voice strained and hoarse he cries
You will not do anything rash, Meg? You
will not marry Gervais Goding without your
fathers and mothers sanctions?'
She does not respond, but leads him among
the dancers.
The music is now a din of discord in his
ears; his brain is giddy with one haunting
thought, as they whirl round to the strains of
the waltz.
II will never lose sight of you tonight he
mutters in his teeth eff Golding wants YOU
| + I,a xt-ifp loft 1y for
hand
! Still Margaret Gerard is silent, her cheeks