The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-05-07


Mavis Dunscombe's happiness.
That night she sobbed herself to sleep.
CHAPTER Ill
On the following morning Adrian received
letter from his father bidding him travel up
to London without loss of time, as he had
important matters to talk over with him, add
ing also that he was far from well.
Adrian was somewhat surprised at this
request, as Lord Carolin was not as a rule
apt to consider anything Of much import
ance save his own royal will and pleasure.
In this respect the son was very much like
the father.
Il shall not have a moment to spare in
which to say goodbye to Mavis, but will
send one Of the men down to the cottage
with note"
A species Of relief came to Adrian as he
thought thus giving at the same time orders
for catching the first available train to town
When he thought of Mavis thrill of COM
junction seized him.
Her words, her face, haunted him strangely
and when he found himself in the train, be-
ing borne swiftly townwards, it was Mavis
and Mavis only, on whom his thoughts dwelt
How innocent she wasi How little of the
worh-of his world-she knew, poor child!
Marriage, impossible!
If she only knew the truth, would she cast
him from her, or would she cling to him,
looking to him for her happiness and her all?
Bah! What a fool he was tosworry his head
about troubles that, might never be! He would
hear what his father had to,say One thing
however, was very certain-he must not re-
veal his love for Mavis. His father and
MaviS must never meet.
He lighted a cigar and pulled moodily
away, trying to Danish the dark thoughts
that would rise, do what he could to prevent
them.
He thought of his folly and his past, and
cursed them both.
Before the express train had reached the
1 ojr,IJo h.
ion one subject. In the teeth Of everything
in spite of the past, the present, and the fu-
ture, Mavis Dunscombe should be his, be it
by fair means or by foul She should be his!
He could not lose her.
1t was late when Adrian reached the fam
lily mansion in Park Lane; the night was in
tersely, suffocatingly hot He was ex-
pected.
Although the season was dying, it was dy-
ing hard, and it seemed to Adrian one big
rush of pleasure seeking, jaded men and
women, this West-End wherein his lines
were cast, and of which he knew so much.
How different from the cool shade Of
Carolin woods-frdm the ripping river! and
how different these painted, powdered women
lfrom-Mavis!
Quickly removing his dusty and travel
stained garments, Adrian sought his father,
who, he was informed, had dined, but was
sitting over his wine in the small dining
room, which father and son generally used
when alone.
His lordship is far from well, STR" re-
marked Lord CaroIins confidential man, who
waited upon the heir; "and he has not been
out of the house all day, expecting you every
minute
"But I could not possibly get here sooner,
Royd!" replied Adrian, smiling.
$50 told his lordship, sir; but he was that
restless making me bring the Bradshaw and
look out the trains every half hour
So his father had something of real import
ance to communicate! AS rule. he took life
easily.
The meeting between father and son was
Iaffectionate and cordial.
They were bons comrades in the true sense
of the word. They had so much in common;
and they were wonderfully alike too, in form
and features, as they stood facing one an
other, grasping each others hands.
Lord Carolin was still a strikingly hand
some man, apparently well on the right side
OF sixty.
1t was easy to see from whom Adrian had
inherited his good looks and tall, stately
bearing.
"And now, father, what is it?" said Adrian
as soon as his physical needs had been
nin;stered to, and he had partaken of the
contents of tray of refreshments thought
fully prepared for him. You would not
have sent for me in this tremendous hurry
had you not some valid reason What is it?