The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-26


rid OF him as a partner.
Certainly not" said ST, Basil, with cheer
II fu' alacrity Il shall be very pleased to sit
IL out with you, If you prefer it"
IL didn't that. 1 thought you
might, perhaps, find another partner said
the girl flushing a little.
10 herself she was saying
What horrid man he is! Conceted cox
comb! Does he imagine 1 want to sit it out
with him? | suppose'-very bittery-"he
thinks should like to have chance of max
ing love to him.
THANK you; 1 don't believe 1 care about
getting another partner said Sir Basil,
coolly. But let 1t be exactly as you please
Then l will dance," said Nora, looking
straight away from. him to the other end of
the ballroom.
The music struck up in another moment;
and, with fast-beating heart, she found
herself whiring round the with Sir
Basil Brooke.
He was splendid dancer, and held her in
firm, light clasp, which not many dancing
men attain to.
Under other circumstances, Nora would
have enjoyed that dance immensely; but, re-
member1ng what this horrid man had heard
her say concerning himself she simply exper-
fenced bitter sense of humiliation at the
thought of being embraced by his arm, while
her face was so close to his, that his lips all
but touched her hair.
Immediately the dance was over she left
hlm having spoken to him scarce a dozen
words in all.
Presently she saw him dancing with Meg
and laughing and chatting gaily.
Meg caught her eye and smiled signifi-
canty.
Her smile said she had not failed to rec
ognize in Sir Basil the eavesdropper of the
morning.
Dr.. Emerson had ordered his carriage at an
early hour, mindful of the long list of pa
tients he had on his books for the morrow;
but Nora was secretly glad to get away, for
she had been over-eXc1ted, and her mind was
in a whirl.
hir1yi
descended the stairs, and 10! when she reach
ed the carriage, there he was, holding the
door open.
She swept by him, without deigning to give
him so MUNICH look.
She had right to be angry, she told her
self, and she would let him that her
anger was quite unaffected by the discovery
that he was boronet
"GoOd-night!" said Sir BASIL boWing low
When all were seated and Meg, who sat at the
side of the carriage nearest him. frankly put
out her hand.
Dr. Emerson followed his daughters exam
pie; but Nora contented herself with a state
ly inclination of the head.
moment later the carriage rolled away;
but Sir Basil still stood bare-headed, on the
pavement, looking eagerly after it until it
Hes fine fellow-a splendid fellow!'
said the doctor, as he settled himself com
LII laUly LOT the hcmeWard drive. But, my
DEAR, turning to Nora, why were you SO
reserved and cold with him? You were not
like yourself Bit
Wasn't 1? Well, then. surely was all
the nicer
Noras laugh did not sound perfectly nat
ural; but she went on, gaily enough
You told me all the girls would be dying
to be noticed by this great Sir Basil, SO l
thought I'd show his High and Mightness
that l, at any rate, wasn't overwhelmed by
the honor OF dancing with him.
you're a strange girl" said the DOCTOR
smiling good naturally at her.
Yes, [ know l am" said Nora lightly.
and then the subject dropped
AS might be expected, however, it was re-
sumed when the two girls were sitting to-
gether, in cozy dressing gowns beside their
bedroom fire.
Nora, whatever did you think when you
found he was Sir Basil?'
Oh Meg, don't nnow You can't conceive
What a painful subject it is to l feel hot
with shame all over when L reflect that there's
a man walking about who has heard me say
should like him for my husband Oh! why
dld l ever say it? | must have been mad;
for 1 really don't like him at all DOM
even think him nice-looking He is simply
hateful to me- Hateful-hatefuI!"
On thats only because you're vexed with
HIM! said Meg. TRANQUILITY. He is nice
locking, dear, there's no denying that"
Il hate him, Meg-I really do. It was sucb
frlghttully mean thing to stand and listen
TO what girl was saying about him; and
lhen' tonlSnt ne has worn such a horrid
sInlle, just 1or all the world as if he was try
ing to remind me of what he had heard and
was exulting over it,.
Nonsense, dear! You just fancy that
tn0ught MIN awfully nice; and I'm quite sure
Of one thing, Nora-he has a great admira-
ton for you. 1t wouldn't surprise me a bit
II you were to invite papa and me to DORM
court after ALL
"Meg!" There was a ring of indignant
rerroach and of something like horror in
Morals voice. Can you think so meanly of
me? Haven't told you hate the man? And
even supposing I did Aot, do you think /