The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-12

Her look Of gratitude more than COM
pensated for the loss Of the money; but it in
creased his certainty of her guilt, for which
he began at once TO try and find some ex-
lcuSe.
Probably the girl was wretchedly poor.
| Lady Hawkesles, from all he had heard OF
4 her. was not the sort of woman to pay any
one literally who had the misfortune to be
in her employ.
He had introduced himself to her merely
from desire to make Miss Morton's ac-
quaintance, having wish to know Lady
lHawkesley herself, and now he heartily re-
gretted he had not left his desire ungrat1hed-
He had, unwittingly, put temptation In the
way of this girl-so innocent and sweet TO
look at-and she had yielded, and become
thief.
| How shockingly she must have wanted the
Imoney to have done such thing!
| The wou1d-be condemnation in his heart
was swamped by the flood of pity with
which he regarded the downcaSt eyes and
the now pale cheeks; all life and vavacity
had gone from the charming girllsh face,
leaving it sad and troubled.
He would shield her even to the extent OF
pretending that he had not the daring
theft; he would try and forget that he had
seen it, and he would improve his acquaint-
ance with the poor child, and so work his
way into her confidence that she would some
day tell him all her trouble, and let him help
her.
Thus, with Cupid on board for pilot. in the
disguise-his favorte one-of pity, the good
boat Went on us way, stopped at lover flel,
and landed its passengers, Clement Murray
acting self-ordained escort to Lady
Hawkesley and her companion until all three
arrived in London, where his services were
no longer necessary, her ladyship's carriage
being in attendance, with her ladyshlp's
coachman ready to drive his mistress and her
companion to her ladyships residence at
Queens Gate.
The following afternoon Mr.. Murray called
on Lady Hawkesley to satisfy himself that
she felt no fatigue after her journey; at
least that appeared to be his reason for call
ing, if his own words might be accepted
proof; but his furtive glance around the room
indicated an additional reason for this visit.
His eyes returned to his hostess-ungrati-
fed, for she was alone
| 'You seem to have plenty of leisure for a
man who is supposed to be always hard at
work. said she, with her habit of saying the
first thing that occurred to her-whether
| likely to be welcome otherwise to the per-
son addressed.
Il am giving myself a holiday today" he
replied. 81 have Travelled pretty much the
last three days, and feel glad of a rest"
THAT means you have a lazy fit, 1 pre-
sume?" 1 wish you would bestir yourself to
| help me. Your cousin is always ready to be
made use of; but there is no getting at him
now that he has turned virtuous."
How serve you?" asked Murray. Il
shall be most happy to be of use"
Perhaps the required service would necessi-
tate his frequent attendance at Queens
Gate. and would entail equally frequent
Lady Hawkesley proceeded to dispel this
soft hope.
Then find me-" she said, "a suitable COM
panion by this time tomorrow. That IN
grateful Morton girl has left without an
hours notice.
Miss Morton has left your
| He found it impossible wholly to conceal
his chagrin at this unwelcome news.
"Ah! that's how the land lies, is it? I
| thought you were wonderfully attentive Mr..
Clement Murray. Yes; Miss Morton has left
me- She has only been with me a month
and, must say, L have found her decidedly
| high and mighty for a young person espiring
| to earn her living as a companion; but 1 was
not prepared to be left in the lurch like this,
without so much as by your leave When
But, surely, she left a note? She gave
some reaSon?'
''Yes; she left a note containing about a
dozen curt words, to the effect that she had
tired of her situation, and willing to
forfeit the salary due to her in lieu of giving
notice"
| MAY 1 see the note?"
'I destroyed it, it was not worth preserv-
| ing. I was angry enough to have DESTROYED
her, if she had chanced to return just then"
| ''Of course, it was very annoying" MUIR
INJURED Clement. "Such extraordinary be-
haVior-no apparent reason; L not sur
prsed you felt angry, Lady Hawkesley."
Its very good of you to say that, very
companion. 1 should prefer for you to prove
your sympathy by sending a substitute
for Miss Flighty."
'I will do what can
| He 1onged to get out of the house. to look
his fear in the face.
Plainly the girl had fed from him.
| She had seen that he knew she had robbed
him, and she had dreaded meeting him again
He must find her, and reassure her troubled
heart, for what might not become Of her if
|