The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-19


with a good motive. Forgive the manner
for the motive. Think what you will of me,
but pay heed to my warning. If you value
your peace Of mind and your happiness, have
nothing to say to Rene Laroque. By accident
an enveioped addressed you in his hand
writing, which unfortunately is only too
familiar to ME, fell into my hand together
with his photograph. Do L take too much
for granted in saying that woman does not
keep mans portrait in her pocket-a man
whom she has only known for a few short
WeekS-unless she entertains for him feel
ing warmer than friendship"
Lady Lillian opened her lips to speak, but
no word issued from them-she looked like
angry queen struck dumb with astonish-
ment.
Il am acting in most unconventional and
extraordinary way. 1t is impertinence on my
part, considering that l occupy the position
in your brothers house of paid companion to
yourself" continued Odille, in tone OF such
undoubted earnestness and sincerity that
her listener was impressed, in spite of herself.
Il admit all that, 1 understand your resent
ment at my presumption. but inner
voice. the voice Of conscience, bade me speak,
and L have spoken. Heaven grant that 1
may not have spoken in vain"
Odille paused. A silence of few seconds
ensued, then Lady Lillian, deliberately and
coldly, her delicate lips curving in slow de-
risive smile
You have warned me against Mr.. Rene
scoundrel you have done your utmost to
poison my mind against him-I presume you
are prepared to repeat all that you have said
to me to his face so that he may have the
chance of defending himself?'
If necessary [ am answered Odille, with
an effort, growing paler still.
1T may be necessary-even criminal is
allowed hearing. l have an English love of
justice. And then again." she pursued, in the
same codly logical tone, before you can
pect me to put faith in, or appreciate the pur-
ity and disnterestedness Of your motives, 1
must ask you to explain to me why since you
! "A IN ha w IA
cuse him of being-a scoundre and person
unfit for me to associate With-you have wait
ed until now to inform me of the fact, and
why you and your parents should have made
secret OF having been previously acquaint-
ed with this gentleman and his mother?"
My parents have nothing to do with the
matter" replied Odille, quietly. when Mon
sieure Laroque entered this house for the
first time he was as much Of a stranger to
them as he was to yourself-and even at
this moment my father is ignorant of the
fact that MonSleure Laroque and have ever
met before
Lady Lillian made reply to this, but her
smile was significant enough to bring a flush
of annoyance to Odilles pale face.
+ 1T was, confess, a, great shock to me to
meet him here, continued the latter after a
pause-"all the more so because 1 was totally
unprepared for the meeting; but 1 did feel
myself called upon to warn you against him.
believed his presence and that of his mother
in this neighborhood to be the work OF
chance.
Il do not"
Have you any objections to telling me
what you believe to have been his motive in
coming to this neighborhood?"
None whatever Madame Laroque made
the acquaintance of your brother ten years
age in Paris She knew his address. Her
pretext in coming here was that she might
enjoy seasons hunting, her motive was that
her son Rene, who is handsome and fascin-
ating, might have the opportunity of meeting
you, and the chance of winning your favor
of becoming eventually your husband"
That is what you supposed to have been
the motive that dctuated her?'
/ L am convinced of it,
"Convinced-yes. But have you any more
serious and reliable grounds for your con-
victcns than mere suspicion?'
i nave no proofs, If that is what you mean.
But the tact that Rene Laroque should have
presumed to pay you attentions and offer
you his portrait, is in itself a proof that my
SuSpiclonS are correct"
You do not know that it was Monsieur
Laroque who gave me the photograph. For
all you know, it ray have been his mother
You take too much for granted"
Il think not. AT any rate, you will find
that 1 am right, although at present 1 can
see that you do not believe me-"
You hardly expect anyone to accent
your convictions as facts said Lillian, coldly.
You mean to say that you will not take my
warning?"
1T is presumption your part to think
they do more credit to your imagination than
to your judgment of your heart. In the
meantime, if you have no respect for your
health l have for mine. 1t is now a quarter
to one. and I am tired If you have nothing
more to say to me l shall be glad to retire
to rest"
The dismissal was too plain for Odille to
disregard it, Without another word, she
moved towards the door, intending to leave
the room. Then, as if moved by sudden i'm
pulse she turned back, and facing Lady
said hat with