The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-29

with a thrill in her voice. do you think it
likely?"
1T shall be done.' he mutters Don't ask
me any questions-dont mention the subject
again I've a firm presentiment that Mrs.
Gervais Golding will soon be widow. Be
kind to the poor thing, Carmen for nobody
knows what trials she may have in store
Garments dusky eyes glitter, and she
breaks into a ringing laugh.
All. nobody knows" she repeats, in
tone of affected regret and gravity
CHAPTER "
Bruce Ellington does call upon the Gold
lngS at their little Chelsea fiat; but GervaiS
is not in, and Meg receives her visitor with
vague msgivirg, glad though she is to see
him
She is sure that her husband will be vexed
at this intrusion upon their retirement, yet
she eagerly welcomes the opportunity of
gaining tidings from Avonlee and, with a
faint color in her cheeks, she asks Bruce to
sit down.
He takes a seat opposite her, and looking
at her reproachfully, says
What made you leave Rokeby by stealth
and cause those who have loved you so
much anguish and sorrow? It was a strange
way of beginning the New Year-with an
elopement, Meg
Would my father have permitted my
marriage had he known?' she responds, in
self-defence. You Fnow that he would have
forbidden the bans: that, had we gone to the
village church, there would have been a ter
r1ble scene. Gervais entreated me to keep
cur engagement secret, to leave all arrange
ments for wedding to him. and I did
He drove me to London, left me with a
woman who had once been his nurse, and
with special license, we were married the
next day"
Are you happy?" Bruce questions, grave
~. Are you satisfied with your present life?
Some odd chance led me into that place-the
shock! The surprise and horror made me
feel sick and faint You, Gagged with that
ferocious animal that might tear and rend
you before my eyes! I don't know how
managed to find nv way to your side.''
He shudders at the recollection of Meg, in
her red-and- orange gypsy dress, followed by
the tawny tiger, and, with little bitterness
she says
WELL I was a coward-a shocking failure;
and Carmen st. Clare-the acrobat, you know
is simply magnificent as Zillah. have dis
appointed Gervais, but it cannot be helped.
You have disappointed Mr. Golding!"
Bruce repeats angry How could he place
you in such jeopardy"
He was so proud of having created char
acter, especially for me- she haStens to
explain, and Bruce Ellington turns from the
subject with an impatient contraction at his
heart.
Would you care to see Jame?" he asks
abruptly, and her face brightens.
$50 much! she replies.
He promises to let Jamie know her address,
and, having answered her many questions in
connection with her old home, takes his de-
parture.
It is raw, gustx afternoon, and the river
| laps dismally against the stone side of the
en1bank1nent
The great barges and other craft glide I'M
der the bridges like huge phantoms the
early dusk falls, and red green, and white
| lights begin to CLEAN in the gloom of the
deary March day.
When Gervais enters the room in which
his wife is sitting, some light work in her
hands, she sees at once that he is in one of
his most trying moods
Ellington has been here?" are his first
words, she rises to superintend the simple
preparations for dinner, and, when she
swers in the affirmative, he continues scowl
ingly: 81 met him. Like his irnpertinence in
slsting upon seeing you when 1 was not at
home!"
impairment. Gervais!'' Meg exclaims
somewhat Indignantly. You forget that Doc
tor Ellington is an old friend!''
Let him mind his own business, that's
ALI! is the irritable response. Il would
rather that my wife did not encourage visits
from Avonlee friends"
Meg's face f1ushes painfully
Is she to be cut off from all association with
the old life!-to offend Bruce by refusing to
see him, should he again call!
She did not argue with Gervais, but his
selfShnesS startleS her.
Will he find fault with Jamie for coming to
see her? she wonders. with feeling of dread.
The meal over Meg takes up her sewing
and, lighting cigar, her husband leans back
in his easy chair, stretches his feet to the
fire, and silently meditates.
Presently, knocking the ash from his
Havana, he says, slowly
/ Carmen is splendid-fairly takes the house
by storm. You ought to see her, Margareti'
Meg wnces, and throb of modification
perces her heart.
'T knew that she would not disappoint you,
Gervais, she responds, trying not to feel a
Slight grudge against the successful acrobat,
who justly deserves praise She must make
a very handsome gipsy''
| ''She fairly sparkles with courage and
4 O11f11 6y,'t
traitor with her eyes flashing on him. 1t is
magnificent"