The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-19

However, what is done is done, and 1 sup
pose according to French ideas, you are fully
justified, and that you think ali fair in love
or war"
Such are not my ideas, Lord Roseraye.
Belleve me, blame myself 1 ought to have
kept silence. l made hundred resolutions
to leave this place, but 1 could not tear my
sell away. 1 fingered and passion got the
petter of principle. All that you have said
Is just and true 1 deserve your reproaches.
L will go away"
1T is too late now, Rene Laroque," replied
the Earl in tone of mournful resignation.
Ii my sister really has set her affections
upon you and you prove pourself worthy OF
her' nave no wish to break her heart. l
only wish to secure her happiness, and to be
sure that the feeling she entertains for you is
not mere passing fancy, 1 cannot consent
to her marriage with you until she is of age.
You nave only year to wait. If at the eX-
plratlon of that time she is still of the same
mind, she will be free to become your wife,
and l shall offer no opposition. 1 will give
her to you
oh, Lord Roseraye! this is"
Pardon me-" interrupted the earl; lone
moment. consent on one condition; that
there shall be public engagement between
you for a year, and that during that time
you shall leave this neighborhood, and not
return to it until after my sister comes of
age
THE condition is a hard one indeed but /
agree to it gratefully" replied the French
man. In the meantime, 1 will bestir myself
10 OBTAIN permanent post. have relatives
who possess considerable influence in the
French Embassy Diplomacy has always
been my forte All 1 want to prove to you
is that, even if I have the happiness to be-
come your sisters husband, I have no wish
to lead an idle life and live her bounty. l
nave been lndolent hitherto, because l had
no incentive to ambition Henceforth my
aim will be to make myself more worthy of
her.
That is we'll spoken, Laroque," said the
earl, holding out his hand with impulsive cor
dlallty to his companion. IF those are your
sentiments, and you carry out the resolutions
you have just formed, shall not have the
slightest fear of trusting my sisters happi-
ness to your keeping. 1 have every conf
dence in the sincerity of your good intentions,
but know by experience how great is the
force of habit-especially that Of idleness.
Personally like you. l know nothing against
your character or antecedents, and the per-
feet frankness with which you answered my
questions respecting Miss Thorne and cleared
her reputation by confession that must
have cost you great deal to make, pleads
strongly in your favor. If I insist upon the
condition 1 have imposed, it is because /, as
my sisters guardian am responsible for her
wellbeing until she comes of age. Indeed, I
shall regard myself as her natural protector
always"
when once she is my Wife, hope to make
her SO happy that she will need other
guardian or protector > but myself replied
Laroque. In the meantime, am more than
willing to observe your wishes and to respect
your authority, and I heartily thank you for
the generous way in which you have met
what must appear to you to be a presumpt-
proposal. Most men in your position
would have ordered their servants to kick or
horsewhip me off the premises
Had you kept your engagement to my
sister a secret, instead of boldly coming for
ward and asking my consent, 1 might posi-
bly, have adopted that course, which is es-
sentially English replied the earl, laughing
"Of one thing you may be sure: if you ever
do get kicked out of this house, it will be
your own fault.
Many a true word is spoken in jest; many
a prophecy is uttered unconsciously.
The two men parted company the best of
friends, little guessing that before another
twenty-four hours had passed they would be
the bitterest Of foes.