The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-23

was 1t possible that she beginning to
leel AFRAID of this stately creature, upon
"nom she had wished to lavish wealth of
slsterly love?
Clorinda had startled her on severaI oc
casions by fierce outburst of ugly temper,
ana hrs in her eyes, both alarming and re-
pulsVe mad revealed traits terrible to Elva.
Ialk OF Sir Oscar instead OF that perpet-
ual mystery commanded Miss Vansdyt af-
Ter moments silence. Tell me what you
think of him?"
Il scarcely know him enough to give an
opinion" Tlva responded Are you very
FOND of him." she asked
Fond of him!" repeated Clorinda scorn-
fully: Il might be-if he worshipped me
less"
On, L never can help liking people who
IKE mel! exclaimed Elva, puzzled by the
vehemence of her cousins strange assertion.
Clorinda laughed
Her scarlet lips Knocked the sound of mirth
Ashcroft is richer estate than the
might make queenly Lady Drake?"
You are always splendid, Clori" was
EVas enthusiastic reply; excepting when
you are angry" she added, candidly. ct is
terrible to see you them
I'VE Vansdlyts have plenty of spirit"
Clornda said drawing her regal figure to it's
full height. you are a Caryl altogether
EVa-small and tame. Nothing in the world
could brighten or intimidate me- and you look
scared when so much as raise my voice
above the usual key. Wait till you have seen
Bernard in one of his RACES"
L hope never SHALL" Elva answered
They were now in the woodland Bruno
bounding before them and suddenly Clorinda
said, coolly-
You may run on with Bruno if you want
TO. 1 can see Sir Oscar in the distance and
ne Will be disappointed to meet with you.
Should he wish to propose, your presence
would prevent him from asking me to be his
wife Wlfe-a and, really am resolved to become
Lady Drake of Ashcroft" she added smiling
with conscious Self-aDprOva1
Elva stood STILL and regarded Miss Vansdlyt
with wide-open eyes of amazement.
How odd to arrange to marry him,n she
exclaimed.
Coz cried Clorlnda, with flash of her
tawny eyes. Il do not want your criticism.
You are so silly, Elvai"
The young girl flushed at the taunt gave
little stlf1ed sigh, and turned quickly from
the light of those glttering orbs
Again that chill-a frightened tremor-had
contracted her heart, and she was glad to
leave Miss Vansdlyt
Bruno! Brunei" she called softly as she
darted through the glade; "et US go to the
brook. Perhaps we shall find some flowers
for Mr.. Romer"
Reaching another avenue she sprang light
ly through some tangled branches alighting
into lovely dell.
The turf was like velvet; a sparkling rill
gurgied below the sun pierced LEAKAGE
Bruno scampered forward with banks of
delight, and Elva followed Just as eagerly
On the cool grass at the water-side man
reclined. at sight of whom she paused in
great surprise; then, uttering a muffled cry
she nolseleSSly crossed the SWard and looked
down into the clear surface of the brook.
She did not notice the sweet, dim reflection
OF her own face-the sunny CLINT Of her
golden hair pictured in the stream.
She was gazing into despairng grey eyes
into the haggard face-of the hermit
What had happened to him? she asked her
self, with a thrill of apprehension.
Why did he vince she stopped beside
MIN, reCOll when. il childish hu nd
hewilderment, she knelt by his side?
Mr.. Romer, is anything the matter? Are
you in trouble?' she asked.
He rose quickly, his pallor becoming more
death-lke, while he forced a smile to his
lips.
Il am taking your advice and have been
listening to the music of the leaves he
said, as she also rose. 81 am afraid it does
not agree with me to be idle, Miss Caryl,
since you find me looking as though Soma
calamity had happened"
Il am glad that it is nothing" she told
him. relieved. "It seemed to me that Won
were terribly unhappy. Were you thinking
OF poor jim, just as I keep thinking of him ?''
she added, whisperngly.
Osmonde Romer WINGED; his face grew
more haggard and lined
Yes he huskily assented; ST keep think
ing of him, Miss Caryl. would give my life
to know that he is alive"
Il may speak of him to YOU" she cried
TREMENDOUSLY. Neither Clorinda nor Bernard
cares to be reminded of his strange disap-
pearance: and not to talk of him at all is like
casing him with the dead, is it not?"
The secretary drew a sharp breath.
1t tortured him to discuss the unfortunate
young squire of Rose Dene with Elva, but
the appeal made to him touched his heart
and he said, slowly
Speak of him to me whenever you wish
Do you think that he fell from Priory Cliff
into the sea?" he asked and he looked
percingly into her face.