The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-02

charically opened the window and sped to-
wards the trio
my hair, you cad! cried Cockleton, blind
with rage, and striking mad blows, which the
polceman lodged. "Ill summon you for
your abominable ault-you-you-you-
you low cad!''
Whatever is the matter?" gasped Veron-
lea.
The matter?" Cockleton echoed fiercely.
Ifls-this confounded idiot is trying to ar
that my hairs a wig
L ask you. madam if this gentleman isn't
Jasper Mannering?" said the detective, ap-
pealing to Veronica. Pm only doing my
duty; I've the law on my side"
Jasper Mannering! My brother?-
Veronica turned ashtn grey. What does he
mean?"
Miss Joel put her arm around her. Come
indoors, dear, it's a mistake foolish mis-
understanding she said, trying to lead her
away.
I'm looking for Jasper Mannering, the
murderer said the detective sullenly, for
his temper was not sweetened by Cockleton's
resistance. us this him?'
Veronica withdrew herself from Miss Joel's
arm, and stumbled forward few steps.
What do you mean?" she said in a low, con-
fused voice. 81 don't understand. Jas
per-
All turned dark before her eyes, and she
hung out her hands with despairing cry.
The next moment she swayed forward in
faint into Miss Joel's arms.
For sine time after Veronica had regained
consciousness, she did not remember what
had happened. The doctor advised that on no
account should she be allowed to learn the
full particulars at present, and prescribed
soothing draught.
Next morning however, the recollection of
the scene of the day before returned to her,
and Miss Joel, finding it impossible to veil
the truth from her any longer, told her as
gently and kindly as she could the sad story
OF Jasper's ENHANCEMENT, and his present
desperate situation.
1t was nearly noon, and the wintry sun
was shining brightly, but coldy through her
bedroom window. Lady Norah was standing
beside the hearth, looking compassionately at
the Sobblng girl who was seated in an arm
chair; and Miss Joel was busting cheeriy
about the room, readjusting the dainty tray
Verc nica's maid had brought. Lady Norah
and Sir Anthony had just arrived the latter
remaining downstairs, in a fever of anxiety
about his sweetheart.
"Oh. is it true said Veronica; cor is it
some dreadful dream?"
Il hope, dear" Lady NOrah REPLIED cit will
turn out to be a great mistake. Of course
we know Jasper
Jasper! Where is Jasper?" Veronica
cried starting up.
He is SAFE" answered Miss Joel in a tone
OF triumph; she got safely away last night
Sir Anthony had telegram this morning to
say all was right. Poor Cockleton'-and her
eyes twinkled "he did object to having his
hair pulled"
"Sir Anthony knew when-when--" Yer
onica coored family; when he told me-
yes, dear, Anthony knew from the first
But you must not talk any more till you've
had breakfast, my love'-and the girl was
compelled to obey.
1t was an hour later and Veronica was
alone in the drawns-room, waiting to see
Sir Anthony, and longing for yet dreading
the interview. She was very pale, but her
eyes were burning feveriShly. On entering
Sir Anthony felt sudden sharp pain con-
tract his heart, as he saw how much her
grief had overburdened her.
ooh, my darling! 1 can't bear to see you
looking so pale and sad" he said, passion
atey.
"Sir Anthony" she began
Anthony, dear" he corrected-'not Sir
Anthony now
Her face seemed to grow even whittier, and
her lips trembled for a moment; and then
sh.- Grew herself together with a determined
effort II wanted to tell you that 1 cannot
fulfil my promise. 1 cannot be your wife,"
she said, slowly and painfully.
why not Veroni"a?" ne asked quietly.
"Is it because you have found out that you
do not love me?'
She did not answer.
Don't you love me, Veronica? Dearest, if
some great trouble had fallen on me you
would not give me up. would you?" he asked,
softly. Her eyes answered him, and he kissed
her. Not even if it was caused by my own
folly?" he continued, fondly. well, then,
why should give each other up when we've
neither of us done anything wrong?"
But Jasper
ct knew about Jasper, dear"
yes, everything How can it make any
difference?"
She began to sob aloud and Anthony let
her grief have it's outlet, thinking it would
do her good, and then he handed her her del
icate lace handkerchief and helped to dry her