The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-19

Rene, there is one question L want you to
answer am sure you can have no objection
to doing so, and you may believe that 1t
is not curiosity that actuates me-did you
ever meet Miss Thorne before you came to
Roseraye?'
Man of the world though he was, and ac-
complished comedian, Rene Laroque was too
utterly unprepared for the question not to be
taken slightly aback at the abruptness with
which it was put.
He recovered himself instantly, however.
and replied quietly, though with evident hesl-
tatiOn-
II met Miss Thorne at a seaside place in
France several years ago. We saw good
deal of each other. She was visiting a rea-
tive of hers at the time. was extremely
surprised to meet her at Roseraye.
He paused again. I daresay you you
yourself to think that we met for the first
time? 1 was on the point of claiming ac-
quaintance with her, but 1 saw plainly that
she did not wish me to do So
But what could have been her motive?"
asked Lady Lilian then she added, flushing,
Il had no right to put that question. 1t is,
perhaps, indiscreet.
mot in the least. I am perfectly willing
to answer it, only I must ask you to regard
what say as confidence. You will at once
understand why He hesitated once more,
as if embarrassed; then, impusively, he re-
sumed, II determined there shall be no
secrets between uS-I will tell you the plain
truth. I admired Miss Thorne. 1 paid the at
tention man invariably pays to clever and
handsome woman. She chose to attach
serious Importance to these attentions. I
have nothing to reproach myself WITH
you did not wifully mislead her, or be-
have towards her in any way?'
"Most assuredly 1 did not was the
Franchman's vehement answer. "Of what
does she accuse me?-for I see she has done
so. 1t is only fair that 1 should be given
chance of defending myself"
Mot 1;1;@ Trr,iI1 fo11
you that she warned me against YOU
May I ask what reason she gave for do
ing SOP"
"She refused to explain what grounds she
had for her accusation, which, I must admit,
was of the vaguest. She contented herself
with saying that you were a scoundrel, and
warned me that if I had anything to say to
you I should regret it-only she put it far
more strongly than that
"Whatever can have induced her to back
bite me in this fashion? 1t was so uncalled-
for, to say the least of it, observed the
Frenchman, whose face for a moment pale
with anety, had lightened visiby towards the
close of his companions speech.
"She found lying on the floor of her room
an envelope addressed to me in your hand
writing. There letter in it, only
your photograph. You can understand at
what conclusion she at once arrived, and in
returning the envelope and photo, she took
it upon herself to denounce you in the man.
ner I have described
And may 1 ask what your answer was?"
Il told her." replied Lady Lillian, that be-
fore she could expect me to believe in or ap-
preciate the purity of her motives she would
have to repeat what she had said to your
face and thus afford you chance of vindi-
eating yourself-and that she seemed most
unwilling to do.'
"I am not surprised at her unwillingness,
answered the Frenchman, with a significant
smile For her own sake she would scarcely
dare to call me a scoundrel to my face.
know too much about a certain episode in
her life which-but, no! I will not retaliate.
She is woman, after all, and will there
fore spare her." he added, with superb ges-
ture of generosity IF you wish it, I will see
her in your presence, and defy her to prove
the truth of her accusations; but I confess
that it would be a most painful interview to
mean ordeal-for I, in my turn, should be
obliged to make certain revelations by which
her reputation would undoubtedly suffer.
STILL if nothing else will convince you, am
ready to-"
Il do not need anything further to con-
vince me, Rene" exclaimed Lady Lillian, with
one of her beautiful smiles. 'I have your
word, and that is enough for me. I trust
you absolutely. The day I doubt you-or
rather, the day I find you have deceived me
we shall part forever. But have no fear
know that time will never come"
"How can I ever be worthy of such love?"
whispered Rene Laroque. "The perfect love
that casteth out fea1. But now,'' he added
tell me, Lillian, what you think your brother
will say when he hears that you have prom
ised to be my wife. He will scarcely be
pleased. Nor can I blame him, for, after ALL
am very poor match for the Lady Lillian
Hereward ali earPs daughter and an heiress
To begin with, 1 am foreigner. 1 have no
position, no career. and my income is three
hundred a year. I really have not the face
the mpudence-to go and ask for your hand"
l"My brother may refuse his consent. 1t is
I foresee, quite possible To begin with,
much as he likes you, he will be disappointed
to find that am going to marry a foreigner
But at any rate, 1 shall be of age in