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


times; they are much advanced.
Anthony laughed.
What Dangerfields are they?" he said.
MIR. Dangerfield said they belonged to a
cadet branch of the Somerset family she
answered. "The squire seemed to be quite
infatuated with them, for he left all the for
tune to his wife in the will made after his
marriage, and her brother appointed
trustee, and when she died, he made him
guardian of the co-heirs, Jasper and Veron-
ica.'
IF you please my lady said the foot
man, entering.
Pardon me, dear Lady Norah!"-and the
little whom Anthony had seen getting
into his carriage the night before entered the
room hurriedly-'but my agitation as to my
dear Veronica prevented me waiting until the
man announced me. You will excuse me,
knowing my feelings''-and he bowed low
before Lady Norah.
Good morning, Mr.. Dangerfield. Anthony
Mr.. Dangerfeld; Mr. Dangerfeld-my son. y
L owe you my apologies, Sir Anthony,
said Mr.. Dangerfeld, Strengthening himself
for last night; 1 was pressed for time-l had
promised to lecture for the Healton Gentle
mems Club on The Speculative Growth of
StCnes,' and my valet had stupidity put away
my manuscript. All, Lady Norah, you cannot
guess how much it worried me to think |
should be obliged to disappolnt my audience!
AS it was, 1 found the notes, and when I
asked the secretary '-cheerfully-"h said he
thought it one Of the most successful lee
lures. And now, how is dear Veronica? Bar
or not When he told me 1 set off at once,
without entering the house"-and he glanced
thoughtfully at the breakfast table. 80
sorry to have interrupted you in my intense
my painful anxiety
will you take some breakfast" said Lady
Ncrah, Hospitality.
''Thank you my dear Lady Norah. I will.
had nothing but cup of tea and a toast,
before leaving Healton this morning-my lee
lures modestly-"s to take all my
strength away-and 1 was too much dis
tressed by dear Veronica's accident to think
of eating afterwards. I'm delighted to hear
that she is not serious hurt'-sitting down
and beginning his meal with evident pleas
ure-"and that I shall be able to take her
back with me-
''Oh, no, 1 am afraid that will be impossi-
be," said Lady Norah, decisively You must
let her stay with for a few days.
How very annoying'' muttered Mr.. Dan
gerfield half to himself. Il shall be most de-
lighted, Lady Norah!" he said, aloud land
am sure the dear girl will be grateful for
your kindness. She could not be in better
hands"
Lady Norah rose. Il will tell her, and
Dear Lady Norah" spreading out his
hands appealngly; do not go! 1 could not
wait-I must send telegram at once; 1 ex-
pected Miss Bertha Joel-you know her?''-
expectantly locking at Lady Norah and Sir
anthony, and then becoming. slightly dsap-
pointed and surprised at theirilanegat
answer. mo? Why she's one of the fore
most writer's of the new movement; she has
just published her great NOVELETTE, most in
teresting work of the literary year-'When
Turk Meets Turk; or the Struggle for the
Mastery in a Modern Marriage!'-and as
Veronica will not be able to return to the
Manor tonight to play hostess, I must put
her off. Not that I believe she would mind, -
he explained; "she's above that sort of thing.
She's a high-souled fine-spirited woman,
quite at daggers drawn with Mrs. Grundy
she told me; it's of myself I'm thinking, for
you see it wouldn't do at all for me to en-
terrain her in the house by myself-a man
has to consider propriety nowadays'-gig
Cling modestly. Il shall have to put her visit
off for three days. Will Veronica be able to
return then ?"-eagerly.
Lady Norah hesitated q"
well, I'll put her off four days. then. Give
my love to Veronica really can't wait; I'm
dreadfully sorry at her accident I really
cannot find words to express my gratitude
to you, dear Lady Norah. Many thanks
four days-good morning"-and bowling and
talking agitatedly, he left the room, accom-
panied by Sir Anthony. When the latter re-
turned he found Lady Norah laughing heart
lily, and in spite Of himself he could not help
joining in her mirth, for the little man had
been so ludicrous in his selfishness.
Isn't he funny?" she asked.
IT think he's heartless little tadpole"
he answered, disgustedly.
NO. dear; he has big heart, but it only
beats for himself. He thinks he's literary
genius. I've met real literary geniuses, but
marked. "Well.'' wiping her sparkling eyes,
for she laughed until the tears came, ct must
go now to see patient Don't you wish,
my dear. that Miss Bertha Joel would offer
to visit you?"-and, laughing again at her
suggestion, she left the room.
For the next few days Anthony was obliged
to be in town on business connected with the
estate, and it was not until the evening of
the third day that he was able to return to
the Hall. The drawing-room presented a.
oh uni in