The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-12

wife,
My family cannot possibly object to my
marrying young gentlewoman, who owns as
lifelong friend, the much-admired heiress,
Miss Molyneux, Sir George Warden's fair
ward
Have you met Miss Molyneux?
Perhaps the countess maid "cornered
at last for she attempted further objec-
ton.
mot yet. That is pleasure in store for
me-
You ..3 will admire her."
| Possibly
'She would make you a more suitable wife
than 1 should"
'I think you may allow me to be the best
judge Of that
You want to be allowed to be the best
judge of everything; but I'll not give way to
you on all points. l think I will make a
further condition that you shall know Ida
Molyneux before you again speak of love to
me-
80 be it, he replied. "I consent to this
Kermit me to return to Europe at the end of
five months. We must allow one month for
my study of Miss Molyneux-
She considered the matter for a moment
and then gave in to him.
Soon afterwards he started for Africa, with
no tangible remembrance of her. except the
flower he had taken, unrebuked, from her
dress, and she returned to the countess dress
ing-room with no hold upon him, unless his
card with the name of his London club scrib-
bled thereon might be considered bond of
union.
To that address she was to write if she
wanted him before the five months were up
or if she discovered she could never learn to
think OF him as her future husband.
But no letter from her reached him during
his absence. Only when. on reaching London
once more, he went straight to his club long
ing for one line telling him he was welcome
he found a little note, which as follows:
If Mr.. Clement Murray wishes for the lat
est information concerning l. NJ let him go
| to the -- Theater in time to see the short
piece before the play"
So she had come out as an actress now!
That note could not mean anything else
What an erratic bit of discomfort she
was!
Would she ever consent to be wife to any
man?
To enter upon a well-trodden path, from
which there was no escape except by death
or divorce?
1t seemed something like cruelty to attempt
to clip the wings of so brilliant a bird
Feeling, for the first time, hopeless of win
ming her, Murray went in search of his cousin
for more definite news but Tom was in
terrific hurry, and could give him only thirty
seconds.
a small thing a the -- for month past
Not under her own name, though. Tonight
is her last appearance. Wait for me if L am
late
There was, therefore, no resource for the
impatient, yet desponding lover, but to dine
and afterwards have himself driven to the
theater, where he was to see his sweetheart
with the footlights between them.
He got place in the stalls, and waited for
the curtain to go up.
Had he known the name under which his
fanciful love sought to attain histrionic fame
he would have gone behind, and begged an
interview before she went on.
But there were two ladies down to perform
in the front piece-Miss Amy Hurst and Miss
Violet Pennant-and he did not wish to ask
by chance, for the wrong one.
Co ha tn6 fhn n1r-i11 loo 1F LII
heart, and the testimony of his eyes, told him
that the woman he loved was before him.
acting under the name of Miss Violet Pen
nant.
He hadn't a notion what the piece was
about; but he quick to perceive when it
was drawing to a close, and then he went
round and asked to see Miss Pennant.
He was bidden to wait
He had no objection to do so now the meet
ing was so imminent; but he grew very angry
when word was brought him that Miss Pen
nant had left the theater, refusing to see
anyone.
No one knew where she lived, so, baffled
and wrathfu he returned to his seat in the
stalls, to wait for Tom Treleaven.
Luckily for his powers of endurance Tom
was not very late.
He arrived towards the end of the first act
and read his cousins face at once.
wouldn't she you, Glen? No matter:
she'll be here directly with the Wardens and
then I'll introduce you to Miss Molyenux
Come out and have a cigar to quiet your
nerves.
When they returned to the theater, Tom led
the way to box which he himself. had en-
gagged for Sir George Warden.
They sure TO be here by this time
Glen. Come along.
moment later they were in the presence
of Sir George and Lady Warden and three of
the loveest girls to be found in London that
night.
At least, Clement Murray was ready to be