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


mated conversation with him, while Mr..
Woodville tried to interest Goodwin in the
topics he was discussing with Talbot, Jasper
grew so wild with sudden jealous rage, that
fearing lest fury should cause some dsas-
trous outburst, he seized his hat and retired
to gnash his teeth in darkness, oblivious Of
the hosptable invitation Mrs. WoodvilIe had
extended to him to dine and spend the even
ing with them.
DR.. Talbot watched him with an interested
eye, as he muttered his apologies
He seemed about to make some remark
after his departure, and then he closed his
lips firmly and shook his head slightly, If
he had thought better of his intention.
The squire laughed ruefuly.
He's curious fellow-not over-polite, is
he?" he said But I've got to be civil to
him, worse luck! Hang it all, let's make the
best of matters! How are those Egyptian
shares going, do you know, Talbot"
And they began to talk Of business mat
tiers.
Nan had lifted her head as her father
spoke.
A sudden color flashed into her set face,
and her heart throbbed wildly; but in a
moment her decision was taken in her rash,
youthful courage
Her father worried enough; it would
only be an additional trouble TO him if she
told him how much Goodwin had frightened
her.
She resolved to keep him at arms length
herself, and to say nothing about his strange
behavior and flushed with the vivid re-
IieIIlUIdHce OI the afternoons scene, she be-
gan to laugh and chatter in her usual light
hearted way, although in the bottom of her
heart lurking sprite tried to brighten her
into believing that the rubcon was forever
passed, and that she would never be again
the thoughtless, happy girl she had been be-
fore Goodwins avowal had painfully awak-
ened her consciousness to a dreadful new
world, in which passion and fear existed.
The next few weeks passed so uneventfuly
that she was glad she had made her resolve
of silence, for Goodwin, much against his
will, had been forced to return to London,
and, during his absence, Nan was beginning
to lose the sharp sense of fear and disgust
he had awakened in her.
1t was maddening to him to have to leave
the girl he loved under the same roof with a
young and handsome stranger such as Adair
was; but, before he went he planned and
executed a cunning trick by which to protect
her from the other mans attentions, and,
calling at Woodside when Nan was out, found
an opportunity of pouring out unwelcome
condolences to Adair, who was surprised and
displeased by his sudden show of friendship
especially when he discovered towards what
bend it was tending.
ct wish" said Goodwin in burst of pas
sionate fervor; that Nan were not so ro-
mantle. I-I-I-" He stopped and grew
red and then pale before Adairs look; but
his eyes met his boldly. LAS I've begun" he
continued in firmer voice, IT may as well
tell you our little affair. Nan and 1 have
been engaged for some time-in secret, for
she likes the romance, and I'm only too glad
to humor her; but I'd much rather tell the
squire. Things will be all right soon. She
loves the old people too much to deceive
them. Only-only-you know how fellow
must feel"
Adair looked at him again rather haughtily.
But why do you tell me?" he asked. st
have nothing to do with it,
ooh, don't know!" with a confused
gesture. Somehow, just because you're
stranger 1 know you'll not mention it."
raising his eyes sharply.
Adair bowed his head, unwlingly and
Goodwin started to his feet and made his
adieux.
Il didn't manage it in polished fashion,
but it will do ne murmured to himself as he
went home straning his eyes vainly over the
wooded landscape in the hope of catching
even distant glimpse of Mans dainty figure
"Oh, Nan, Nan, what madness it is to love
youi To what crimes might you not lead me.
Oh. love, love! the whole world shall not
stand between and my desired"
And he clenched his strong white teeth till
his lantern jaw took a stern and cruel line:
while his dark eyes burned like shoulder
ing furnace, in the fever of vain love and
desire that tortured him.
Adairs period of convalescence was very
pleasant one for the young mana halcyon
time on which he could look back he told
himself, when the dreary round of life had
commenced again, for he had never been
happier in his life than he was during his
stay at Woodside, in spite of the poor outlook
of his fortunes.
Even during his life with his uncle as his
heir he had known little real domestic COM
fort, and therefore Mrs. Woodvlle's gentle
kindness and Mans merry buoyancy were
very charming to him.
He fell into the feeling of the house with
regard to the girl and treated her as child
with protecting Observation-Disclosures though
sometimes, when soft gravity replaced her
tender mischief, and he was startled into
finding she was on the threshold of Non,or
hood, the remembrance of Goodwns confess