The Saint Paul globe., 1899-04-30

Eonor but further than that 1 cannot co.
But you will be able to clear yourself of
the latter should it be brought up in court
at present only rumor?" said the earl.
Il shall not" he answered, quietly; but
another may clear me-
You mean the duchess?"
He bowed his head
The earPs face fell visibly.
Il had hoped there was no truth in the re-
port he said, gravely "And although l
nave known you, Castlemaine for a good
many years, and have no reason to. doubt
your honor, L must say it stands a sorry
cnahce at the hands of a woman whose rep
utation is at stake, and I conclude that some
thlng OF this is at the bottom of the whole
affair. All! here we are at your chambers"
He finished the cab stopped in Half Moon
Street.
There fresh blow awaited Philip Giulio
Mazett was absent, and in answer to his
masters enquiries the garruous and fearful
landlady explained that several days pre-
v1ously he had disappeared, bearing with
him several articles, including valuable
diamond ring that Castlemaine was in the
habit of wearing, but in his hasty departure
mad left on the dressing table and recollected
too late.
1t was a bitter moment no sting so bitter
as ingratitude, and Castlemaine's high bred
face looked considera bly, paler and graver as
they stepped into the cab again, and drove
TO Scotland Yard to give description of the
missing articles.
An hour later Castlemaine stood alone with
Lady Kathleen in the drawing of the
Earfs town residence at Queens Gate. The
Earl had been called away; this was their
hrst interview alone, and he was not slow to
take advantage Of it. With the closing door
he had risen from hi: seat and stood by the
girls side, his arms outstretched to clasp her
to the heart that had yearned for her so long.
AT last" he cried, softly. kitty, my dear
Kitty then drew back sharply
She, too, had risen, white almost as a
statue in her snowy morning Dress but with
a look on her face that froze the passionate
words on his lips, a wave of her hand that
sent him back, stunned, bewildered.
What was the meaning of this change?
Merciful heavens! it could have but one
mearing-she too believed him guilty.
The thought was overwhelming, that in
the gloom of the great shaded room, over
powering with the perfume of flowers, worn
with trembling and anxiety, a deadly faint
ness seized him, and he staggered, and was
obliged to lean heavily chair for sup
port.
Instantly her face softened
you are ill., she cried anxously spring
ing towards nim. Let me bring you some
wine'
But with an effort he shook it off
"a passing faintness," he answered, reas-
suringly, but his face very pale and stern.
Il am confess a little overcome with this
terrible accusation, and-the disappointment
of happier meeting"
Then she remained silent.
"Is it possible, Kathleen, that you, too, be-
leve guilty of the false charge that has
been brought against me? and of which L,
knowing myself guiltless, dare to accept
an honest mans hospitality in preference to
a common prison, and with the desire of be-
ing with you. You at least, who have proved
your trust in my honor, might have held me
guiltless of attempting SO base a crime
81 do, I do'' she interrupted earnestly in
an agitated voice, in which pride and feeling
seemed struggling for the mastery. Believe
me, Mr.. Castlemaine, there is not one who
knows you, myself included, who has ever en-
tertained for single moment the belief
in your guilt, and even if all the world were
against you I should still believe you inno-
cent?"
"Kitty!"
/ For" waving him again back; 81 do not
think a Castlemaine would ever stoop to the
vulgar crime of an attempted murder"
"a thousand thanks" he said mockingly,
for the coldness of her face and attitude
unchanged, and a great and terrible bitter
ness was taking possession of him. "And yet
on the face of it you treat me as criminal"
81 do not!"
"'Then what am to understand" he cried
passionately. "How have I fallen under your
evident displeasure? Did you not receive my
telegram saying I was bound to Russia, the
only answer 1 could send you in my haste?"
II did, she answered, sudden crimson
diving her beautiful face, fading to leave it
paler than before. And if you have one
grain of manly feeling, I ask you never to
allude to the cause for it again!''
"You mean that you recall your written re-
quest?"
'I do," she said decidedly.
| "And your ~" he said. hoarsely.
.'You are shameless to ask me such ques-
tion!"
Indeed! Then am unconscious of my
! shame" he answered, calmly, his look now
| as naughty as her own. 1.-The love of a Cas-
tlemaine was never yet, to any woman other
than an honor Thai love is yours, take it or
! leave it as you will"
She put her hand to her throat as if she