The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-12

was lady by birth and breeding he had
never for a moment doubted.
That circumstances compelled her to work
Tor a living was no fault of hers, and if she
chose to vary her work by taking fresh
situation every month, surely she had a right
to do so?
L love you,' he declared. 81 would make
you my wife this very hour if it were possi
ble"
He had a savage sort of satisfaction in
humbling himself before her by confessing
the mad suspicion he had entertained of her
honesty.
Instead of the torrent of angry words he
had expected, she had laughed-actually
laughed, owning that he was justified in hav-
ing suspected her.
Your eyes did not deceive you,' she ex-
planned. You did see an envelope addressed
by your cousin in my hand, but it was
addressed to me- l had forgotten it was
amongst my letters; and my confusion, which
you naturally mistOok for guilt, caused
by fear lest you should recognize the writing.
The fact was, l had wish to live in Lon
don.
when I engaged myself as companion to
Lady Hawkesley it was on the understand
ing that she remained abroad. But some
whim took her to England, and she informed
me that she purposed returning for some
months to her house at Queens Gate.
Directly 1 learned her intentions 1 looked
out for another situation-not particular
whether L was companion or governess. 1
saw Mrs Fitzsimmons' advertisement, and
Sir George Warden, always my kind friend,
asked him to do so. Mr.. Treeaven wrote to
me at Calais to assure me that all was right
And when heard your name you may guess
that 1 was anxious to conceal his letter.
But why? How could my knowing all
about it have mattered?"
How was to Know you would not men
ton to Lady Hawkesley that I corre
spending with Sir George Warden's secre-
! tary? Sir George recommended me to her
ladyship, and 1 did not wish her to know 1
was leaving her. Don't think l treated her
badly, Mr.. Murray our agreement was that
I should leave or be dismissed at the end of
the month if either of us was not to the
others liking. And apart from my reluctance
to live in London was the fact of Lady
Hawkesley's domineering tyranny-she would
have made a frst-rate slave driver; but my
spirit not sufficiently weak to allow me
| to submit"
You will think 1 am still suspicious of
some hidden mystery in your movements; but
1 must ask you why you left The Elms SO
hurredly?"
Then her eyes flashed as he had feared they
might at his confession.
Il was again UnlGcky in my Mistress" she
replied, a ring of scorn in her indignant
voice. Mrs. FitZsimmOns seemed kindness
itself until her brother arrived the scene
and chose to fancy that was his style.
succeeded in undeceiving him. but his sister
preferred to think | desired and sought his
attentions. Our pleasure at parting was,
believe, mutual. My unfortunate experience
as governess and companion prompted me to
N. l.
periments; moreover, have talent for hair
dressing. 1t may interest you to know that
up to the present, l am far happier as the
Countess of Bradwardine's maid than 1 have
been in any other post since I began to earn
my own living.
Everything about you interests me-" he
said Il love you, and I shall not be content
until you are my wife.
But, surely, this is more like madness than
to suspect me Of
Don't say it, Don't ever speak or think of
that again. or I shall have to believe that you
have not forgiven me-
But I have forgiven you!" she declared
Then love me, and marry me!''
/ Il must feel sure, first that like you well
enough, and that you not mistaken in
thinking you like me-
How shall I convince you of that? Put me
to any test you WILL
II may tire of my present post she
suggested. When you next me you may
find me selling flowers in the London Streets -
''If I do will arm m"sef with a marriage
license, lift you forcibly into a cab, and marry
you at the nearest church.
Il verify believe YOU would" she said
softly, with kndling eyes and glowing cheeks
for love of this sort acceptable to her
But then, again, you might discover me
as d circus rider, for [ am thoroughly at home
on horseback"
Don't try me too far" he advised cor
will leave you &c chance of being anything
but my wife when you tire of doing the
cour tess hair.
You should have lived in the days of
chivalry and romance, Mr.. Murray; you are
no nineteenth century wooer. / have never
been wooed in this fashion before
THAT is why you are still unwon'' he
retorted, boldly. An Indifferent lover with
no energy to love rassionately, would not be
to your liking
perhaps not But seriously. I cannot
marry you yet. I am not sure that 1 care for
you; so should like you to have chance of
forgetting me. Go away-travel where you