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

But she was model churchwoman, and at
tended strictly to the reading and responses,
in spite of the many furtive glances cast at
her.
1t was not until the rector was we'll al
vanced in his rather prosy hoInily. for the
day that she became conscious of a presence
near her that sent the blood Surging through
her veins, and caused her to bow her head
over her prayerbook which she yet retained
in her hand. When she had composed her
self the merest glance showed her that she
had not been deceived by the strange in
, tlmation she had received. In the seat di-
rectly behind her sat Jack Bergman, care
fully dressed in the latest STYLE and with a
bunch of lilies of the valley conspicuous in
the buttonhole Of his light spring overcoat.
When the benediction at last said and
the service was over, Margaret was slow to
rise from her seat. Her thoughts were busy.
Of course, it a mere coincidence Jack
had returned, and. coming to church, had
unin tentionally taken the seat behind her.
If she delayed a moment he would have dis
appeared.
The reverse was the case When she
reached the vestibule Jack was waiting for
her, hat in hand, and looking taller and
handsomer than ever before. Moreover, he
advanced to meet her wit hradiant face and
outStretched hand. How could she reject
such frank greeting.
1T is a beautiful morning. he said. May
l ask you the favor of allowing me to walk
home with your
Other eyes were upon them, and she id
not feel it decorous to refuse, even if her
heart had not dictated acquiescence.
When they were clear of the throng of
home-goers, Jack said:
Il got your bouquet. I was too surprised
to credit my senses. I had waited so long
and hopelessly for an answer to my letter.
[ am sure 1 said everything in the world to
show my regret and disgust for my conduct,
and to promise the most loyal amendment.
And at last you have reented have you
not?"
why, Jack, what do you mean?" she ex-
sane?"
Insane? No, unless it be with happiness -
But I got no letter; 1 sent you bou-
quet," asserted Margaret.
Jack paused before making an answer to
this astonishing statement. He had consid-
cradle of the diplomatist in his compost
ton.
Il can believe you did not get my letter"
he said, since you did not answer it, That
is the reason / came home at last to seek a
personal explanation. But the bouquet, with
your card, L did get. 1 am wearing some of
the lilies of the valley now in my button
hole-nOt many, for 1 would not spoil that
bouquet. [ shall take measures to preserve
it forever. You did send it, Margaret. Tell
me you did,
Yes, I sent it, she replied, after mo-
ment, with downcast eyes.
The lady in the case had also become diplo-
matte -.~-.- .---,...---. --..
1t is needless to refer to the explanations
that followed. That they resulted in a re-
S-NN
But there was the mystery of the bouquet.
well, you see Mis- Margery'' replied the
faithful fellow, cit was like dis: / hear
Mas'r Jack come home, and I tole Cicely
an she hear you say for me to give de boz
quet to Mas'r Jack. Now, t'ink you mean
de rector up to de parsonage, but don I'M
derstan it; and Cicely she say you mean
Mas'r Jack TO- sure, for why else he come
home? So OATS it."
Eyes, so it seems replied Margaret smil-
ing curiously. 1T is well that Cicely correct
ed you, for it would have been a grave mis-
take had the bouquet been delivered at the
rectory-a very grave mistake
1t was many days after the wedding bells
had rung that Jack Bergman learned of the
accident that had led to his happiness They
were walking in the woods, on a sort of
ante honeymoon picnic, Jack with his gun
and Cicely following with the lunch basket,
when Margaret, in burst of confidence, told
the tale.
But you mustn't be jealous, Jack" she
said. ''The incident has fully convinced me
that matches made in heaven, for who
but Providence could have turned my wrath
to your benefit?''
Yes" returned Jack; providence, whose
agent was Cicely."
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