The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-05-21

sight of Jack, glad light appeared for a
moment on the charming face, SO unaccus-
toned to hiding it's emotions.
In another instant, however, it had diSap-
peared, and she passed Jack with bow so
cold and naughty that her ward started
What can I have done to offend her?" he
thought, and mentally determined to come to
an explanation with Mary.
But she would not give him the chance.
With apparent naughty Indifference the
girl persistently kept out of his way.
When things had arrived at this pass,
Laura Hamilton and her mother had an
earnest Capitalization.
Mrs. Hamilton was, in truth, the widow of
an army chaplain, but one who had lost his
position through malpractices.
With an infinitesimal income, his widow had
edged herself into society, and, an adven
turess to the core, contrived to exist on the
credit given by confiding tradespeople.
Things were at length getting desperate
with both mother and daughter. and the
their only means of release.
"It is that wretched little widow from the
Cape, whom he calls his guardian, who has
spoiit nv chance with him, mamma" said
Iaura. in a tone of bitter resentment.
Let me think-I have an ideal" said the
elder lady. Haven't they been rather less
friendly lately?"
Yes but am afraid it is only tiff
Never mind my idea may result in max
ing it permanent one" said her willy parent,
and on the next occasion of her meeting Jack
she put it into practice.
when does little Mrs. Joyce expect her
future husband home from the Cape?" she
asked him.
Her future husband"
Jack started violently.
Yes" replied Mrs. Hamilton. There is
quite a romantic stoly it appears, though
your clever little guardian has artfully con-
trived to keep it quiet. She was engaged to
a young man at the time she felt compelled
to mary her benefactor, and, when her time
of mourning is expired, he will doubtless ap-
pear, to fulfill their engagement"
A smothered groan rose from Jacks breast
"This explains everything!" he muttered
and, without a word, he rose and lett the
crowded drawing-room in Which he mad met
Mrs. Hamilton
On the following day Laura met him again.
looking worn, haggard and reckless after
sleepless night.
He plunged into ardent Irritation, when
Laura only too willingly responded TO.
A week later their enga cement was pub
licly announced.
Before Mary had time to hear of, however,
she was startled by visit from Mr. Jen-
nings, who had hurried home earlier tnan
usual from his office.
MRS Joyce" he exclaimed, evidently in
great agitation. Il am sorry to say that
there is bad news for your ward
Poor Jacki" uttered Mary, as she clasped
her hands in the old familiar gesture, and
her face which had been rather wan and
colorless lately, turned paler STILL What is
it?" she breathed, almost in a whisper
Il am sorry to, say those Australian banks,
stepped payment. 1 intended to recommend
him to remove it next week, when he comes
of age, and bitterly regret not having done
SO before
claimed Mary, with an air of the greatest
relief
He has lost everything replied Mr. Jen-
nings dryly.
Mary appeared lost in thought for a mo-
ment.
Mr.. jennings" she said, at length, IT am
ratEei rich, l not?"
Yes, my dear, your share in the mine is
growing more valuable every day. and the
fifty thousand pounds paid already is a mere
f1eabite to what you are really WORTH
well, then, I want you not to let Mr.
Forester know of his loss. Make some of
my money over to him instead
The lawyer gazed keenly at his wealthy
young client
Even if it were possible don't know that
1 ought to permit you to do that" he re-
piled.
"Ah, but want you to! Do, please, Mr.
Jennings" said Mary, pleadingly.
The lawyer hesitated before replying, and
their interview was interrupted by a servant.
who handed Mary a letter.
On seeing the Brighton postmark she
! quickly tore it open and after breathlessly
perusng it, she sank half-fainting on sofa
Preston Barracks, Brighton.
! tMy Dear Guardan-Just a line to saw
thai we have unexpectedly got the route for
| the Afghan frontier, where we hope to see
service at once on our arrival. We start at
An hours notice, and by the time you get this
we: shall be on board the troopship at South
arnpton. Perhaps it is as we'll that 1 could
not wish you goodbye, for I don't think |
could bear it. Dear guardian, had no idea
vol were engaged to some other lucky fell
! low or l wouldn't have worried you So
hope you will be happy, and remember me
eon,a+inoes if 7 should never seen Won again