The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-26
an open wood. Yes, 1 hate myself; but, oh,
hate him, tco.''
CHAPTER w.
"Will You Forgive Me?"

VII YOU Forgive Me!"
The next day, early in the afternoon, DR..
Emerson was preparing to take a ten min
utes' nap in his chair after dinner, and the
Two girls were meditating "a SPIN on their
bicycles when the sound of wheels coming
rapidly up the drive to the house made the
doctor turn towards the window, and then
say, with start
BY George! it's Sir Basil Brooke. What
hopee'
he hurried out into the hall to receive his
VlslDr, doubling not that some professional
service was required of him.
But IN a moment Sir Basil had made it
GEAR that his visit purely one of courtesy.
ne asked after the ladies in such terms
that the doctor felt he had no alternative but
to invite him into the pretty, cosy drawing
room.
Accordingly he taken thither, greatly
TO the surprise of the two girls.
nope you not too tired after last
night" said Sir Basil.
He was shaking hands with Meg as he
SPOKE but it was on Nora that his eye rested.
one was looking very graceful in a tailor
maze gown of dark blue cloth, with pretty
lace collar and cuffs, and few snowdrops
caTelessly tucked into her bodice.
There was an air of distinction about her
always, let her wear what she might: and
this, added to her lovely face, made a very
peasant picture for mans eye to look on.
Her manners this afternoon were scarcely
as charming as her looks.
Usually there was a frank gaety about her
Whlch everyone admired; but today in her
anxiety to make it clear she had no designs
on olr Basil, she was silent, reserved and al
most cold
1he paronet stayed about ten minutes his
groom leading the spirited horse up and
uoWh meanwhile; and when he went away he
Meg. ~0
L never saw nicer fellow" said the doc
tot, standing at the window to watch the
retreating dog-cart. He's so perfectly un
u. rant 10
IL seemed as though Sir Basil was bent on
paying attention to the inmates of Ivy House.
as the doctors pretty little home was called
Ior, TWO days later, there came note from
him, written in a pleasantly frank and in
Io1ma! FASHION, to ask the pleasure of the
ooctors and the two young ladies' company
TO dinner the next evening.
VI course we must co. said the doctor
LII really wonderfully kind of him. [ sup
pose ne thinks he'd like to pay little atten-
ton to his uncles old friend
But, even as he said this, he looked at Nora
ano, moment later, exchanged significant
smile with his daughter.
thnk ia rather not go, if you don't
mind said Nora.
And pray why not, Miss 7Caprice?"
"Oh,l don't know! L don't care greatly for
dining out for one thing And then
We'll and then what?"
nate anything in the nature of patron
age, hashed out Nora, and looked a little
ashamed of herself the moment she had
said it.
10 Don't Don be a little snob, Nora, and fancy
patronage where none is meant" said the
doctor, good-humoredly. Il declare | don't
know my sweet-tempered girl lately And
as TO staying away from Dorincourt-well
tell you frankly, you'll vex me very much
if you do
Then I'll 60" said Nora, softly.
Ana, IN a fit of penitence, she took the
kindly doctors hand, and pressed it to her
lips
She had known him since she was a. child
OF twelve, and he was almost like a second
father to her
Inc next evening the doctor put himself
into ms dress suit after early tea and the
two girls donned their prettiest dresses in
readiness for the dinner at Dorncourt
The moon was shining brightly when they
arrived at their destination, and Nora as she
stepped out of the carriage, could not help
looking with special interest at the fine old
house which was the home of Sir Basil
Brooke.
How ridiculous for him to travel third
class! she murmured. He must have done it
simply to deceive me; or, perhaps, he's mean
I've heard of men being like that
Dorincourt was indeed a splendid house,
very large and very handsome, with beauti-
full gardens and fine extent of park-land
Nora could not help smiling to herself at
the good doctors jokingly uttered wish that
she might one day be mistress there
Sir Basil came into the hall to receive his
guests; and assuredly it would have been i'm
possible to pay greater courtesy to anyone
than he paid to them.
ne leu the way 10 the drdWlng-roOm, where
an elderly lady and a young gentleman sat
beside blazing fire.
The elderly lady was Sir Basil's aunt. the
widow of the late oaronet; and the Young
gentleman was frends who was staying in
the house, by name John Morrison
Dinner was served almost Immediately.
DR.. Emerson took the Dowager Lady
Brooke to the dining-room, Morrison followed
with Meg, and Sir Basil brought I'D the rear
with Nora.
She flushed crimson he drew her hand
through his arm, just as he had done when
she danced with him in the haIlroonn