The silver star., 1900-04-06

hlb-0Uu S-cOuvdleSceuce, anu HiS Va
reer altogether. lent impetus to the
thought that she would not refuse him
her hand a second time.
Marriage with Lille would mean to
him affluence equal to the rent rolls OF
Gadie. and-well. he admired Lille as
him to admire any one, to the exclu-
sion OF the overruling idol OF his life,
and that was self
But 1t was almost with the air OF an
ardent lover Don drew rein before the
spacious white house surrounded by a
cool veranda, between whose slender
columns green blinds of split bamboo
excluded the heat of the sun by day.
Yes. the memsahib was at home
he was informed by the durwan-door-
keeper-who hurried to his summons.
A gong was banged to announce a
visitor. and thereupon another native,
red-turbaned and white-caftaned. ap-
peared on the threshold and salaamed
Don Gordon through the white vesti-
bule toward delightful apartment.
which proved to be untenanted. 1t was
a veritable lady's boudoir. furnished
with European taste and Oriental
splendor combined
On the walls were dotted valuable
prints in English frames. which Don
remembered to have adorned Capt
Derwent's private quarters at home.
They had touch of pathos as seen in
conjunction with the great gilded
L !,
About the room were scattered the
books and thousand and one knick-
knacks which betrayed that even in
far northeastern India an English lady
must have her drawing-room. 1t is
her own especial kingdom, where she
can gather together and enshrine in
constant remembrance all the pretty
trifles which make up the larger COM
forts of the mother country.
Don Gordon, standing in the center
OF the room for an instant irresolute,
took in all the details at glance. Then
he walked to the large window opening
into garden. II was still light enough
for the lamps to be unlit. and the scent
OF the orange blossoms and the tube
roses stole softly In on the air.
He was usually self-governed to
fault; but the sight of this English
room had stirred anew deep thoughts
OF that distant Scottish home he told
himself he could never bear to look
upon again.
A silk curtain which draped the door
suddenly rustled, and. turning quickly.
Don found the girl he had come to see
advancing to meet him.
Lille Derwent wore a simple gown Of
washing silk. which came close about
her slender throat; but it was of spot
less white. and the fine mold Of her
sloping shoulders and rounded arms
showed dazzlingly through its delicate
texture, and her abundant golden hair
formed a coronet with which no Jewels
could have We'd.
As he looked at her Don felt his
heart stirred with admiration. for she
was vision of loveliness OF which any
man might be proud, much more n
would-be lover.
And Lille. who shall say what were
her swift thoughts OF the tall. slim
soldier. looking doubly handsome at
that moment in his Kharki uniform.
one hand holding his helmet, the other
resting lightly on the hilt of his sword
The next instant the helmet was laid
on the floor. and he was taking both
her hands and retaining them. with an
unmistakable emotion.
Il hope yon don't mind me coming
so awfully late. Miss Derwent; but 1
was on duty of and on till mess, and
then some fellows detained me SO long
till had simply to rush away and ride
here post haste
She smiled as she seated herself on
divan and motioned him to n chair
near her.
But, indeed. 1t IL not at all late. and
! am very pleased to see you. Cant,
Gordon" Then she added, with n
spice Of her old coquetry: And wha,
urgent necessity that could not wait
another day brought you here pos,
hnste?"
Don felt his breath come quicker. for
despite those visits and presents O,
fruit and invalid dainties with which
she had honored him In hospital. he
was not mt all sure how high In her cs.
teen he had scached.
Il fear ] made II point Of neccs.
sity." he answered bluntly: but I hat
letter from home today. Miss Der.
went. nnd-and the fact In ! couldn',
sleep till I'd had Ave minutes prlyat,
conversation with you. You won't re-
fuse me it?' he broke on. with a lool
In his dark eyes she could not mistnke
She flushed and looked down bcfor,
that ardent gaze.
mrs. Franklin Is always engaged
with Cecil and his nyah Just now" sh,
said softly. I'VE SHAH not be dis
turbcd."
Don rose and drew his chair nearcl
hers: but the tete-a-tetc was disturbed
In very commonplace way neither
had thought Of at that tense moment
Darkness had suddenly set In. fol
there Ia no twilight In Indin. A scrv
ant was noiselcssly lighting the lamps
and the huge punknh had begun Il
swing to and fro overhead to temper
the added heat.