The times., 1900-12-30
OH FIJI Ne
Sos CT (oHl o. A
Dynd and Monad and No valency.

here. My father sent a man back order
ing the carriage to be at the Cross Roads
to meet the public coach this evening,
when Mr.. Daggart would arrive. But
had intended coming to the dance, and
and it was impossible that | should re-
main for him to find me awaiting him
submissiyely. l came half way in the
carriage, and-an9 you know the remain
der, Sir Cecil" she faltered, and then
laughed like willful child.
And this is your sole reason for hat
ing this Richard Daggart?" / asked.
Have you heard aught else to his dis
paragement?"
rs 1t not enough that he should pre-
sumo suffit iently upon his position to
hasten hitler and press his suit? That
he thinks | have wcited like plum upon
? tree to fall at his bidding? Nothing
that Richard Daggart may do will force
me to marry him And II, as you say,
you know him, Sir Cecil, and you feel
any frienGliness for him, l would that you
could tel, linn so.''
mo, l have not constituted myself
Dick Dagg;irt's friend in this errand."
/ made answer, for / have reason to
know that he has come to arrange the
matter in 'lferent manner from that
which my i~.ling would dictate. To be
frank, | crossed in the vessel with him,
and already know somewhat Of that which
you have told me-
"Ah!" she said scornfully; "then he is
jabbler as well!''
Indeed, Mistress Truxall, whatever
Nick Daggarts faults may be, / do be-
iieye that no other has his confidence in
the matter He may be somewhat rough
in his way, having mainly lived the life
OF a soldier"
And having fought more duels than the
King would care to count" said she,
tapping her foot upon the floor. Il well
know the type of man. Sir Cecil; and it
i'll becomes you to defend him. A over,
braggart, a gamesterl" the bitterness
deepened with every word.
Nay, l am certain that Dick Daggart
has never been a gamester," said boldly.
Rather given to sword-play, it may be;
but all must be young once. and that is a
taste time can cure when life shall wear n
more serious aspect"
She rose. Il was willing to speak to
you concerning Mr.. Richard Daggart, be-
cause / had not met a gentleman who
knew him. But you have but strengthened
my first opinion, nor have you added
aught in my eyes to his betterment My
father and l are equally determined-he
that l shall marry this Daggart, un-
less"
She stopped with swift wave of color
rising to her face in lovely glow.
There is a condition." / said.
II own that my father has at least al
lowed me one." she answered.
Then, Miss Truxall, l risk the dan
ger of mortally offending you by craving
to know what this condition may be. Be-
lieve me, that ask from no light motive -
She looked surprised at my earnestness,
and then raised her head with a gesture
of pride which was unafraid. and said:
'If before seeing this Mr.. Daggart shall
have met one who is necessary to my hap
piness-one Of whom my father approves
then, il Mr.. Daggart will release me,
am released. But" size laughed, with a
note Of bitterness, the condition was
made too late. l shall find Mr.. Daggart at
Tewipton in the morning, whilst tonight
oh. tonight, would dance," said Mistress
Truxall. smiling upwrad. The memory OF
her rose-like. fearless loveliness as she
spoke thrills me as l write, and suddenly
there sprang up in me a great desire, that,
in spite of the name which stood between
us. not Dick Daggart nor any ether man
should prevent me from making this wom-
an my wife, If. in manner. ] could make
me worthy. Something of that which was
all quickly made stronger than myself
must have spoken to her from my eyes,
for her own fell in a swift, sweet confu-
ly, for it seemed that l must have told
her without words having passed between
us somewhat OF that which was born within
me.
Scarcely did Mistress Truxall's eyes meet
mine in the cotillion which we danced to-
gether, yet reason prompted me to mode
of action most difficult to sustain. Having
had more practice with the management Of
a gun or sail than with a woman, knew
that there are gentle creatures which must
be taken alone by strategy. and strong
creatures which must be overpowered by
swift force; but that the gentle and strong
together require a judicious mixture OF
both, and freely confess that Mistress Ju-
liza Truxall was capable of rapid change
of cover sufficient to bewilder = more ex-
perienced huntsman than I.
1t was well after midnight. we having
danced the Roger de Caverley-her hand
uplifted to meet mine. and the other hold
ing back her white gown from a pointed
slipper; the sparks were still flying up
ward from the Christmas log thrown on
as morning broke, when through the mu-
sic and laughter there smote blast of
snowy air, and the barking awakened
hounds, and a burly, red-faced figure
crossed the hall talking loudly to Mr.. Fer
re.
II tell you have ridden up from the
inn like mad, She vas seen driving off
from there in the coach this very evening,