The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-12-31
CHAPTER XIX.
CASTOR FoRGETs HIMsBLF.

GTASlON EOR(TEIS HlMSEIF.
Even had not Justine enlightened Molly
as to the real meaning of M. de Treilles'
jocular telegram the girls own penetra-
lion would have enabled her to discover
1t, and she was therefore, disposed to.
look on that young gentleman in the
light of self-confessed ''prodigal.' The
letter which the countess had received
and her consequent distress, Raouls sud-
den departure, and Gasron's delicateiy
expressed desire for 'fatted calf" or,
In other words, for a prodigal's welcome,
hHke pointed to the fact that the latter
had fallen into some Scrape, and had
summoned his uncle to his assistance
L only hope it is not money. scrape,"
thought Molly. Heaven knows there is
poverty enough here without willfully ad-
ding to it!''
Then, recollecting the young mans very
sensible remark on the subject of lavish
expenditure, she consoled herself; it GER
tainly could not be that
Angry as she felt with CASTOR for hav-
ing, as she was convinced, added to
his uncle'S troubles she could not help
being disarmed by his demeanor when he
arrived at La Pepinere. The tact and
tenderness which he displayed towards
his mother were only equaled by the
consideration which he showed Molly
herself; his evident desire to please and
entertain them both was, moreover. suf-
fciently fattering. Then, there was no
doubt about It, he was most amusing
companion. There was sparkle in his
conversation, an originality in his
thoughts, a charm in his manner as fas-
cinating as apparently unstudied.
very bad" thought Molly, as She re-
gained her turret room that night; "but
l wonder why he and his uncle are so
completely estranged. And I wonder -
tain irritation, why NJ. de Savigny does
not come back"
The next day, on entering the dining
room for dejeuner she found M. de
INTpillnG 1lTnQdU TOD
window sill, and humming a gay little
ditty in very sweet falsetto.
'6fademoiselle,' he said after he had
risen and offered his greetings, "T am re-
thanking you for all you have done for
my mother l assure you the change
you have worked in her is incredible,
and | hardly, know how to express my
gratitude. If you could conceive how
much my mother is to me, you would
realize what I feel. My mother is all
then, my joy in finding her health re-
established her life doubtless prolonged
by your untiring devotion"
GU are too good, returned Molly q
little stiffly, for his tone appeared to her
exaggerated. Il am afraid 1 cannot lay
claim to having worked such wonders
Nine. de Treilles has been certainly bet
ter, which [ attribute In great measure
to the fact of her going out regularly,
but OF late have not thought her so
well. OF course she has been anxious -
she ADDED, rather WIckedly.
And that IS my fault, IS it not?' said
CASTOR, a sudden flash of humor leaping
into the eyes which a moment Store h. d
been actually moist. 81 accept the re-
proof, mademoiselle, and am not surpris-
ed at your severity. All women are nat
urally cruel-lil1e cats They like to make
you feel the claw in the pate de velours
but some day, mademol5elle. I should
like to tell you a little about myself.
Perhaps, if you knew all, you would not
blame me so much. -
pray do not think I blame you," said
Molly, quickly, for she had no desire fer
venture to do such a thing. Indeed, .
with a smile viii h somewhat soften d
the bluntneSs of the remark, 81 know
nothing whatever about you, and am
on your do1ngs."
CASTOR seemed very much amused at
TINS remark, and was about to reply
when his mother entered.
Some time ! will tell YOU nv history -
he said, in a low voice as he passed the
girl Not today-tomorrow, perhaps"
On the morrow therefore he tracked her
to retired part of the garden where
weeds, and began his story It was not
much Of a story after all. A long his
tory Of q petted childhood. a spoilt youth,
an easy, gOod-natured disposition, q too
generous heart Molly was not much the
wiser in the end M. de Treilles gave
her TO understand that all his life Ing
ne 4idu bSSll extremely popular, that he
mad many friends-some of them, as she
gathered. not altogether exemplary ones
and had been betrayed by them into
sundry peccadilloes which had caus d him
to suffer acutely, and the mere memoirs
OF which filled him with remorse
Nv hat is one to do he asked ''wfen
me heart urges and the conscience for
bids? All, mademoiselle in me the two
are not evenly balanced, and struggle
suffer, reason as I may, the heart toe
often gains the day
Wen, but it should not, you know
said practical Molly She was Just a
my bit out of patience with him and hts
story. If you know you are wrong, all
the sentiment in the world won't eXtuse
She looked longingly at her heap of
SfouhoSeI. eager to set to work again
put as Castor showed no signs of de-
Slring to withdraw, and as she was anx-
ious to bring the conversation to an end
there was nothing for it but to return to
the house. - ~
Then you do not pity me?" said the
young man, turning 10 accompany her
His eyes We're twinkling, but his voice
was pathos itself
Not the least in the world" returned
Molly. promptly; and then Castor burst
out laughing. with that frank merry
spontaneous laugh of his which the mos
stony hearted found Irresistible
The young mentor herself hoU,a,,o,
much she might disapproVe Of such vola-
tile conduct, was constrained to ioin in
his m1rth. and the two were LAUGHING s+iii
as they stro!led together UP the moss.