St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-05-16

NS SnS0Au WISH u DUA opposite UuFlUE
an interval at the opera, as she had a
particular message to give a friend,
VINO at the same time expressed de-
sire to be introduced to Victoria's
nance. Mr.. Barnes was therefore asked
20 accompany Lady Darnford. leaving
Victoria alone with Capt. Galway.
Eric knew the details of the plan,
since this was to be the golden oppor-
tunity of making hay while the sun
OF fortune shone
She noticed with what alacrity Mr..
Barnes rose to accompany their
hostess on her pilgrimage.
Eric rose and closed the door, then
he took a seat behind the curtain,
which concealed him from view.
Victoria" he whispered, in low,
vibrating voice, you are not going to
marry that man?"
He grasped her hand almost rough
ly, and frowned the words into a jest.
You are playing with yourself" he
said. You know you are going to
throw him over tonight
ShC 5lduCSU dCEOSS Tue HOUSE.
You know, or you soon will know"
continued the ruthless voice, that
Barnes has muddled his affairs, as he
will muddle your life. 1t is common
talk in the city, so Lady Darnford tells
me, he's on the brink of a disaster.
You must not fall with him. You are
being reserved for better things. Re-
consider. / am waiting. +
A short laugh from Victoria broke
the words.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, $50 you are
the better thing! / am glad Eric, you
have not lost your sense of humor."
Eve were made for each other" he
assured her. "You have known it ali
along. What is the use of quarreling?"
Then it's all settled" she replied.
'We just take up the old position
again, and wipe everything else OF the
slate"
He looked at her eagerly.
Eyes, Victoria; yes. forgive freely"
How good of you! How generous!"
Her voice grew soft, her melting
eyes looked long and searchingly into
his.
He flushed red with the glow of vic
tory and pleasure.
Victoria gave sigh of relief which
gratified Eric. The figures in the
box opposite were moving, and Lady
Darnford was making her adieux.
AS PetruchiS reappeared, Miss Stan
hope rose, little dizzily.
Piggy" she said, 81 don't feel well.
Will you take me homer"
He went quickly to her side, watch
ing her closely as she excused herself
to Lady Darnford.
Wasn't it a SUGGEST" queried Lady
Darnford, as Victoria vanished down
the corridor.
ooh, yes, indeed" replied Capt.
: sway, "she has all but accepted
me. But it's tiresome breaking
with her violent Petruchio."
He's quite mild; she needn't fear"
replied Lady Darnford, elated. MY
congratulations, and blessing"
"How do you feel?" asked Petruchio
anxiousIy, lowering the carriage win
dow that Victoria might get the air.
81 don't know How do you feel.
Piggy? l wasn't really i'll, but /
couldn't stand Capt. Galway for an
other moment. 1t was abominable OF
Lady Darnford to ask him and leave
us alone. / couldn't help fooling him
bit, just to see If he was the same.
Bah! it was the same old sameness,
only more so. By the way, Piggy dear,
think you might have given me just
one look across the house, to encour.
age me to behave nicely"
Il couldn't" he answered brokenly.
81 was a fool to be near you tonight
It was torture indescribable"
She put her arms round his neck.
Piggy" said she, Lady Darnford
informed me to-day was marrying
you for your money. Oh, I'm so glad
can give her the lie! Don't mind
about the losses; they will bind US all
the closer"
He listened with wild surging in
his brain.
Good God!'' he whispered, catch.
ing his breath, Il misjudged you,
too. / thought with Lady Darnford.
She told me, she warned me! May
Heaven forgive me! / felt sure to.
night would be the end! 1 was willing
to lose you if her words were true.
The story of my ruin was exaggerated;
it's all over the city, but I shall get
clear. have irons in the fire, darling
secret irons"
"Don't-don't tell me more! I un.
derstand! You tried me in the fire;
but oh, Piggy, can't be angry, be.
cause-because love you so, and my
love is real gold. 1t was all a trap! /
see the whole thing now. If had
been caught; if"
She buried her face on his shoulder.
Don't cryi" he whispered tenderly.
I'm not crying" she answered.
I'm laughing for joy!"
The NAw Ane