Year: 1877

d prominent place in fashionable circles,
he had been told. And without brains,
he argued, she had palmed herself of
for a woman who was both loyable and
wise. Not the best logic in the world,
but to be candid, it was only his first
impression in the matter, and he had
not taken the trouble to think upon the
subject at all.


So, when he met her the next day, at
the house of a friend, where she was
spending the summer with his sister,
his first sensations were of surprise
then pleasure.


A self-possessed, graceful girl bowed
politely to a tall, handsome man, and
then, as lift was an afterthought, quietly
put out her hand to him.


He forgot to view her critically, as he
intended TO do. Afterwards, when his
sister came to consult her about some
trife in the way of dress, he remem-
bered his intention, but somehow it did
not seem an easy thing to do.


A well-fitting white dress set off a
round but not too tapering waist, there
was heavy braid of yellow brown
hair, dropping curl, knot of ribbon
here, fall Of lace there, a flower pulled
carelessly through sOft-cOlored tie at
the white throat. A combination he
scarcely understood, yet harmonious in
the extreme.


She was stately, yet there was a pret-
tiness about her all her own. She
seemed both gentle and strong, and be-
fore he was aware of it, she had en-
tered door in his heart, and she had
fastened the door like she had fastened
the door of her room that night. A re-
cess, too, it was, that he had never
known before.


He was not very young, this man of
whom | am writing. He had not been
without his flirtations-his love per-
haps; but the girls soft voice and man
ner touched a chord in his heart which
had never vibrated before. He had been
generous man, because he had dis
pensed his charities with lavish hand.
He was very kind and tender to those
he loved, but always best of all to him
self.


If he fancied a house, a yacht, a
horse, he purchased it at once. He
never sold his present moment for the
future, never longed for time to come
when he should be happier, but always
grasped the present pleasure, preferring
it to promises of future joy.


So, when he met Miss North, he said ,
at first.


"She's very lovely" and by-and-by
when he had watched her more closely
he told himself that in all his travels he
had never before met woman that in
his heart of hearts he lOnged to call his
own.


That night, when the stars were out
and the moon was shining, they were
all sitting upon the lawn. First one
then the other, under various excuses,
passed into, the house; Miss ThOrne
went in to play, and Mr.. Thorne and
Ada still stood upon the lawn listening.


The words of song floated softly
out, and they seemed to stir his mind
with sudden purpose.


Many girl have 1 loved for minute,
Many beautiful face have / seen;


Ever and aye there was something in it,
Something which could not be here my queen.


He scanned her critically. There was
not feature or expression in her face
he would change had he the power.
There was more restlessness in her eyes
tonight, and she looked paler than she
had done in the day. Perhaps, her
heart was touched also, but no matter.


He was sure she did not dislike him,
and he could win her love in time. And
then, without waiting, he asked her to
be his wife.


When Miss Ada North had closed the
door to the outside world, she went to
the window, and throwing open the
shutters, she knelt down in the moon
light. Tearing crumpled letter from
her pocket, she smoothed it almost
fiercely, and read its meaning again, by
the light of the moon. There was a
wild restlessness about her, her hands
trembled, and her red lips were firmly
set. 1t was written by mans hand,
this letter her heart had often throbbed
with Joy at the sight of this same writ
ing, but now it only brought feeling
of cold distress and dislike.


She arose, closed the shutters, lighted
the lamp, and taking package of let.
ters from her trunk, she sat down and
read them slowly, one by one.


They were all in the same hand-writ.
ing, and all breathing Of love and de.
votion to herself. Her task was moi
half accomplished when she heard
quick footsteps in the hall.


She rose hastily and unlocked the
door. Mary Thorne entered utterine
an exclamation as she saw the letters
scattered about the table.


"What is it, Ada, dear?" she said.


"There was one secret which
always guarded from you, Mary" Ads
replied, quietly, "Sit down. | viii
tell you all tonight, for tomorrow
shall put 1t all aside"


"Don't tell me unless you feel in
clined, Ada" her friend said gently.


"But l must tell you" she exclaimed
impetuously. "You know l received
letters from John Easton, but, as h,
was the son Of my guardian you wer'
never sure whe her they were upol
business, friendship, or love. For tw'
years / was engaged to be his wife. W.
lont n eoorat for II Nvbs his wish