ren

re swollen, and it was evident she had been weeping. During the day she had had an interview with her

e objected, "I d

, and love

he said, v

y, miss," said Mr. Li

t alone that I do not love hi

a young girl's ex

unc

such a foolish dislike. Wh

at Curtis is a bad man. There is so

enerality of men. In marrying him you will carry out my cherished wish. Florence, I have not long to live. I shall be glad to see you well established in l

sary for me to marry

de my fortune between you and Curtis, you would be

become the wife

said her uncle, angrily. "Do yo

lse, Uncle John, and I wi

wish, but are willing to obey me in unimport

ttle child, helpless and destitute, you took me in your arms, gave me a h

ember th

ou will not consider

refuse to make the only return I desire. You refuse to comfo

happiness that no one has a right to

John Linden, stormily. "Do you kn

epared f

in balking me, I shall leave

ill, uncle. I have no claim

there; but th

upon him a mute

your senses. Then, if you persist in your ingrati

mean that?" exclaimed

ove me. Not another word, for I will not hear it. Ta

self up to sorrowful thoughts. But she was interru

cy de Br

ollowed the servant into the room, and made it imposs

well, Miss Flore

n," said Florence, coldly.

nce. My doctor tells me it is only those whose bwai

said Florence, with intentional sarc

that is vewy clevah. Y

I assure you, M

e. Didn't I see you at

y. I was

wa. It's so-so fashion

n't go to he

-an Englishman-a charming fellow, I assure you. He's the second cousin of a lord, and yet-you'll hardly credit it-w

at all s

it a great compliment. I don't know how it is, but ev

very

why, Miss

xplain. It seems to give you pleasure. You

racter. It's a gweat pity we have no lords in America. Now,

. Even if I did, I prefer my own countrymen

if we only had s

plenty of

lly clevah,

are too complimentary. Y

your company, Miss Florence. I-

a trifle monotonous?" aske

ied," said Percy, bo

mean, Mr. d

ove with you, and have been ever so long-but I never dared to tell you so. I felt s

y slipped from his chair, and s

lorence, hurriedly. "It is quite out of

d Percy, clasping his hand

t I am a

may stil

de Brabazon. My heart is free

omily, "there is only o

is t

climb to the parapet, jump into th

esperate resolution, Mr. de Brabazon. You will meet

ewell, cruel girl. When you read the papers tomorr

his arms gloomily, and

mile," said Florence. "Mr. de Brabazon will not do this t

ted herself at the table, and dr

er known. What can have turned against me my uncle, usually so kind and considerate? It must be tha

eet of paper, an

an atmosphere of love, and I have felt very grateful to you for all you have done for me. I have tried to conform to your wishes, and I would obey you in all else-but I cannot marry Curtis; I think I would rather die. Let me still live with you as I have don

ore

lected that she was no longer entitled to use a name w

from all sorrow, and secure in the affection of her uncle, had never dreamed that there would come a time when she would feel obliged to leave

nce let her head fall upon the t

oticing that her mistress was sleeping, contented herse

the French clock upon t

on tiptoe. He was roughly dressed. His figure was manly and vigorous, and d

when he s

b, but I've got to do as Tim told me. He says he's my father, so I s'pose it's all right. All the same, I shall be nabbed some day, and then the family'll be disgra

delay he succeeded, and lifted the cover. He was about to explore it, according to Tim's directions, wh

ed in alarm, "and what