The Hoyden

en with exquisite blooms, all white and red and yellow

nd-a large hand but beautiful. "It is my favouri

hing in her charming air of surprise jars upon him

kne

e you were

glance from under her long lashes, that-wha

her, the whole of the past year comes back to him. A strange year, fraught with gladness and deep pain-with fears and joys intense! What had it all me

or one so little led by kindly impulses, or rather for one who had so few kindly impulses to be led by; but everyone has a soft spot somewhere in his heart, an

ve her always carte blanche to do as she would with all that belonged to him. She made Marian Bethune's life for the first few months a burden to her, and then Ma

at her feet (one never does the real thing now, because it spoils one's trousers so), and offered his heart, and all the fortune still left to him af

e his belief was justified. She did love him, as she had never loved before, but not well enough to risk poverty again. She had seen enough of that in her first marriage, and in her degradation and misery had sworn a bitter oath to herself never again to marry, unless marriage should sweep her into the broad river of luxury and content. Had Maurice's financial affairs b

ed-she had said something that made him know she sometimes counted on his uncle's death. She would marry him then! She would not marry a poor man, however much

could desire death-the death of

he said-feared to step aboard his sinking ship. Where, then

fair, with large, deep, gleaming eyes. He tells himself he will

im, a soft red rosebud c

did know you were comi

le-just a little-prone to prying-especially of late; ever since the arrival of that s

with delicate fervour. "How

ther cold, unco

gives him a

says she; "yo

im-closer still;-and, laying her cheek against hi

by both arms, and holding her a little aw

e, smiling still, "between friends an

er graceful head, runs her lips lightly ac

s she true or false? But, howev

she; "how slow you are to ask

rian? I have asked

, and his eyes are bent on hers. Once a

autiful face. "Go on, go on," she says lightly. There is, perhaps, some defiance in her tone, but, if so, it only strengthens her for the fight. "I am your captive!"

arms, and lets her go, and stands well back fr

an? What is the object of this flat rebellion-this receding from her author

lipping her arm around his neck. "How have I vexed you? Who has

to tell me anyt

d I not tell you

e question, and one onl

modesty

you ma

denly she uplifts her graceful form, and, lazily clasping her arms behind her head, look

ps have grown into a

repeat my

me?" Her large eyes have grown quite full of tears. "Is my own happines

mine! Marry me, Mar

ulous now and her face very pale. "But h

he shortly. "We ar

one must

es on deliberately-"I have been thinking, too, and I have come to

for the on

no

, only selfish

should rule it. It rules me. You tell me-you are for ever telling me-that marriage with yo

lly," says she in

gards her

u would come abroad with me, I could carve out a fresh life for us-I c

ut his han

s she with deep agitation. "You

last words have chilled him to his heart's core. "

er eyes are downbent. Rylton's

then?" says

his? What has changed you? Your mother? Ah, I know it! She has set her heart on your marriage with this-th

e all the luxuries that women seem ready to sell their very souls for? Come, Marian, rose above it all. I am a poor man,

iled. She could wait-she would; and she is so sure of him. He is her own, her special property. Yes! she can afford to wait. Something must occur shortly to change the state of his a

r somewhat ro

says he, his tone even rougher

him. "Oh-darling, do not let your mother come between us! That girl-she will make you marry that girl. She has money, whereas I-what am I? A mere

is stern. "If she will deign to accept me. I have not so far,

you say tha

. His beautiful darling! He soothes her, caresses her, lets h

grief and love she had never so forgotten herself as to