"Thank you, Coulson, I think not,* @aid Mr. Hyde; "or stay! you might @end a telegram for me." ~ He pulled out his note-book, scrib- fied a few words in it, tore out the deaf and handed it to the servant. with dnstructions to- despatch the telegrani @t once. 1 "Just a word to my daughter," he 'explained, as the man departed, "to @repare her for the pleasure of your arrival." ; » A few more minutes and ihe ral @was on its way again. It is hardly necessary to say that Marjorie St. Clair was no other than 'the child whose father had met with igo tragic a death on that fatal St. Val- g@ntine's morning nine years ago. The change in her name had been hrought about by her going to live (with her mother's cousin, Miss St: 'Clair. This lady had «aesired the child to fhe called by her name; and now Mar- ' Sey rarely remembered that it was ' ot her own. Her father's murierer had never fbeen discovered, ir ipite of the most ---- search on ..e part of the'po- ce. ' seemed pretty certain, however, @hat plunder hr.1 been the object; for @ roll of bank notes was missin: from the drawer of the writing table--also the pretty gold locket which had been intended for poor Ethel Bruce's Valen- tine. She, poor soul, followed her husband to the grave within six months of the tragedy that had wrecked her life. s s a a Ss It was late in the afternoon when Mr. Hyde and Morjorie alighted at a Gittle country station, they having left tthe express at Euston, and finished ftheir journey in one of the slow local trains. A well-appointed carriage was in @aiting. Mr..Hyde ard Marjorie entered it; dhe servant who had traveled with bis master mounted beside the cgach- @an, and away they drove towards Denelands, which Mr. Hyde had told Mar!orie was the name of his home. A drive of half an hour brought them to It. It was a handsome white building, ample and substantial, though plain. It was surrronnded by a large gare @en and shrubberies, and there was a neat white lodge at the entrance-gate, There appeared to be no other house gvithin a distance of half a mite. Just behind it, on a slight eminence, fwas a wooc; ai the side of it a wide dake. | The carriage howled swiftly and | smoothly up the drive and stopped at the hall door. | Mr. Hyde, with great courtesy, as- | Ute sisted Marjorie to alight and led her | 'nto one of the parlors opening cut of ithe hall. It was a remarkably pretty, refined @partment. A cheerful fire was burn; dng in the grate. | A lady's work-basket andsome needle | (work were lying on the table; @mpty chair stood near, "Ah, my daughter is not here, 1; eee," remarked Mr. Hyde, glancing; ewiftly round the room. "Sit down, | Q@liss St. Clair, and I will fetch her." Marjorie seated herself near the fire, @nd awaited the coming of Miss Hyde, @ith no small degree of trepidation. When Mr. Hyde made his generous offer, she accepted it almost at once, gaimply because she was so distressed and overwrought that she knew not what else to do. But now she could not but reflect that the daughter might not approve ther father's choice. She might be a haughty, mistrust. ful young lady, who would object ta this intrusion on the part of an utter. etranger. Mr. Hyde had remarked, in the | course of conversation, that he was a widower, so Marjorie knew hig: daughter was mistress at Denelands.' j In a minute or two the door opened i end a young lady entered--tall and ° graceful, and wearing an elegant tea gown of black and gold, which trailed on the carpet behind her. | She looked a little haughty, but held : @ut her hand with frank cordiality. "How do you do, Miss St. Clair™ fwas her greeting. 'My father has told me about you. I hope we may be able to make you comfortable. I am Miss 'Hyde." Marjorie, as she murmured a grate | ; ful word or two, looked up at the face ' above her own; and saw in a moment {how very beautiful it was. : A somewhat southern-looking face "with a clear, creamy skin, large blue eyes, fringed*by almost black lashes, s 'firm, beautiful moyth and slightly | {. Wavy, very dark brown hair. Re Eek Dee mats De four or Sye:ent an 1 | ae { Gan twenty; her hegleg was one of singu lar dignity and grace. She sat down, begged Marjorie to de 'the same, and began to talk with per- fect ease, and in a clear, high-bred tone. "My. father says you have told him that the lady to whom. you were going and who has left England so suddenly, may return in the course of siv weeks," she said. "If she docs, and! you prefer to go to her, we shall, of | course, wish you to please yourself. U not, we shall be happy to havo you. continue to stay with us." These were kind words, and Mic: Hyde's emanner did not seem. inusio- | cere. And yet, in some subtle, mysterious fashion, Marjorie received the impres sion that she was not really a welcome guest, so far as this young Indy wag concerned. Presently Miss Hyde rang the bell and desired a servant to bring jin tea "We will have it here together," 'remarked. in the house at present. ana nave the evening to yourself. must be tired, too. Allow me to helg you to take off your hat and jacket." And very graciously and gracefuily | she persisted in helping her, in spite of Marjorie's remonstrances. During tea the two girls sat oppos {te each other, and more tlian once Marjorie caught Miss Hyde's eye fixed upon her with a look she could pot fathom--a scrutinizing gaze, as though she would penetrate into the innermost secrets of her soul. That look puzzled Marjorte. 4 There came a day when she under stood it well. CHAPTER IIL ? Visitors. Marjorie thankfully availed hergolf of Miss Hyde's cowsiderate offer, aud retired to her room very early in the evening. When she went downstairs next "morning she found Mr. Hyde in the breakfast room, his fine, fresh vom- plexion all glowing from his matutin- ath. He greeted her with the utmost cor- diality and kindness, To herself she said that if only tha laughter had the frank, pleasant man-: ner of the father, her home might be a very happy one indeed. In a moment or two Miss Hyae ap- peared, dressed in an elegant morning gown, and looking even more beauti- ful than she had icoked the night be- tore. Her manner, however, was restrain- ed, though perfectly well-bred and po- Evidently she had no,intentton of getting on terms of freedom with her | young companion until she knew her better. Mr. Hyde seemed to notice and be vexed by his d: xhter's coldness. Indeed, once h.arjorie saw him cast @ glance of unmistakable reproog at her. After breakfast, the members of:the family were free to follow the day's occupations or diversions. Mr. Hyde rode out on horse-back, first commending Marjorie very kind- ly to the care of his daughter. "You must remember she is among strangers, Madeline, and try to keep her from feeling lonely," he said, as he left them. "And you, my dear, must make up your mind to regard us as your friends," A mist of grateful tears dimmed Marjorie's eyes as, standing by the window, she watched him ride away. How kind was, how generous, how true a gentleman. Already she loved him as she might have loved a dear and honorable rela tive. Oh, if only his daughter were more ~~ him! She turned to find Made- islle's eyes fixed on her with that same scrutinizing gaze she had seen in them fast night. This time a slight shade of melan« vholy crossed Miss Hyde's brow, as though she sxw-something which gave her pain. She suggested they should sit by the fire and do some needlework together. Marjorie readily acquiesced, and a servant brought in a great roll of flan- { nel from which Madeline commenced, with great dexterity, to cut a number of ee which, she said, were for the p "ry * aleve so pleased to do any- thing of this kind--for the poor, I mean," said Marjorie, igang 8 her with interest. "I'm ine you like it, bid (oe were 'left to myse! I should never make a single garment" 'she Ok i tnd @ esc er. A curious look flitted over her face-- almost a mocking look--as though she bad her own opinion about her father's kindn All that day Miss Hyde and Marjorie were alone together, for the master of tne ae house did not return till early in evening. Little by Httie the elder girl's-man- fer unbent. The air of cold restraint dropped from her; her face lighted up into new beauty. caroeii said to herself-- "Oh, how I could love heriif only she sue | "My father is tired wiih | his journey, and will take his io his | own room. And there is no ono alse | After tea ] j dare say you will like to go upstairs | You i would always be like this." The truth was it was Marjorie's own sweetness that had softened Made- line. There was a charm about her which von its way to most hearts. Hard indeed would have been the heart that_could-_resist-her. The two girls were still sitting to- gether by the morning room fire when Mr Hyde returned. "T hope we have something good for @inner, Madeline," he said, cheerfully, "Your cousins will be here to-nignt." Madeline looked up, startled, a red spot on her cheek, excitement in her eye. "I got a wire from them at the sta- tion," went on her father, easily. "They will be here for dinner, Isn't it tume you went upstairs to dress?" *] think it is," said Madeline, speak- ing in an abstracted, precccupted fas> jon. "Come, Marjorie." And they left the room. Ten minutes later Marjorie, as she @ressed in her own chamber, missed a little gold sleeve Jink from her cuff, and feeling sure she had dropped it either in the hall or on the staircase, she slipped out to look for it. At the bottom of the stairs she found it; and as she stooped to pick it up she heard Mr. Hyde's voice in a room close at hand. It was slightly raised, undoubtedly fn anger or displeasure-- "Do as I tell you," he said, impera- tively. "You know my plans. Silence! I will not hear a word. Enough for you that I mean to be obeyed." It was not intentionally that Mar. forie had overheard even this much, and she wert upstairs again as soon as she had got her sleeve link, without pausing for a single unnecessary mo- ment. _ She concluded it must be-one of the servants Mr. Hyde was speaking to, and wondered what had been done to arouse such "pe hia iia in 50 smild-tempered & m A couple of eaten later there cama \ % Lhegeeatih ly cluster her_bodice. It was very kind of her, "I trust 'you will never meet with Leactue but kindness from Madeline," said the old gentleman, earnestly. The next moment Miss Hyde enter ed, gowned in old rose silk, with trim- -- of rich Spanfsh late. er-cheeks were flushed--her eyes hea as She 5 locked indeacribably beautiful. . "Where are Edgar and Charles?" she asked, glancing round. "Here!" said a man's voice--very soft and musical--just outside the door. It opened and two young men in he dress came forward, the fore- t, who had been the speaker, step- Ee up to Madeline and kissing her frankly on the cheek. Hex was very handseome, in a dark, Spanish style, with an olive skin, very brilliant eyes, a heavy moustache and glossyvhair of raven blackness. His-figure;-too;-was remarkably fins --iall, and of splendid proportions. He looked haughty, Marjorie thought; but~clever, und not fll-na- tured. His companion was younger, and b>} po means 80 striking-looking, but Mar- jorie liked his face better. He was perfectly clean-shaven, and had a clear, healthy skin, such as one often sees in young Englishmen who spend a deal of their time in the coun-+ try in the open air. His gray eye was very bright and een, his mouth was pleasant, his teeth were white and even. His whole appearance was unmis takably that of a gentleman. Not quite so tall as his brother, hs was yet of a good height, and pos- 'sessed, moreover, that air of alertness and agility which is a sign of perfect health. Marjorie was Introduced form. She then learned that the dark gen- Qleman was Mr. Edgar Hyde, and that the fairer one's name was Charles. Both looked at the dainty face of Marjorie with as much interest as was consistent with good breeding. .They greeted her with great court. esy, and Charles took her in to din- ner. Madeline laughingly taking an arm of her father and her cousin Ed- gar. During the evening Marjorie, whost perceptions were very keen, made @ discovery. Madeline loved her cousin Edgar loved him with that all-absorbing, pas- sionate devotion which one would nat- urally expect in a girl of her type. Whether he returned her love, Man jorie could not be quite so sure. There was evidently some kind of an anderstanding between them. As, on their entrance he kissed her, avhile his brother was content with a simple hand-shake, so, during the whole evening, his manner to her wag lover-like; his place, of right, seemed by her side. Nevertheless, Marjorie could not be quite sure he loved her, and once or twice she detected a jealous, dissat- in due isfied lookin Madeline's eye, as it tested on him. Mr. Charles Hyde took his place be« eide Marjorie, and seemed well con- tent to stay there; nor was she ill- pleased to have him, for he was a pleasant, eniertaining companion, and ' had read most of her favorite poets n tap at her door, followed by Me em trance of Ma'icline. "You've begun to dress, I see," she remarked, carelessiy. "I thought I would come in and tell you to put on one of your prettiest dresses. My fa- ther will like it, I think, and take it esa compliment to the arrival of his nephews." Marjorie was only too pleased to do anything to gratify Mr. Hyde, She acquieced at once. "Will you choose for me?" she sald fo Madeline. 'tAh, do, please." Madeline walked to the wardrobds without speaking, and looked at the two or three evening dresses which hung there. "You might wear this, I think," sho gaid, pointing to a very pretty frock, eau-de-Nil in color, and most charm- ingly made. "1 will send you a few flowers to wear with it." "Oh, thank you; how very, very kind Fou are. Again a slightly mocking smile curled Madeline's perfect lips. 'Marjorie did not see it, however, fot her face was averted, and a momen later Madeline quitted the room. When the dinner bell rang and Mars Jorie went downstairs, she made as fair a picture as the mind could frame or the eye could rest 'upon. The delicate shade of her dress hare tmonized exquisitely with the fairness of her skin. Her eyes were sweetly lustrous bes hind their long silken lashes; her beautiful golden brown hair shaded her white brow, and was'gathered in a simple Greek knot at the back of her dainty head. She looked sweeter than words can Gay. Mr. Myde, who was alone in the din- tng room, glanced at her with a well nleaged smile. too." and authors. She found it quite delightful to con- verse with him. Among other things he told her some capita! stories of his adventures at Oxford. His brother, who chanced to be standing ntar, caught a word or two and said-- "What's that you 're telling Miss St Clair, Charlie? "Oh, only a littie ta'e about a scrape @ got into at Christ church." This answer seemed to amuse the elder brother exceedingly. It was with diffiesity he kept from | Mughing outright; and when he re- | Joined Madeline he repeated it to her, as though it were an excellent jest. She, however, did not smile. On the contrary, a rather uneasy and anxious look crossed her face as she glanced at Marjorie. Late in the cvening Mr. Hyde asked for some music. "You play, Marjorie? said Madeline, ahd the suggestion was so warmly sec- gnded by all three gentiemen that Mar- forie could not but comply. "I wonder if you can play my favor- fte," said Mr. Hyde. "What is it, sir?" He rose, and placed 2 piece of musi¢ fm front of her. It was Mendelssohn'e "Hear My Prayer." "You wish me to play?" - "If you will." Marjorie's skill as a musician was far beyond the average, and her voice was exquisite--so sweet, so rich, so pure. As the beautiful strains ran through the room, everyone present Was eu tranced. Mr.Hyde seemed deeply moved. Macjorie, turning round, saw faim his handkerchief to his eye. sing as well as aed both Charles and Madeline echoed the sentiment. Mr. Hyde laid his hand in fatherly fashion on the head of the young plage ar as she mill sat at the pianofcrte. ae "You have given me a great pleafe mre," he said, in a slighty faltering voice, but very earnestly. "God brcas you, my : CHAPTER IV. The Locket. The next day passed pleasantly tx' sompany with the young men, who would spend, Madeline said, at least & week or vo at Denelands, There had been a hard frost for twe br three days and the ice on the lake - Was quite strong enough to bear. Madeline and Marjorie, attended by the two young men, went to make trial of it. Mr. Hyde, though declining to put on tkates, stood on the bank and watched them for some time, "You might invite a few of yous young friends, and make a e_atings party of it," he suggastea to his daugh< ter. "Sir Edward Mortimer and nis sisters would be gled to come, I think; a perhaps the Olivera Y¥i/hat do you yr" nat the mention of Sir Edward Mors timer, the two young men exchanged glances, and seemed exceedingly, amused. Marjorie saw their amusement and wondered what caused it. That, too, she was soon to undere stand. "Skating by torchlight would be fine fun," said Charles Hyde. "How would St. Valentine's Day do for it, sir?" His brother muttered a word of dise sent under his breath. He looked angry and disturbed. His uncle gazed at him intently fom ® moment of two then said in a slow, thoughtful tone-- "You don't like St. Valentine's Day, my boy?' "No, sir--do you?' demanded Edgar, turning suddenly upon him, and speake ing with almost fierce abruptness, them as suddenly turning away, and skate Ing auite to the other end of the pook (To be continued.) - PLAYED FOR THE KING. Susa's Band Well Received--Gen. Miles at Windsor Castle. London, Feb, 2.---Sousa's band played at Windsor Castle Friday evening by. command of King Edward. 'fhe concert took place in the Waterloo chamber, in the presence of the royal family and a large house party. 'The programme, in accordance with the King's wish, was composed entirely of American musio. The soloists were Maud Powell, Kstelle Liebling and Arthur Prior. His Ma jes- ty received Bandmaster Sousa in the most pleasant manner, and expressed his pe ecatinn of the "Imperial Kdward ta London, Feb. 2.--General Miles was the guest of the King and Queen at din- ner at Windsor Castle Saturday. The Prince and Princess of Wales and others Were-among the party. King Kdward is m good health, ane NO MORE PAN IN THE BACK Qhas Gilchrist, of Port Hop Cured by mae Kidney i 9 Ex-Slehery | Overse®rTin Sptendid Hohnete to 'gaye of the Mattar ek: Port Hope, Ont., Jan. 26 -- (Spe- cial)--Everybody in Port Hope knows Mr. Chas. Gilchrist, for fifteen years ery Overseer of the Dominion Gorttn- ment. He is seventy-féur-vears of age now and a healthy man. But he has had his share of suffering. For ten years he was afflicted with Dia- betes and Kidney Disorder. Dodd's Kidney Pills cured him. Speaking of the case recently Mr. Gilchrist said: "I have used Dodd's Kidney Pills for about five years off and on. When I get a pain in the back-and my urine is full of brickdust I take a couple of © Dodd's Kidney Pills ard I am all right. I generally keep them on hand, for there is no medicine like them. 'When I commenced to take Dodd's Kidney Pills I was in a fearful state. They have made me a new man. I have about one-quarter acre in a gar- den. I dug and planted it last spring. When I first. took Dodd's Kidney Pills ee not nays done it to save my, "T believe I would have been dead only for Dodd's _ idney Pills.' It is cures like this that are giving Dodd's sgt Pills their rae : Chief of Police and afterwards Fish-_ /