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102. WILD MARGARET.
lost mine, and I was as anxious—well, nearly as anxious, as
he was to learn whether he was to.be the happiest or the
most miserable of men.’’
Blair laughed, Margaret smiled, but she was fighting
against the strange repulsion which grew more distinct
with every word the supple lips uttered. .
‘Yes, he went on. “ And the idea of your going hand
in hand to the earl and saying, ‘My lord. we mean to be
married. We don’t care whether you like it or net, we
defy you. You may leave us your immense wealth or you
may bequeath it to the Home for Lost Dogs, we don’t
care. We love each other, and that is enough. My lord,
good-morning!’ Now, that is delightful! Itis imprudent,
it is reckless, and—and —well, yes—foolish; but it is so-
charming, so perfectly romantic, that I can’t help admir-
ing it. ;
Margaret’s eyes grew more troubled. Blair smiled no
longer.
‘‘T say, Austin!’ he expostulated.
Austin Ambrose held up his finger.
‘*No, no! IJ won’t hear a word said against it. I have —
a distinct conviction that the whole romance—and what a -
charming romance it is!—would be completely spoiled by
one word of wisdom, and I am very sorry that I ever ut-
tered one! Here, in Miss Hale’s presence, I make full re-
cantation, and implore her forgiveness for ever having
harbored one sordid thought concerning her. Let the earl’s
fortune go to the winds!” and he waved his hand dramat-
ically. ‘‘ With Miss Hale’s love, my dear Blair, you will
be the richest man in England, although you should be the
poorest peer,”’ ,
‘You are right,’’ exclaimed Blair, pressing Margaret's
hand. ‘Those are the: truest words you ever spoke, ol
fellow! Eh, Margaret?” he whispered.
She sat silently looking at Austin Ambrose’s face.
‘Though he had not said so in so many words, he had as
good as told her that by marrying Lord Blair she would
deprive him of his uncle’s/ fortune.
The color came and went in her face, her eyes grew
downcast, while both men looked ‘at her; Blair with lov-
ing adoration, Austin Ambrose with acovert and concealed
intentness.
At last she looked up—at Blair, not at Austin Ambrose.
‘It must not be known,” she said in a low voice. .
Margaret!” exclaimed Blair, astonished; but Austin
Ambrose, watching her eyes, gave a slight, a very slight,
nod of approval. .
“No,” she said., ‘‘Mr. Ambrose is—is right! You shall
not make such a sacrifice for me, Blair.’? Her face flushed,
\
Ney,