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WILD MARGARET. 115
her picture, which he had caused to be placed on an easel
in the best lighted part of the gallery. |
enue held out his hand, and bowed to her with a kindly
ile, nm,
‘You have painted a beautiful little sketch for me, Miss
“Hale,” he said. ‘One I shall often look upon with pleas-
ure and delight. And you have done it quickly, too, but
not carelessly—no, no!”
Margaret murmured a few words in acknowledgment of
18 graciousness, and he went on:
“There is a career before you, my dear Miss Hale! You
are one of the fortunate ones of this earth! ‘Great gifts—
great gifts’”—and he looked at her absently; then he
sighed and roused himself again—‘ but don’t waste them,
my child! I hope you are enjoying yourself here?’
“Very much, my lord,” said Margaret. ‘‘I leave to-
morrow,’ and she sighed faintly.
‘To-morrow! So soon?’ he said. ‘‘And you go back
to London? I hope you will pay the Court another visit
soon! ‘I must speak to Mrs. Hale concerning it! Will you |
wait a moment or two?’ and he drew a chair forward be-
fore he left the gallery. .
. Margaret sat and waited. How happy she had been!
and yet if he only knew the cause of her happiness! If he
could but guess that it was because she had won the love
of his nephew, the Viscount Leyton. © .
She felt guilty and ill at ease, and when he returned,
and approaching her with a smile, pressed some bank-
notes into her hand, she began to tremble, and the tears
rushed to her eyes.
“No thanks, my dear,” he said, ‘‘Tut, tut! You must
not wear your heart upon your sleeve, or daws will peck
at it. You have no cause for gratitude; itis I who should
‘and do feel grateful to you. Good-bye. May. Heaven
watch over you and make you happy, my dear!’ It was
almost like a benediction, for he half raised his white
aud over her head. ,
When Margaret looked up he had gone.
She turned away, and the tears were still in her eyes as
She opened the folded notes and looked at them, They |
represented a hundred pounds.
Mrs, Hale was quite overwhelmed.
‘ Well!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ Gracious goodness!—a hun-
dred pounds! Well, Margaret, my dear, I don’t think you
have any cause to regret your visit to your poor old grand: .
mother. It hasn’t been altogether a waste of time, now,
has it?”
‘* No,” said Margaret; ‘‘no, indeed, dear!” but even as
Bhe kissed the old lady and hid her face on her ample