Beyond the Rocks

The rest of the party, however, declined. They were all busy elsewhere,

except Lord Bracondale and the French Count--they would come, with

pleasure, they said.

Theodora wondered what Josiah would say. Would he go? and if not, would

he let her go? This was more important.

"Then we shall meet at breakfast to-morrow," Lord Bracondale said, as he

helped her on with her cloak. "That will give me something to look

forward to."

"Will it?" she said, and there was trouble in the two blue stars which

looked up at him. "Perhaps I shall not be able to come; my husband is

rather an invalid, and--"

But he interrupted her.

"Something tells me you will come; it is fate," he said, and his voice

was grave and tender.

And Theodora, who had never before had the opportunity of talking about

destiny, and other agreeable subjects, with beautiful Englishmen who

could only be--lovers--felt the red blood rush to her cheeks and a

thrill flutter her heart. So she quickened her steps and kept close to

her father, who could have dispensed with this mark of affection.

"Dearest child," he said, when they were seated in the brougham, "you

are married now and should be able to look after yourself, without

staying glued to my side so much--it is rather bourgeois."

Poor Theodora was crushed and did not try to excuse herself.

"I am afraid Josiah won't go, papa dear," she said, timidly; "and in

case he does not allow me to either, I want you to have these few louis,

just for the breakfast. I know how generous you are, and how difficult

things have been made for you, darling." And she nestled to his side

and slipped about eight gold pieces, which she had fortunately found in

her purse, into his hand.

Captain Fitzgerald was still a gentleman, although a good many edges of

his sensitive perceptions had been rubbed off.

He kissed his daughter fondly while he murmured: "Merely a loan, my pet,

merely a loan. You were always a jewel to your old father!"

Whenever her parent accused himself of being "old," Theodora knew he was

deeply touched, and her tender heart overflowed with gladness that she

was able to smooth the path of such a darling papa.

"I will come and see you in the morning, my child," he said, as they

stopped at the door of her hotel, "and I will manage Josiah."

So Theodora crept up to her apartment, comforted; and in the salon it

was she caught sight of the Peerage.