THE 'MAN FROM1 JERICHO



quite accidental. I had a call from the Maddoxes
one evening. She was there  had come as a visitor
for the races-some sort of relative. As I was leav-
ing the house a servant told me a friend wished to
see me in the parlour. I did not remain long. The
old charm was there, and I should have been lost with-
out the protection of your spirit, which armed me
as I had never been armed before. When I started
to leave the room she attempted to detain me, but I
thrust her aside, and went out. That is the whole
story, and horrible enough it secms to rme! I dare
not think what it nrust seem to you-vou sweet, shel-
tere(l flower!       N Now that this miserable tale
is told, I come tonight and offer you my love. It is
a most tender feeling I harbour for you, Julia; a pos-
sessive, protective, jealous love, which would forever
hold you safe and blameless; which would forever
cradle you in the house of my heart, deep-walled and
warm. Nothing that would hurt, or harm, or blight,
or frighten, or pain you should reach you in that
sheltered fold within my- breast. Won't vou sav that
you will comne-you poor, little storm-beaten lamb,
and give me the deep, dear joy of loving you and
ministering unto you always"
  I-He did not approach her. He had no right. His
confession stood like a wall between them until she
should speak. Her face was burning now. He could
see her flushed cheeks and tinted temples. That she
still refrained from meeting his eyes kindled a faint
flame of hope.
  "This is a strange story for a girl to hear," she



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