Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-12-30

quite astonished me. The carriage drove off
and MuggiDs and were left alone. They tool
even the horse with them, and If it hadn't been
should have believed IL all DREAM
"What next?"
"The next thing was, said John, s.the village
on the other side; and there Muggins deserted
me-"
" Deserted you." I exclaimed why, /
thought he was going to do you some unforgeta-
just what Pm coming to-" said John, 'if
you'll only condescend to listen. He went
straight to the Ruperts and told them the whole
story about the cliff adventure. So, OF course,
she discarded the Count, forgave me for not
lighting the duel, and naturally, my gratitude
TO Muggins would not allow me ever to think of
rging him."
By George!' said /, drawing long breath.
CHATS strange story, sure enough. But I
added, with sudden, dread misgiying, show
did you get rid of Miss Rupert?''
Again heard that rustle-Brinton heard il
too, and his face fell; he looked guilty and
ashamed. There was a merry, musical laugh.
We looked around, and beheld Mrs. Brinton,
more fresh, rosy, and beautiful than ever. She
shook her finger reprovingly at John, then
"She became Mrs. Brinton. But, ali, Mr..
simpson, you don't know this wicked husband
OF mine. ] fear that's the first word of truth
you've heard this afternoon!"
rubbed my eyes; 1 pinched myself violently;
locked at John. He was very red, and shaking
all over. Great Heavens could it be with laugh
Ter! turned to Mrs. Brinton like a drowning
man to his straw.
But didn't you meet him in Europe, then?''
gasped; didn't you
Again that musicallaugh. "why, dear me- -
She exclaimed, "neither OF us was ever in Eu-
rOpe!"
Then looked at John, and he covered be-
meath the whitening contempt and Indignation
OF my glance.
Brinton," 1 said, gravely and severely,
this is going too far. You have trified with
and insulted me. My most delicate and refined
feelings and sympathies you have excited,
have
"Hold on! hold on! old fellow cried John,
recovering, with great effort, his power of
Now just listen to me-. You felt as yon mnst
acknowledge, deep interest in Muggins. You
were persuaded there must be some romantic
history attached to him. You insisted upon my
relating to you such a romance. did the best
L could for you on the spur of the moment;
though indeed you suggested at least half the
ideas yourself as the tale proceeded, and you
corrected all my little self-contradictions. For
my part, I'm quite proud of the story, and L
think you ought to be much obliged to me for
1t. Suppose, now, had, instead of this thrill
ing narrative merely given you the facts in Mug
ago, that on the fourth day thereafter we gave
him weeks warning, and that the only reason
he is still with us is because he will stay until
to- morrow-should you have felt the same in
terest and qualification? Yeu know you wouldn't
Your smiles confess 1t. Beside, you talked so
much about your recollection of all my charac-
terlstics, couldn't suppose yoa'd forget the
only one ever was proud of-my talent for
storytelling"
"Supper's ready!" said Muggins.
Put bottle of our best port on the table,"
ordered John; sand, Simpson, won't you take
Mrs. Brinton imp
have always rememberedit with pleasure, as
an act of disinterested virtue and magnanimity
on my part, that consented to forgive him just
that 0nce!-Hcrper's Monthly.