Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-07-15

John Hilton thought the eyes yer,
sweet that were lifted to him in acknowl
edgement of Marks introduction. an,
either engrossed by them, or thei
owners shy attempts vt conversation. be
came oblivious to everything else The
rest oil the evening Mark watched him
a little jealousy ut first. but was soon
consoled by Mrs. Vane. who whispered
in his ear -
Miss Reeves is in the library, and ha:
expressed wish TO know you. ISM
that n compliment?
He knew Miss Reeves by reputation a
brilliant society belle who sang pathetic
songs of her own composition, wrote
poetry occasionally for the magazines,
and even dabblcd in art. as well as music
and literature. She was beautiful too,
dark. haired and queenly looking. with a
great deal OF dignity and self.possession.
/ He had admired her from distance, and
had begged Mrs. Yane for an introduc
ton. But that lady had been so take n
up with her duty as hostess that she had
not found an opportunity to grant his re.
quest until now.
Miss Reeves was sitting 10 low chair
under the gaslight. looking over some
engravings, when they entered the
library.
She raised her eyes slowly at their ap.
proach, as If unwilling to be interrupted,
but Mrs. Vane had no sooner mentioned
Mr.. Somcrs' name than she held out her
hand with most enchanting smile.
You are not quite such stranger as
you think" she said archly: II know
you by reputation, il not by sight. Your
little cousin, Lucy, was my especial pro
tege at school, and used to tell wonder.
ful tales of Your achievements. Not that
| believed them at all" and she laughed
softly; but confess to little curiosity
regarding her hero
Lucy was equally eIlravagant in her
praises Of you" he replied with mock
ing bow; ''or at least | thought so then,
but am ready 20 acknowledge now that
she did her subject no more than justice q"
"A neatly turned phrase?" said Mrs
Vane. mischievously. After that can
safely leave you TO the tender morcies of
Claudia" and she was gone before either
could demonstrate.
Miss Reeves flushed rosiy. and began
To talk OF the engravings she had been
examining. From the discussion of art
and pictures they wandered to books and
music. and an hour had flown by uu-
needed, when their hostess again put her
head inside the door.
You two had better emerge from SO.
clusion," she said "or ,here'll be a para.
graph headed Mysterious Disappear.
ance" going the rounds OF the papers TO-.
morrow morning. I'm besieged by hosts
of anxious inquirers. and shall have to
capitulate soon"
Mark laughed. but Miss Reeves bit hsr
lip as if yexed, faint gleam OF cxulta.
ton lit up her i,ce, though, when he
whispered softly
Pardon me, that | forgot everything
else in liSleping W you. Il is seldom |
meet one whose tastes and sympathies
harmonize with my own
'Or | either" she answered. little
, sadly. "Cousenialily is rarely found in
this world
Mark lelt his heart beat faster at these
words. The womaR beside him Was
gifted and beautiful. and greatly admired.
and it gratiiied his vanity that he had i'm.
pressed her fsvorably. Nor was sho
wanting in lovable qualities. Her eyes
could be dangerously soft and alluring at
times. and she knew just when to drop
them shyly, and how to modulale her
voice and make it low and tender, and
WAS trained in all the arts thai fascnate
men. She had tried them successfully
with Marx, aud they had not failed OF
their due effect
There was brief pause, and then she
said gently
"If we stay here there will be another
invasion; shall We join the others?"
He offered her his arm in silence. and
they passed out into the hall Kathie
Lynn, standing at the foot Of the stair.
case with John Hilton. saw the two to
Gether, and turned TO her friend with a
tremulous smile.
"Who is that lovely, dark-haired lady
with Mark ?" she asked, and tried to make
her voice steady. but it quivered little.
miss Reeves" he answered.; 'you
must have heard Of her She Is very
thorough woman of the world, but has
the heart to hide it under great deal of
fine talk and affected sentiment. She has
cultivated grace of mind rather than
those of the heart, and the only crop
brought forth by The latter Is one of sell
ishness."
Kathie looked mystificd. and was in.
clined TO think Mr. Hilton judged the
lady somewhat harshly. But she did not
dare to pursue the topic further, or ana.
lyze the painful feeling at her heart. She
was brave. modest girl. and when she
understood that Mark had regarded her
simply as a friend. she put aside what
ever thoughts she might have cherished.
and would not acknowledge now 10 her.