Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-04-10

I'VE had better go 10 MIN at Once,
Mrs. Atherton said.
Bat her sister detained her "No, he
will leave her in a moment. She is our
pddrona'S daughter, and he knows | dis
ike her. l never received her in my
apartment. and Arthur always treated her
with Inc greatest coldness. She is very
bold, know. but | am surprised she
should have seated herself by him in that
confident way"
"Oh, never mind. She has as good q
right to the seat as he has," the elder
lady urged unessily. "And perhaps he
may not like to leave her at once.-
lie cant be actually rude. you know.
Come ~
"S:ay!" was the peremptory reioinder.
Neither do | wish TO be rude. but do
not wish to salute that woman. While
she is there / will not go. He is sure to
get up in moment"
The gentleman showed, however, no
intention OF rising. Oa the contrary,
leaning forward, in an attitude moro easy
than ceremonious. with his elbow resting
on his knee, be resigned himself 10 the
society of his companion, saying word
now and then in reply to her voluble talk,
but without looking at her. His expires
sion was that OF one who watches with
amusement the progress OF a game; or
the dowu-looking eyes AMI slight smile
nigh, indicate pleasure which he was
not q1ite willing TO display, or even 10
acknowledge.
Mcs Alherton was at her wits end. A
woman of the world and the wife of
man OF the world. she had learned to shut
her eyes sometimes, aud not TO expect an
ideal constancy; but her sister, she well
knew, was of a different mould. and she
trembled for the result. Anuo's lace was
beginning to cloud too, she could sec. a
certain chill and shadow had come over
it, and she had looked away from the two.
Il. would really seem tn | am watch
ing my husband" she said haugh.ily. 81
think We need not wait, Carrie. You
must be very tired. and 50 am l."
Bat in going she turned Tor one glance
more. la that moment the Italian had
looseued flower from her belt. and,
touching the gentleman lightly on the
arD with smile that would have brought
the angry blood 10 any witc's face. pre-
sented i, to him. lie took it from her
without looking up. hesitated an instant.
then fastened it in his buitonhole. His
wife uttered faint crY, "Ol! oh aud !
trusted him sol" and, caching her sisters
arm, draw her hastily away.
Mrs. A,herton would have liked - see
smart lash laid across The backs Of the
two people on the beuch there. but she
dii not think il wise 10 express any sucn
feeling. 'Do be reasonable, Anne" she
urged. 1t i'n't pleasant, | know. but
cihuot ,od see that she is doing the
whole, and that be is laughing at her ?"
"Oa me ! Oh me- ~ family moaned out,
was all the ans ger she received, and
looking. sao s4S her sisters face crin-
soned and painted rs if by some sharp
phS sical anguish.
"Shouldnt we take the other street,
dear p she asked presently.
"Oh. I'm not gong homei ! couldn't
60 home"
The other submittedto be led. II was
better, perhaps, that this first distress
should be walked of They crossed the
two piazze, the street leading TO the Poria
Pia and went down the Via Santa Susan.
ma; but when they reached the Costanzl,
Mrs. Francis turned abruptly into the
court before her sister had time to object,
aud signaled waiter. I'VE want
room for to-day. and breakfast sent up
Immediately" she said. 1--WE may stay
longer. and we may go TO Florence this
evening. Names? No matter; we do
not wish to see any one"
And Mrs. A,herton found herself swept
up stairs. seated IN pleasant chamber,
and her bonnet and mantle taken of.
I'm sorry to give you such bad re-
ception. hut welcome TO Rome! ou
must lie very tired and hungry. Don'
lose your appetite on my account, mol
Your rest. After you have had breakfast
lie down while. will take this sofa
| must have time to think. | wan. tc
gather up the fragments and see what ii
lett me-"
See had controlled all sign OF agitation
but the red color in her cheeks, but the
smile was as dead in her face as if she
had never smiled. She gave the waiter
his orders, criticised the breakfast wher
it came as if she cared whether it were
good or bad. and even pretended TO taste
The coffee her sister entreated her to tax e
Mrs. Atherton's theory was that an,
trouble may be borne as long as one eat
and drinks, and that q well-sus,ainee
body has q medicinal effect on sicl
heart. Her first pathetic prayer to he
affl icted friends was stereotyped: "D'
try to eat something, dear" and whereve
the Church went with her spiritual con
solations this kind soul would have gone