Louisiana capitolian., 1880-01-31

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figures which were making their way
toward the conservatory. pointed
them out to my companion, and after
an unavoidable detention Of half
hour we followed in their wake. We
passed along through the forest of
flowers and vines until we reached a
secluded nook, and hearing the sound
of Philips voice, stopped and look
ed in, my lips parted in smile, my
heart beating rapidly with pleasure,
and saw the objects Of my search.
Their masks were lying unhceded
at their feet, and Helen was looking
Mt Philips face, her childlike eyes
illumined viii, an unusual light. And
he-his face was flushed with emo
ton, his hands clasping those little
white ones, and his voice sounded
deep and impassioned in its earnest
ness. Suddenly he learned forward
and kissed her.
Without a cry staggered back /;
the light reeled before my eyes, the
odor of the flowers made me sick ;
l tore the mask from my pallid face,
and begged my friend to take me to
my carriage. He complied with my
request, though he did not offer to
accompany me home, and, stunned
rs l was, could not but appreciate
the delicacy he displayed. But on
reaching my door, the gentle hand Of
this, my friend indeed, assisted me
into the house. He had mounted the
box beside the driver unknown to me.
"Blcss you for your Kindness" |
said family, as he seated me in my
library, the little room with it's dimly
burning light and fireless hearth, so
suggestive of my feeling. 81 cannot
thank you ehdugh," and gave my
cold hand to his strong, friendly
grasp.
81 require no thanks, Miss Mabel"
he said gravely. eff you need me do
not hesitate to call upon ME-" And
bidding me goodnight, he left.
Hour after hour passed unheeded.
When the clock again climcd out the
hour, my stunned senses caught the
sound for the first time since midnight.
| counted the strokes in a listless man
ncr. Six-was it possible7 raised
my eyes to the glass opposite me and
slrank from, the apparition which met
my gaze. A white, I,aggard face
eyes unnaturally brilliant, with dark
circles around their lids. Could that
be Mabel Stuart, who, but few
short hours since, had looked in that
self same mirror with face rosy with
the light oflove1'
Threw myself upon couch and
tried to cry-no tears would come,
bat the thoughts crowded my brain
till l feared should go mad. Pres
emily | became oblivious of every
thing, and fell into q heavy, dream
less sleep.
was aroused suddenly hy kiss {;
and starting up, beleld Helen Eyer
ton bending over me. With a cry ]
pushed her from me.
"Why are you here" demanded.
81! What is the matter, Mabel ?"
and the fearful, innocent eyes sought
mine with their honest, terrified
glance.
pressed my hand to my head.
Could / be mistakenf Was it all a
houid dream l looked up quickly,
and caught an exultant CLEAN in the
clear orbs. With a mighty effort !
controlled myself.
"Sit down. | said, calmly.
She took the seat | mOtiOnett her
to, a little paler than usual, and her
eyes fell as they met mine bent upon
her.
"IIelen." I began, firmly, "flom
this time forth we are strangers"
She sprang up and came toward
me.
"You are an admirable actress"
| said, sneeringly. "You would make
your fortune on the stage"
She opened her lips to speak.
"Hush !" | exclaimed, fierccly,
"and listen to me. You were my
friend; loved you; I would almost
have died to spare you pain; Heaven
only knows what would have done
for YOU"
"And l." she said, coming toward
me again-"am | not your friend7'
"You may spare yourself any I'M
necessary falsehoods," said, in a
hard voice. "I was ut the masque-
rade last night"
The color fled from her face, leav-
ing it almost as white as my own.
"Perhaps you will tell me-" I went
on, keeping my eyes fixed pitilessly
on her, "that the piece of acting |
witnessed in the conservatory was
part of the programme 7" And l ac-
tually laughed. ooh, it was vastly
well played" l continued; "and l.
poor dupc-looked in upon the drama
of 'The Loan of a Lover'-looked on,
while the actors, who were nearest
my heart, were deliberately wrecking
every hope Of happiness had in the
world. Ay, truly you are my friend!"
"Haye you seen Philip'" she said,
family, after pause"
caught her by the arm.
"Philip" said, angvily, "what
right have you to call him Philipf'
Then, loosing my grasp. | bowed
mockingly. 81 beg your pardon, you
have every right in the world. No, |
have not seen him, but you need not
fear; l give you my blessing. You
can co." and l pointed to the door.
Without a word she left the room.
Scarcely ten minutes elapsed when
a card was brought me with "Philip
Lawrence" engraved on its snowy
surface. The clock struck IL. 1t
brought back the past nights vividly
that a feeling of faintness came over
me; but thrusting it bravely aside,
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