Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1881-06-01

Folly, and although there were many
costumes like hers and Philips, ] could
not be mistaken in the two figures
which were making their way toward
the conservatory. | pointed them out
to my companion, and 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 looked in, my lips parted in Il
smile, my heart beating rapidly with
pleasure, and saw the objects Of my
search.
Their masks were lying at their feet,
and Helen was looking in Philips face,
her child-like eyes Illuminated with an
unusual light. And he-his face flush
ed with emotion, his hands claSping
those little white ones, and his voice
sounded deep and impassioned in its
earnestness. Suddenly he leaned for
ward and kissed her.
Without II cry | staggered back /;
the light reelcd before my eyes, the
odor of the flowers made me sick; /
tore the mask from my pallid face, and
begged my friend TO take me to my
carriage. He complied with my re
quest, though he did not offer to ac-
company me home, and, stunned rs !
was, | could not but appreciate the
delicacy he displayed. But on reach
ing my door, the gentle hand of this, my
friend indeed, assisted me into the
house. He had mounted the box be-
side the driver, unknown to me.
BLESS you for your kindness, ]
said family, as he seated me in my
library, the little room with its dimly
burning light and fircless hearth 50
suggestive of my feelings Il cannot
thank YOU enough and gave my
cold hand to his strong, friendly grasp.
Il require no thanks Miss Mabel,
he said, IF you need me do not hest
tate to call upon me" And bidding
me good night, he left.
Hour after hour passed unheeded.
When the clock again chimed out the
hour, my stunned senses caught the
sound for the first time since midnight.
| counted the strokes in listless man.
ner. Six-was it possible? | raised
my eyes to the glass opposite me and
shrank from the apparition that met
my gaze. a white, haggard face eyes
unnaturally brilliant, with dark circles
around their lids. Could that be Ma
bel Stuart, who, but few short hours
since, had looked in that self-same mir
ror with face rosy with the light Of
love?
| threw myself upon a couch and
tried to cry-no tears would come, but
the thoughts crowded upon my brain
till l feared | should go mad. Present
ly | became oblivious Of everything
and fell into Il heavy, dreamless sleep.
was aroused suddenly by kiss;
and, starting up, beheld Helen Egerton
bending over me. With IA cry ] push
ed 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 mistaken? Was it all
horrid dream? | looked up quickly
and caught an exultant CLEAN in the
clear orbs. With mighty effort |
controlled myself.
"Sit down" | said calmly.
She took the seat | motioned her TO,
little paler than usual, and her eyes
fell as they met mine bent upon her.
"Hclcn," began, firmly, "irom 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.
flush" | exclaimed ferceIy, and
listen to me. You were my friend |
loved you; would almost have died
to spare you pain; Heaven only know,
what would have done for you. ~
"And l." she said, coming toward
me again, "am | not your friend p
you may spare yourself any I'M
necessary falsehoods,' ! said in a hard
voice 81 was at the masquerade last
last night"
The color fed from her face, leaving
it almost as white as my own.
perhaps you will tell me" went
on, keeping my eyes fixed pitilcssly on
her, that part of the programme p
And | actually laughed. "Oh, it was
vastly well played continued "and
poor dupe-looked in upon the
drama of Loan of Lover'-looked
on while the actors, who were nearest
to my heart, were deliberately wreck
ing every hope of happiness | had in
the world. Aye, truly, you are my
friendp
"Have you seen Philip" she said,
family, after pause.
/ caught her by the arm.
Philip / said angrily; what
right have you to call him Philip
Then, losing my grasp, l bowed mock
ingly. 81 beg your pardon, you have
every right in the world. No, ! have
not seen him; but you need not fear.
| give you my blessing. You can go"
and / pointed to the door.