Smyrna times., 1882-02-22

he loves her only. Did she know Of the
double game he is playing, l am sure she
would scorn him, as she should. This
man asked you to be his wife Let him
prove himself worthy to be your husband.
You should stop at no silly society scru-
pies to tear the MASK from that which
may bring you misery and dishonor. Ny
dear, if | am mistaken, | will beg your
pardon and his, and give you to him with
all my heart; but l love my child too
dearly to risk her young life's wreck.
Will you be Parthenia?
"Yes."
AT the door Mrs. Bunham paused and
looked back, with eyes grown suspiciously
moist and great thrOb of compassion at
her heart. For, in the centre of the room
with bowed head and nervOusly-clasped
hands, Ianthe Howard stood, a pitifully
childlike figure, despite her heavy ruby
velvet draperies-a girl standing alone
under the shivering, tOttering ruins of
her first love castle.
4
Are the costumes ordered last week
finished 2"
Eyes, madam"
The prOprietress hastily left less profit
able customers to attend Mrs. Burnham.
AS l have the carriage and will be
passing Miss Gaudet's, l shall drop hers
there if it will be convenience to YOU"
Madame was too kind. They were
rushed with work. They would be very
grateful.
So Nadapls liyericd coachman lifted
the two long brown paper boxes into the
carriage and it rolled away. 1t was quito
dark when it drew up to the Sutherland's
door
s. Just ring and hand this in John
make haste-it is late"
She pushed box toward him He
obeyed her. Then he climbed to his seat
she gave the order Home" and the car
riage drove oil.
Mrs. Burnham laughed little sadly,
to herself and patted the box which held
the pretty PartRenia dress,
Elsie will think it mistake. How
else could l convince her? Besides ais
fair in love and war
:; = =
Parthenia stood alone in the recess of IL
window, and watched the motley crowd
sqrgiAg through Mrs. Kents lofty rooms.
Hapless Marie Stuart and Heather
Chinee," Sir Walter Raleigh and Red
Riding Hood, Richelieu and Little Nell
ioated sersnely by.
All, you have come at last :"
Parthenia started suddenly at the whis-
pered words, and turned to confront tall
fur-clad IngOmar.
Have you no word fer me, ma belle ~
Yes but not here"
She spoke very low and in French.
nhs tOak his arm, and together they
passed to u room made famliiaG ~ hoth in
their social visits-the library
The room was long, silent, dimlv lit.
AS yet it was too early for the dancers to
wander off in search of cooler air. so they
were undisturbed.
Once there, he turned and faced her in
that mellow half-light which left the
corners mysteriously dim.
lie took off his mask, and showed de-
cidedly handsome, decidedly evil face
Ny Parthenia! how beautiful you
look !"
The expression was involuntary. Beau
tiful indeed was the statuesque young
figure, in that staple, severe, exquisite
dress which challenges the many, adorns
the few--the Greek costume.
The soft white robes fell Ia graceful
classic folds to her feet-the heavy staff
she takes when she gives her lover the
flowers held carelessly in one hand-the
helmet, the shield, all glittering in the
dim light.
why do you not speak to me, Elsie
my lOve?"
Keep such title for Ianthe Howard. "
She spoke rapidly and still in his own
tongue, the better to disguise her voice.
" Ianthe Howard" he repeated. What
is she to me? ! told you loved you two
years ago. l love you still, Elsie, darling
be sure of that, and do not think too hard
of me when you know what an ayaricious
wretch am, If only you had her for:
tune. Take off that jealous mask. You
start! All, my love, do not blame me toe
much. Remember, you only hold my
heart, if need obliges me to take advant
age of Miss HOward's foolish infatuatior
for me, and marry her-bank account"
spray, do not so far Inconvenience
yourself Mr., p'Esterre, That foolish
fancy is dead forever"
And Ianthe Howard calmly laid down
her mask ON the ebony center-table.
"Great heavens-IantheI
eyes! Permit mo to return the pledge
of false VOW"
And in her proud, silent way, she drew
off sparkling solitaire and laid it quietly
down.
"And permit me to say you have made
more than one mistake tonight, Jear
D'Esterre."
And from out of a shadowy corner came
the bright figure of a vivandiere.
Then one man felt the full misery hi
disloyalty and deceit had brought him, al
Ianthe Howard and Elsie Gaudet passed
together from the room, united in theil
triumph over treacnery-the woman hC
had loved for herselfn