Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-09
bench, and the former said without further

bench, and the former said without further
preface:
What is there wrong between you and
Vermont"
Vel flushed crimson. 81 don't understand
you" she said
Don't your" answered Hubert in his lazy
tones Il should have thought my meaning
pretty clear. I'm not very clever fellow, Miss
ChaIteris but 1t did not require very bright wits
to discover there was something amiss."
Val made no rejoinder. in truth she was ex-
periencng some difficulty in keeping from
tears.
Il think it such pity for people to fall out
about trifies, proceeded Hubert. 'fOr knowing
Vernon as l do. can't believe he can have
given you any real cause for complaint. There's
not a better fellow breathing than he: l. as his
brother. ought to be able to give an opinion on
the subject
Still Val sat silent; she felt half inclined to be
angry with this Oficious young man for his in
reference in her private affairs, but somehow.
in spite of all, it was so sweet to hear Vernon
praised.
"You won't be offended with me, hope if
tell you think you are very lucky to have
won his love, continued Mr. Dalrymple. in no
way dscompOsed at having all the talk to him
self. ''VerGons not like me. ycu know.
can't help spooning every pretty girl come
across, but with him. you just the first
woman he has ever loved or spoken to of
love-
Val turned to him eagerly. 'Are you sure
quit sure!'
Mr. Dalrymple laid his handsome head back
against the tree and surveyed her from under
his half-clOsed lids with an expression of ainuse
ment. II think ] see light at last" he unused;
the little girl is jealous fancy know of
whom
quite sure " he said aloud; but that has
not prevented many women being in love
with him. There's a certain lady, not dozen
miles from here. who tried very hard to win
him."
do you mean Mrs. Maitand?" asked VAL in
low. hurried tone.
what makes You guess that"
Because-oh, because | have been very I'M
happy through her. said Val, clasping her
hands together with pathetic little gesture,
her gray eyes full of tears.
Tell me about it, responded Hubert ten
derby. and to Walls surprise she found herself
detailing her grievance to this young man. who
an hour ago had been unknown to her AS she
concluded she was somewhat taken aback at
Mr., Dalrymple's giving vent to a hearty fit OF
laughter.
How deep the little widow is he said;
''but see her game She thought to make
quarrel between you and Vernon and perhaps
gain his heart in the rebound. Valerie. you
really deserve to know the truth especially
after coniiding in me- Listen to me. A year
ago Mrs. Maitland. reversing the general order
OF things made an Offer to Vernon of her hand,
heart and very ample fortune"
'lmpossible.n CALCULATED Val.
sWered Hubert dryly. I'VE have known her
for years, and she was always awfully sweet on
Vernon. When she became her own mistress
again she began running after him in the old
fashion. and last year-we were all staying to-
gether at some house-she spoke out pretty
plainly"
However do you know? 2" asked VAL
Because l. 10y chance. interrupted the in
tereStlng tete-a-tete. and guessed from the ladys
agitation what had taken place When taxed
Wi off -prlI To-,
but naturally. on her account he would think
himself in honor bound never to mention it, for
she must have been very genuinely in love with
nm to go such lengths. Wasn't it awkward for
him.! wound up Hubert ''If it aad hap
pencd to me- | should have accepted her. for
can never refuse a woman ANYTHING
Val caught his hands impetuOusly in hers.
How can thank YOU" she said. the happy
smiles playing again round her lips. - was so
angry so miserable. | did not know what to
think. and now everything is delightful again.
Vernon said | should like you, and do, ire
menGOusly."
Thanks returned Hubert. laughing. 81
am glad to be able to return the compliment.
And now don't You think you had better make
your peace with Vernon, or you will have a GER
tain fair lady carrying tales to him about the
violent filtration are induging in
A few minutes later. Vernon. sitting alone in
the library. apparently engaged in writing let
tiers but with a preoccupied air that BODIED i'll
steal round his neck, and Walls sweet voice said
in mis- ear:
Can you ever forgive me, dear, for being
SUCH horrid suspicious wretch | was SO
wrong, so very wrong, but l punished myself
more than any one"
VernOns face frightened as he drew her ten
dery to him.
" on have made up your mind to trust me in
spite of appearances. Val?" he asked.
She hid her glowing face on his shoulder.
II must tell you all, she whispered land
don't despise me very much, dear" And she
proceeded to recount her conversation with
Hubert.
Tout comprendre, c'est tout. pardOnner-
eh. Val!" he said with slight smile .'but
there, won't tease you. dear 1t was hardly
surprising you were vexed and wanted to
know all, and | think / need not ask you to
keep silent on the score of what you have
heard.'
- promise said Val, feeling in her newly
recovered happiness that she could pardon Mrs.
Maitland all her msdOlngs. since it was love
Tor Vernon which had prompted her to them-
AL the Year Round.