Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-03-25

her to share his uncertain fate So he sailed
away with no words spoken and carrying with
him the bitter conviction that good luck, if it
came at all, would come quite too late for any
hope Of winning this one chief good which bis
heart craved.
Good luck came In its own time. He stood
again in New York, at 81, rich man. prospered
beyond his widest dreams and holding an as
sured position. He hadliked many girls during
the ten years Of his absence; he had even been
half in love with one or two; but the memory of
Evelyn Morris had been a spell potent enough
to prevent him leaping over the other half He
was free still "a freedom he had hardly rejOced
in till this day; when in his incredulous ears
rang the news that his early love was still I'M
married.
For two or three days after the Huntley din
ner he went about like man in dream. He
inquired here. he inquired there. Everybody
was ready enough with histories of the great
forgery. but no one could tell about the Edward
MOrrisses or their whereabouts. The Robert
MOrrlsses were in Europe, living under cloud.
no one exactly knew where. By what seemed
fatality all the families whom he recOllected as
Intimate with the MOrrisses were abroad just
then. or in Florida, or scattered by the changes
which ten years had wrought. No one seemed
to have cared to acquaint themselves with the
movements of the ruined family. The little rip
pie caused by their departure soon subsidized.
People easily forget in the busy life of cities,
and all this had happened nine years before
In despair Aleck Dent at last betOOk himself
to the rooms OF the Decorative Art Society, and
produced his dinner card. Could they tell him
the name and address of the person who painted
that? He was anxious to-Order some others
like it.
Il will take your order. SIR" said the busi-
ness-like young secretary. 'sYOu will please
give me your name and address,"
But this was by no means what Aleck wanted.
directly with the artist Then seeing sur
prised dispeasure in the face suddenly turned
upon him, he made haste to add, 1.-The order
will, of course, be given in the usual way,
through the society, but it Is indispensable that
should have personal interview with the de-
signer."
The young secretary looked puzzled She
tapped her book with a pencil, and was silent
for moment. evidently balancing the propri-
etles Then. as the door opened, she exclaimed
with sudden relief ''Oh, there's Mrs. Curtis now;
excuse me a moment and I'll ask her." and
hurried across the room.
Presently, the newcomer walked straight up
to Aleck Dent.
"Miss Dunn tells me that you are DESTROYS of
an Interview with one of our correspondents on
the subject of dinner cards. she said, personal
interviews are not usual in such commissions,
nor are they at all needful-f the cards are
really all needful-if the cards are really all that
you wish to talk about" and the lady flashed
upon him a magnificent pair of Irish eyes. blue.
with black lashes and full of the peculiar fasci-
nation which sometimes accompanies the pos
session OF short sight. Il can furnish YOU with
a set of cards on silk. painted by the same per-
son, and exactly like these, but with different
subjects, which we happen to have for sale at
TINS moment. Will that answer your pur-
poser"
There was mingled archness and soft sweet
ness in the manner which was infinitely capti-
waiting, and which won Aleck to sudden conf
dence.
mo, that will not answer at ALL" he said 81
40 annvr o1~.
anxious to see the artist, and verify a suspicion
l have that she is an old friend of mine"
He was amazed afterward when he remem-
nered his own frankness of speech. The lady
listened with an interest which seemed to divine
meaning beyond his words.
Il will be frank in my turn" she said at last.
her beautiful eyes full of the sympathy which
love tale. revealed or suspected always excites
IN true woman Evelyn Morris did nant
those cards. She was favOrite of mine always,
and when this society was started wrote. urg-
ing her TO turn her talents for painting to &C
count through us. They are greatly reduced in
circumstances. as you may have heard and she
was glad to take my advice. Their quiet life gives
her plenty OF leisure. and her things always sell,
they are so choice and SO exquistely done"
Indeed. [ should think SO. Where do the
family liye?"
II think may tell you, though they prefer
TO keep their retreat secret from most peOple
1t is Merton. village in southern New jersey.
1t is an out-of-the-way place. You have to
take three railroads to get there and there is a
long drive besides. / wish that YOU might
have time to go down and see them. They have
but few visitors, as you may suppose, and an
old friend will be treat
-! shall certainly hope to do So"
NV hen you return" continued Mrs Curts
perhaps you will kindly come to see me. and
tell me something about Evelyn. whom have
not seen for nearly two years. though we are
continually corresponding about dinner-cards
and the like"
"A thousand thanks" taking the card she
offered him. 1T will be great pleasure to do
So"
''You begin with the New jersey Central, and
change twice, but can't tell you where; you
will have to learn that on the road" went on
his new friend Then with CLINT of fun in her
mobile face: "GOOd-by, Mr.. Dent; don't lose
your way: Neriton have always heard, is a
very hard place to reach, and an equally hard
place to get away FROM"
So. indeed, Aleck found it, A long day of
slow, jolting, railway travel, with continual
stops and frequent changes. ending with drive
OF miles over sandy roads. brought him to Neri-
ton; and once there, he was in no hurry to come
away. Evelyn Morris at 20 was no whit less
charming in his eyes than In the early bloom Of
49, Nay, time had lent a further charm. a soft
courage, ripened gentleness. and amid the
simple refinement OF her surroundings her beau
ty beamed with added luster. Aleck gazed at
her with wonderment which he could hardly
conceal. By what inconceivable good fortune
had this lovely creature remained till 30 unmar-
ried? 1t could not be for lack of sutOrs. Even
IT, like the poets star, confined in tomb"
some eye, he was sure, must detect and covet
the treasure. What happy chance had saved
her for him-and was it for him? That was a
question which he longed to ask, but dared not
yet
In single week oil the friendly relations of
old times seemed restored. Aleck secured a
lodging in the village, and spent as many hours
day as he dared in the society of his love-
Always the same gentle welcome met him as he
sat by Evelyn's side, and she wrought at her
dainty handicrafts their talk bridged the long
interval of separation, and the Old-time sense
of intimacy revived blent with a new fascina-
ton as each recognized In the other the qualities
which ten years had matured and unfolded.
Day by day Alexis hopes strengthened; but
with the msgivings Of a true lover he DELAYED.
10th to break the blessed peace and certainty OF
the moment by rash or premature word At
last he spoke. taking the dinner card for his
text
You see" he ended, ''ths was my clue It
helped me to find you. And now that / have
found, will not believe that ever must lose
you again. l have loved you for ten years.
without daring to hope that should ever have
the chance to speak my love. Now, Evelyn
dearest. tell me my fate.'
She did not answer in words but she mt her