The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-08-30
WHY HE DECEIVED HER.


dies sat at luncheon.
The elder of the two. Lady Charlton,
was beautiful woman of about forty
that agewhich to some, means the COM
mencement of fading, but others the ma
turity of their beauty.
Lady Charlton, we have said, was
beautiful. Her eyes possessed as much
lustre as at seventeen, and her dark
brown hair was not as yet streaked with
q single silver thread.
Her companion was her niece and
ward, Violet Charlton. q lovely girl of
eighteen or nineteen summers.
On the table lay two invitation cards
and these for the moment, formed the
theme of conversation.
But have we not already an engage
ment for the twenty-third, Violet" Lady
Charlton was saying.
"Oh, Aunt Clsrice, hope not" cried
her niece jumping up from her place
without ceremony and going over to q
small Japanese table.
Having opened one of its drawers, she
began to rummage through pile of in.
vitations to dances, concerts, dinner-par-
ties, etc.
"Three this week, two next. Mrs.
Crawford's on the sixteenth, and Lady
Hurton's theatricals on the twenty. first.
No: thought so; we are free on the
twenty-thirdr' cried Violet, joyfully, for
she had not yet got over her love for
dancing. I'm so glad we can go!" she
added. 1.-The Duchess's ball last year
was a complete success; everyone was
therer'
The London season was brewing to
close when the night of the Duchess of
Glanravon's ball came round.
When Lady Charlton and her lovely
niece arrived the ballroom was already
well filled, and the dancing had COM
menced.
The Duchess who was busy receiving
her guests, came forward to welcome
them.
PLENTY of partners, my DEAR" she
said to Violet; II must find you one."
Then as her son came forward. "Allow
me to introduce you. My SON
Miss"
''Niss Charlton and I require no in
PRODUCTION" hid the young duke bow
ing. I'VE have met before"
And then having scrubbed his name
very illegibly-on her programme.
Tits impossible to write up against the
I,
midst of the dancers.
Leaving Violet for q few moments, let
us cross the slippery floor to recess in
one of the corners.
Two young men were lounging care
lessly in its depth, watching the moving
sea of WALKERS before them.
Suddenly one of them-the better
looking of the two-bends forward and
1u tpr 14va al
vile, what lovely girl How we'll she
waltzes wonder who she is must
get an introduction"
"Where? Do you mean that girl near
the door p asks his companion, laugh
ing at his enthusiasm.
"Bah 20 There, wait moment, she
is behind that pillar now. There, with
the duke. Don't you see ?"
lob, I'll introduce you with pleasure,
old fellow. IL is Miss Charlton-Lsdy
Charlton's niece"
The other starts slightly, and faint
companion notices the fact and it puzzles
him. Had she been an acquaintance he
could easily have drawn conclusions.
Melville" suddenly remarked the one
Who had first spoken, "the time has come
t0e0, Wien yOu Cou W mc 8IoUs BOZ
vice it is not difacult. I want you to
introduce me TO Miss Charlton by my
Christian name-Denzil-Mr. Denzil."
Melville looks uneasy. What il the
air of mystery growing mp about his
friend? He hesitates, although he knows
the young man to be the very soul of
honor. He would like to do him this
service and yet-and yet
HE apprshensions, however. are
nearly. but not quite. dispelled, by his
companion whom for the present We
must call Mr.. Denxil.)
Melville" he says slowly, II SOL
EMMY swear 10 you that it is for no
wrong that 1 desire TO deceive Miss
Charlton. 1t is only for time and soon
you shall knowall r.
The tone in which this is spoken has
such . genuine ring Of sincerity in it,
that Melville consents.
Thus the frat seeds of this little ro-
nance are sown.
ssIf you are not engaged for this
dance, Miss Charlton, will you give il to
me ?"
II il Mr.. Dsuxil who speaks.
Captain Melville has just introduced
them.
Violet ssssuts and toesshsr they noat
Al 70 ths eft notes of "Drssmland."