The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-04-05
MADE OR MARRIED.
CHAPTER X.-CoNrISUEp.
By JESSIE FOTHERGILL,
Author Of "One Of Three" "Pr0bation," "The
Weufeds," Etc,


CHAPTER X--CoNrISUEp.
1t was still day. still broad, hot sun
light. 1t seemed to him as if ages had
passed since Mr.. Starkie had sum-
moned him to his room. On arriving
at his house he went into the parlor,
and found Grace in state OF extreme
deshabille, seated on sofa in red
Vatican dressing-gown, while finery
was strewed in all directions around
her, and very large work basket stood
before her on the table, Yards and
yards of amber ribbon and knots of
black velvet were spread around in
bewildering confusion, and Miss Massey
was absorbed in preparations for the
evening.
''Philip" she calculated, as he came
in, ''you here at this hour! What has
happened? Is the ball given upP"
She flung her work down and stood up.
Something has happened, l sup
pose" he said, gravely, land the ball
is certainly given up-at least for me.
They are sending me out to China, to
look after some business there"
"To China tonight echoed Grace,
and stood silent for moment looking at
him. Her first impulse, why, she knew
not, was to burst into tears; but that she
felt would be folly. In Philips face,
despite its gravity. she thought she read
citation. Like good sister, putting all
private feelings and sensations aside,
she said:
eff it is good for YOU, dear Philip. l
congratulate you. But are you off this
minutep You will have a meal, and let
me pack up your things for you. At
what time do you go?'
''To London, by the eight clock ex-
press"
"Oh, there's an hour or two yet.
will look after your things. I'll clear
all this rubbish away and put on my
dress, because of course there will be no
ball for us tonight. now
Il am very sorry to deprive you OF
your pleasure" he began.
"Nonsense! AS if it would be any
pleasure to me with YOU just starting on
such an expedition"
81 must go and see Angela" said
Philip absently. II shall not be long,
Grace"
"Angea! Oh, yes, 1 suppose you
must" she replied, q cold look coming
across her face. spasm across her
nedTl, us sue ItdlILGu HOW HluCH Ic WIS
thinking OF Angela. How small his
sisters place had become in his heart
Philip, without another word, went
away, and rang the bell of the next
house.
Miss Fairfax was reading. Mabelle
was sewing. "My dear little milliner, y
as her sister called her with affectionate
fastidiousness. They, too, both started,
and exclaimed as Philip came in.
"What is happeningP" burst from
Angela's lips in a. tone of unusua
animation.
"May speak with you alone few
minutesp" he asked, gently and gravely
81 have something important to tel
you"
Mabelle gathered up her work anC
went upstairs. Philip and Angel;
were left alone.
Don't keep me in suspense sh'
said, with melancholy smile. "Hav'
YOU made fortune, Philip, or lost al
that you have, that you look so dread
fully solemn
"Neither one nor the other, dear,
he said, seating himself on the coucl
beside her and taking her hand; "bu
it has been put within my power great.
to improve my fortune"
elias itP How?" exclaimed Angela
with genuine interest.
He told her briefly what had hap
pened. +,
Il said, to improve my fortune" h
added; '.but, Angela, if you elect to re
main true to me, and will wait, AM
will let me say oar fortunes, why, whee
1 come home again--and what coul
hinder me, if knew you were waitln
for meP | should be able to say t
you; will you be my vie, at once
any time-and- -'"
'Dear Philip, to hesitate at such
moment would not be womanly, bt
prudish and unkind. | say yes, Il WI
wait for you"