The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-14
prt~.sa sg spse.o, Arrangement 9Th he Author.
mrs. 7HORNDYKE'S CONSCIENCE.
By EDGAR FAWCETT.
Copyrighted 1885, by the Author-AIl Rights
Reserved.
PART i.

iady who was leaving her carriage, which had
stopped before spacious mansion on Fifth ave
nue.. suddenly paused with an exclamation of
surprised welcome, addressed to gentleman
who was passing along the sidewalk.
'NIr Varian!n called the lady
''AIrs Thorndyke!' was the astenished reply.
Immediately afterward they we're shaking
hands with apparently an equal amount of
warmth on either side. The lady was tall, fair
in coloring and noticeably handsome. Her age
could not have been muehapast thirty. She
wore costume of black silk, cut with most
modish elegance. The gleam of her hair was
an almost keen gold against the black Of her
dainty, bugle- trimmed bonnet. She had an up
per lip that was perfect, a deep dimple in her
pink chin, an arch, irresistible look about her
straight, pure brows. But the chief charm of
her face was pair of gclden-brown eyes, velvet
in their softness and jewel-like in their lustre
The gentleman looked gentleman every inch,
as the phase goes. He had tranquil face,
touched with few wrinkles that seemed of that
premature kind which thought and study will
print at the corner of the eye at the edge of the
nostrils. His smile was soft and genial; it had a
winsome spell to which the dark gloss of his
did you think me ghostq' said the lady
''You looked so amazed at me that half believe
you did"
81 was not at all prepared for you, he replied,
in slow, gentle way that was habit of speech
with him.
Mrs Thorndyke laughed. She make GEES
ture toward the impressive building just oppo
site. 1--WE been back from Paris over month, !"
she said "Come in and have chat"
They mounted the broad stoop together, at
tended by footman, who rang the bell for
them. And presently they entered drawing
room appointed with richness, even splendor.
'How is this?" said Mrs. Thorndyke, with a
Sight wave of one hand indicating the fine
vironment Don't you think it rather nicep
IL think it very NICE" said Mr. Varian.
''Sit down, Take that plush chair; it's SO
comfortable. That is right--how like old times
it seems to see you sitting beside me! saw
that you had got back to America; read of
your arrival in the Servia-wasn't it the Servia?
And then there were one or two articles about
you in the newspapers. They interviewed you
didn't theyl How funny these American Gus.
toms strike one after one has been away for an
age, like you and met Was it great borefn
1.-THE interviewingg" asked Varian. II assure
you l thought it a shocking one. had no idea
what to say. ] fancy / really said very little.
I've ali idea that the reporter made up all that
stuff out of mis- own head"
'tBut you ought not to have been bored" de-
clared Mrs. Thorndyke, beginning to take off
her bonnet. She soon tossed it upon a little
mosaic table near at hand. Her hair glistened
about Ter lovely temples; her eyes beamed like
stars; slight color had crept into her cheeks;
the lines of her slender and charming figure
took new grace and symmetry She
suredly woman of great personal attraction
'You have written two novels since you were in
Europe, and you should accept the penalty of
your fame Varian" she continued. Upon my
word, quite envied you when l saw how they
had received you here. Any sort of a definite
experience Oh this shore must be so attractive" "
''You don't like it here2"
''Like ito As if one COULD You don't mean
that you dol"
He nodded with grave emphasis 81 find
most of the people whom have thus far met
charming There is a sort of tingle in the social
atmosphere; things are livelier and sprightlier,
somehow"
'rHow can You talk like that2" exclaimed Mrs.
Thorndyke, with pretty disdain. ''You know
you don't mean a word of it. You know that
New York is detestable to you after all those
years in Rome, Paris, Vienna, even dear old
smoky London"
Varian was looking at the carpet II think it
horrid FORM" he said for an American to de-
test his own country.
NIrc Ddvl eli, ooad hore horldarc EtHovu
rude of you" she said but she said it very anna
bly,. "Well, | suppose you are right however.
Then there was little pause, and she stole at
his dropped face glance that covert, al
most sly You are thinking of things that
you win not speak, she at length murmured.
There was twinkle in his quiet eyes as he
raised them to hers. ''How like you that is, !"
he commented with soft amusement "You
want to draw me out: you want me to ask you
why you crossed the ocean,
Her color deepened somewhat, and her eyes
grew serious. 81 had no reason toeome, had II"
she questioned. lyon know what Alma Thorn
dyke was-and is-in Paris With my great
heap of money did what pleased, did | not?
Look over my past life, Hugh Varan. I went
abroad at sixteen, with poor dead father. At
eighteen had married one of the richest men
in Europe. He was sixty, and had the govt, but
he was one of the richest men in Europe. At
twenty five John Thorndyke made me widow.
Then left London and went to Paris. / had
social ambitions, and / succeeded splendiGly'
Varian was watching her now with much intent
ness, and not little puzzlement as well.
IF you did not succeed, he answered, II don't
know anybody who ever has done so. You got
the Faubourg ST. German people to come to your
salons. You did everything"
mo, did not do everything" These words
were spoken by Mrs. Thorndyke with so melan-
choly an information that her nearer started Wis
IDLY as they left her lips He rose with haste
and went close to her side.
Good heavens!' he said, your eyes are full