The Dillon tribune. [volume] (Dillon, Mont.) 1881-1941, 1885-12-05

| lection being over-sO the doctor sald-Mand
Neville was able to thank her benefactress
in person. That energetic young matron,
for all her own brilliancy and her knowl-
edge Of the fashionable world beside, could
not but feel that Tom needed no excuse for
being smitten by Vanity Hardware. The
slight paleness which long confinement had
cast over Vanity's face enhanced her
beauty, and the light gracefulness OF her
manner was chastened by an unusual gray
ity. Most of all, there was strange e.
preston in her eyes, a look at once resolute
and imaginative, that elevated her whole
aspect Maud felta secret respect for the
young actress, and could not utter her
thanks with the sisterly warmth which she
desired to express.
And yet could Maud have read Vanity'a
secret? The actress was possessed with an
idea which Maud would certainly have
called wicked, il not mean. Her soul was
concentrated upon her purpose OF Maynard
affection and merciless revenge. Her cal.
culation was that Nancy's attractions would
be about used up by this time Vanity
judged Ter just the woman to fatigue man
soon, and to be too stupid, too self satisfied,
to detect the WEAKNESS she provoked. This
provincial Nancy, ignorant Of the art OF
pleasing, could never rekindle an affection
which 1T the first she could not keep alivA
Well Vanity knew with what deadly
strength she cos,ld confront her rival now.
Her armory was not mere store Of clumsy
rustic endearments. Willie had known her
vate him. Az to what might follow, Vanity
did not greatly concern herself. Willie she
considered her own, establishing her right
by reasoning. to which neither convention
nor religion were admitted, but which salts
tel Vanity well enough
It was this wickel !. reckless purpose which
made Vanity grave and calm and superior
as she talked with Maud Neville; and in the
whole conversation honest Maud was alto
gether at fault.
Maud poured out her thanks, praised Van
tty's bravery and said whatever the occa'
SION suggested. VANITY heard her with an
air Of condescending interest. as one listens
to the thanks of grateful child.
II am glad l risksd it," she said, speaking
to her own heart while appearing to answer
Maud. "1f had died I should not have
cared. But l am alive!"
Compressed triumphant lips. eyes flashing
with purpose, the gait Of one who goes to
conquer, SO she turned and walked to the
window, for she could not keep still with
Maud's face looking into her own. Hcr
heart was not like Maud's She must 20 her
own way, and speak as little as possible with
this bright, warm-hearted, honorable
woman. So
II am alive" she said again, and then
looked out Of the window.
''Alivel" repeated Maud Neville. "But
suppose your beauty had gone!'
Vanity shudderad. Then she remembered
her own former thought
IF God or Fate had wanted my beauty,
it would have beeu taken. Now I am twice
my own"
This was Greek to Maud; but she had
something to say herself, and, for her own
reasons, abe managed to mention the name
OF her brother. Vanity was still standing at
the window looking into the garden. At
mention Of the soldiers name Maud saw q
sarcastic smile upon the lips Of the actress,
but 1t vanished quickly, and when Vanity
turned to reply her expression was ono Of
perfect indifference. Maud thousAt she
could read what was passing through Vanity's
mind, and Judged that now was the ti1ns to
~y Z;
mo wonder" Vanity replied. He II q
handsome man."
But she might have BEEN talking Of statue,
Yes; In that very tone she might havs said,
1T Ia handsome statue"
Maud considered this indifference rather
overdone VANITY means to give mo a
quiet hint, thought Mistress Maud VANITY
means tosay, Yes, your brother is wealthy.
handsome soldier. Such are apt to fancy
that any poor girl they look at grows con,
scious and agitated and SO forth Such q
girl am not H."
Thus misinterpreting vanity's manner.
ond full OF generous enthusiasm for her
brother, Maud went ON cleverly, as she i'm
agined:
''Ton is goad as we'll AZ handsome, Oh
he has 4 nobl. heart! For all his easy. self.
indulgent ways, he thinks more Of other neo-
pie than Of himself. ! am sure"-Maud for
got artistic prudence in her warmth-..tgat
It you think that Tom would trifie with the
happiness Of another you little understand
his character"
Would Vanity notice this significant trib.
utel Yes, again the sarcastic smile PLAYED
over her lips. Maud saw all now. Thare
stood before her virtuous young actress.
whose great beauty had enabled her to know
the ways of the wicked world, and who was
disdainfully incret1ulous Of masculine rood
ness.
"You may smile," she continued. with
growing imprudence, for her temper over.
came her. although her mood was generous
II suppose You have guessed that my brother
admires you! Well, h. does admire YOU.
Indeed, it would be hard for him to see Won
and not admire. But let me tell you NV
brother is not the style OF man who can fancy
one woman and love anotherr
Vanity turned about, not the least excited
but with an expression OF animation.
HE looked twice at me when once would
have been enough" This she said with
graceful eayety But WOW l did not think
he would have told YOU"
He did tell me:' cried Maud eagerly.
"That shows what Tom ISL