Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-04-21
CHAPTER III.

"I am tired to-day" says Millicent, with little, pretty, weary gesture, throwing her arms above her head and laughing softly. "And idle, too. I shan't do any German, so you may as well sit down and gossip with me, in- stead.''
 "But''- begins Nadine feebly. She is plainly delighted at the chance of scamping the German.
 ''I've told auntie I'm going to look at 8 book to-day, so you may rest yourself in that chair with quiet soul. wouldn't be as conscientious as you, Ma dine, for kings ransom. Not that that would be much nowadays, with all these Nihilistic doctrines gaining ground as they do. Are you comfortable in that overgrown chair? You look a trif1e lost. '
 ''I am quite happy" says Nadine, with a sigh of content.
 She is feeling Jagged and nervous, and is glad to rest in Millicent's pretty room with no chance of being allowed to move for an hour at least. "Lucky youp' says Miss Grey, dropping down upon the hearth rug and taking her knees into her embrace. It is only April yet, and very chilly. ''I'm not. Oh, yes; I know! You needn't finish what is on the tip of your tongue. I have everything the heart of girl can desire-the best of aunts, plenty of money, @ season before me Ca my own way-and still I am not happy! I say, isn't it a shame keeping me at my lessons, when in another month shall be eighteen, and presented, and all the rest of it9''
 ''Well, certainly think they might as well have let you off the month."
 "It's downright mean of auntie-and as rule she isn't that, eh?''
 1T think she is the kindest woman I ever met" says Nadine, with sudden fervor.
 Her English is exceedingly pure, but there is just suspicion of a foreign ac- cent in her tone when she grows in any way excited.
 ''She is-there isn't doubt of it," de- clares Miss Grey, who likes to hear her auntie praised. "But, like the rest of us, she has her little weaknesses. Well, never mind. dare say there are more unpardonable things in the world than M. Liere and Professor Vredenburg Nadine-say-that's sweet little frock you have on. Where did you get it9''
 s'I made it. You really like it?'' She stoops forward, and her lovely face grows pink with pleased surprise. "I confess I thought it-well-not bad, myself-but to hear you praise itr'
 "It is the incest thing I have seen this many day. I congratulate you on it. Next month, as I have told you, shall be an emancipated being-free of even monsieur and the profeSsor-with per mission to order my own gowns; and then I shall buy myself the exact fac-simile of the one in which you are now looking so fetching. It will be sort of satisfac- tion to you to see how exceedingly badly it will become me-"
 "Ahl probably shan't see," says Ma dine.
 Quick tears rise in her eyes. It is not only that the loss of her engagement will be serious lessening of the grist she brings to the mill, but she is fond of Mil icent; and to lose her-the pretty, saucy, kindly friend-that seems very bitter.
 "Won't you, though? What do you mean by that, pray?"
 "Why, that I shall disappear with monsieur and the professor when you step upon the worlds stage"
 Miss Grey, bringing herself nimbly to her feet, drags Nadine from her chair, and compels her to stand in front of her.
 "Now that have brought matters to the correct point-now for the stage effect,'' she says airily. "You see, we are both very stagey in our sentiments to-day. Now, listen to my arrangement, and be warned in time that if you object to it murder will be done-here, in this very quiet room in Park lane. Auntie is of opinion that am unfit to go about without keeper, and you are to be ap- pointed such. See? According to auntie, you are @ very model of propriety, and I am exactly the reverse. You are to take me in hand, and make me altogether such one as myself"
 ooh, Milicent!-impossible! l could not do that"
 "And why thens What tonel what 8 voicel Is it possible you are going to