The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-05-22

hopes Of matrlmony were on tho wane.
Yet she still strove 70 smile and lool
prettily artless- other hope wal
;hcre for herr
Really true" Mr. Alkmond answered,
with n smile: and not that only. but for
tunatc In pccuniary view. having inher'
tied the large fortune Of All uncle in the
West Indies Art is now a mere pastime
with him"
How delightfully."- romantici" sighed
Olive, remembering, with pang OF SELF
reproach, the old Irritation In the warm
lights of the studio I'VE used to be
grea, friends once. shall be 20 charmed
TO meet him onco again"
Rupert Cecil rich. Rupert Cecil at the
top OF flames pinnacle. and she Miss Cler-
mont still. Things had not worn pre-
ciscly this aspect ten years ago.
Her heart gave little nervous pulsa-
ton as the stately. wen remembered head
lowered high above the shifting throng
that filed Lady Castleton's rooms Would
IA remember herr Olive Clermont be
lievcd in the duration Of sentimental
fancies. and she knew that Mr. Cecil had
once loved her az men seldom love twice
In their lives.
Surely it was worth the effort.
She put out her little hand. clad In the
twice cleaned kid glove, as Mr.. Cecil ad
vanced, the unconscious center Of every
glance
Mr. Cecil-Rupert.
His gaze Of genuine lack of recognition
rather discounted her
Surely you have not forgotten Olive
| Clermonty" she faltered, trying hard for
a careless smile
Miss Clermont Certainly have not
forgotten you. But pardon me; 1t Is such
a long time since we met.
olive sighed sentimentally.
ITO me II has seemed long time, Mr..
Cecil. but you have been growing famous
the while.
Il have been in Italy" he answered
calmly, ignoring the implied compliment.
Il suppose you have quite forgotten the
old days."
"By no means - there are some pas.
sages In a mans life lie cannot easily for
get.
Olives heart beat high with renewed
hope. -.
Then YOU did sometimes think of ms''
Miss Clermont, he answered, looking
full into her eyes, II did think of you
once, years ago, but your own voice de-
stroyed the illusion"
Nine
Yes, YOURS. heard you say you never
should condescend to think twice Of a
poor artist--that ! might think myself
highly honored If you amused yourself
one day il week with the portrait
painter In that hour, Miss Clermont,
your image was hurled down from its
home in my heart. No man can endure to
be despised "
Olive had grown pale beneath her arti-
fetal roses.
Il was but foolish child then, she
faltered My thoughts and my scnti
ments have undergone o thorough change
since then"
80 have mine, he answered, cruelty
distinct. Miss Clermont. when you
come TO Rome, if ever, shall be happy
to introduce you to the young lady who Is
to be my wife-Lady Isabel Varney.'
Thank you" faltered Olive. her heart
sinking like lead in her bosom, but
do not think shall ever visit Rome"
She sank down In low chair as r.
passed On, her face haggard beyond its
usual wont The now and then of life
were facing each other with hooking dis
tinctness. and Olive Clermont could see
the future plainly. as if reflected in u
mirror A loveless life. dreary, down
hill path to the grave
If she could but have recalled those
idle words
But Of what avail was the half breathed
wish2 Olive Clermont went slowly back
to her dreary home, and that was the last
time she ever looked upon the man who
was engaged to marry Lady Isabel Var
ney Exchange.