Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-24
AN UNEXPECTED VISIT.

his library fire. after throwing on the table the
letter that announced his promotion to an
envIable post in the civil service. As he
thought Of the post, his Advancement seemed
to him no subject for congratulations, but only
one Of those grim jests with which fortune de-
Eghts to mock disappointed men.
An old man-servant. one OF o sort growing
rare. entered the room with an evening paper.
he laid IL at his masters side, and stood At o
respectful distance, waiting, Misunderstanding.
with some anxiety legible in his eountenance.
well, ThOmas?" asked Strickland
Il beg your pardon, sir; but do you remem-
Der what day il is to-day?'
No. Thomas"
Your wedding day, SIR
Stricklands face clouded
Il did not know, sir, whether you would wish
for dinner the same wine as-as you used to
have"
No, Thomas; I shall probably dine at the
club"
Il ordered dinner usual, sir; and bou-
''Quite right. Thomas. quite right"
For an instant the heart Of the promoted Of
fetal sank. The fidelity of his old domestic
was humiliating. How he would once have re-
sented the suggestion that Thomas would re-
member this anniversary better than himself!
And that it should fall to the old servant to Or
der from the florist the bouquet Gerard himself
had been forRerly so proud TO bring home, on
this evening. to his wifei But the slight sense
of annoyance passed away quickly. II was with
absolute indifference that, seeing the man.ser-
want still waiting. he asked
Anything else, Thomas?"
This morning. when you had but Just gone,
young lady called. Hearing you were not at
home. she said she would call again this even
ing about s. She wished to see you on import
ant business"
Her name?'
'She left none"
did you see her?"
NO. sir"
..Did John say what she was like?"
Rather tall, sir; a young lady, dark, and
Thomas" The servant left, and Strickland
continued to himself. Tall, young, dark, we'll
dressed. business with me. Who can she be?''
1.-The lady IS here. sir, in the drawing room"
said Thomas. returning to the library after
about ten minutes.
Strickland went to the drawing room. At the
door he Vaused q moment to steal look at his
visitor. She stood by one Of the tables idly
turning the leaves of a photograph album. Her
back was toward him, and he could distinguish
only the tall and graceful figure Of a woman,
well-dressed and wearing expensive laces.
Madam" he said, advancing.
The lady turned. Strickland started a. il he
had received an electric shock. To conceal, to
the best Of his ability, his surprise and the sud
den pallor of his face, he made her profound
bow.
Il hope am not inconveniepcing you" she
said. at the same time returning his salute.
Then. with quiet ease she selected chair
and sat down.
Not in the least; I am Of your service" said
Strickland
''As shall avail myself Of your condescen-
sion. l hope that was not merely a compli-
Inent."
May ask you how can oblige your"
The lady stroked ths soft fur Of her mum,
and once or twice lifted her searching eyes to
his face. Apparently she was hesitating to
name the purpose Of her visit Meanwhile,
at her, lovely. fascinating still, the first day
he had seen her. Only her pure profile had
gained more decision, and her eyes had 9 pro-
founder meaning than when he last looked into
them. as those Of woman who had lived and
suffered.
At length she said:
DO You still correspond with nv father"
Yes 1t is, however, 9 fortnight since last
wrote 10 him."
Il received letter from him yesterday. he
is coming to town tomorrow"
This time Strickland made no attempt to con-
ceal his surprise.
Tomorrow! Your father, who never leaves
homew'
The medical men order him to the south
coast; and he viii. on his way, stop in town, 10
spend the night with"
She paused.
His daughter" said Strickland.
in pleasant embarrassment"
She lesnt back. and with q small hand began
drubbins q waltz on the table ct her side.
You call it pleasant" said Strickland
Il did not come here to discuss Words but To
discover plan of action"
Il see nome"
And you are politician, man of genius!
IL those subtle arts, that have been 80 success
fully employed in your own advancement,
could be, without prejudice to you, this once
employed to extricate me from"
Excuse me, madam; but your reproaches
are scarcely likely to assist me to exercise my
Imagination"
Bah! Well. have plan. First, I do not
wish. cost what it may, to let my father know
the truth"
The unhappy TRUTH
She made little grimace. and proceeded:
my father would be cruelty hurt and the sins
OF the children ought not to be visited upon
their parents. Ny remorse-I beg your par
don. that Is OF little consequence here"-she
looked aside to warn him not to expostulate.
and Continued: Hitherto thanks to our pre-
cautions. the distance Of my fathers residence,
and the seclusion in which he prefers to live.
has been spared this sorrow. Tomorrow our
clever edihce o. dutiful faisehood falls to the
ground. and /, at least. am unable to coniec-
ture the consequence"
And T."
'.1Ir. Strickland Il Is absolu selv necessary 10
prevent this scandal. thrust you will assist me-
Ny father must nnd rs together; and we must
avoid everything that would serve to awaken
suspicion"
She spoke sadly. as well az earnestly. A deem
shadow Of concern settled on her hearers face.
wrapped IN thought he delayed the answer.
his visitor became inpatient.
she demanded.
No, | am ready: But see many difficult
ties. The servants!''
GIVE the new man-servant I found here
THIS morning holiday. will speak to Thomas"
If a friend should cail!''
You will see no one"
II We meet your father, people will see Us
together"
We will go in a closed carriage"
Your father will STAY here several hours
Good and simple-hearted a. he Ia, do Won be-
heye II possible he will not recognize A.
bachelors house?'
Il will send my work. my music, and 10 on,
this evening. Ny room?'
is a. you left It"
.Sentimentalityv'
'-NO-respect."
Have you any further objections?"
None. IL remains to be seen whether We
shall be able to deceive Mr.. Gregory"
BY playing the afYectionate couple. Can
you remember your grimaces and fooleries Of
two years ago!" she asked, sarcastically.
No; have forgotten them" replied Strick-
land. with a frown.
And the two looked into each others eyes,
like two drellists.
When will You come here2- asked Strich-