The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-12-22
BY HENRY cREswELL.
TMurray's Magazine. ]


member what day it is today?"
''No. Thomas
'Your wedding, day, sir!"
Strickland's face, clouded.
II did not know, sir, whether you would
wish for dinner the same wine as-as you
used to have"
'No, Thomas; shall probably dine at the
club"
II ordered dinner. as usual, sir, and bou-
quet, in case"
"Quite right, Thomas, quite right"
For an instant the heart of the promoted
official sank. The fidelity of his old domes-
was humilating How he would once have
resented the suggestion that Thomas would
remember this anniversary better than him
self! And that it should fall to the old SER
want to order from the florist the bouquet
he himself had been formerly so proud to
bring home on this evening to his wife But
the slight sense of annoyance passed away
quickly. 1t was with absolute indifference
that, seeing the servant 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
agaid this evening, about 6. She wished to
see you on important business"
"Her name?"
''She left none"
'Did you see her?"
mo, sir"
'Did John say what she was like?"
Rather tall, sir; dark, and fashionably
dressed
IF she calls will see her. You may go.
Thomas" The servant left, and Strickland
continued to himself. "Tall, young, dark,
well 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 paused moment to steal a look
at his visitor, She stood by one of the ia
bles. idly turning the leaves of photograph
album. Her back was toward him, and he
could distinguish only the tall and graceful
figure of woman, well dressed and wearing
expensive laces.
Madam" he said, advancing.
The lady turned. Strickland started as If
he had received an electric shock. To con-
ceal, to the best of his ability, his surprise
and the sudden pallor of his face, he made
her profound bow
Il hope am not inconveniencing you"
she said as she returned his salute. Then,
with quiet ease, she selected chair and
sat down.
''Not in the least; / am at your SERVICE"
said Strickland.
''As shall avail myself of your condescen-
sion, hope that was not merely a compli-
ment."
"May | ask how / can oblige you?"
The lady stroked the soft fee of her mrff,
and once or twice lifted her searching eyes
to bis face. Apparently she was hesitating
to name the purpose of her visit. Mean
while Strickland gratified his eyes with
good look at her, lovely, fascinating still, as
the first day he had seen her. Only her pure
profile had gained more decision, and her
eyes had profounder meaning than when
he had last looked into them. as those of
woman who had suffered
At length she said:
"Do you still correspond with my father?"
Eyes. 1t is fortnight, however, since /
last wrote to him
II received letter from him yesterday
He is coming to town tomorrow"
This time Strickland made no attempt to
conceal his surprise.
Tomorrow! Your father, who never
leaves homew
''The medical men order him to the south
coast, and he will, on his way, stop in town
to spend the night with"
She paused.
His daughter" said Strickland.
''He says his son. And so we find our
selves in a pleasant embarrassment"
She leaned back, and with small hand
began drubbing waltz on the table at her
side.
"You call 1t pleasant"
81 did not come here to discuss words, but
to discover plan of action"
81 see none"
.And you are politician, man of genius.
If those subtle arts, that have been so sue
cessfully employed in your own advance
ment, 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, do
know-the truth"
"The unhappy TRUTH
She made little grimace, nd proceeded:
MY father would be cruelty hurt, and the
sins of the children ought not to be visited
upon their parents. My remorse-I beg
your pardon, that is of little consequence
here"-she looked aside to warn him not to
expostulate, and continued: Hitherto,
thanks to our precautions, the distance of
my fathers residence, and the seclusion in
which he prefers to live, he has been spared
this sorrow. Tomorrow our clever edifce of
dut.ial falsehood falls to the ground, and l,
at lest, am unable to conjecture the conse-
quences."
"And l."
'Mr. Strickland, it is absolutely necessary
to prevent this scandal. / trust you will
assist me. My father must find us together;
and we must avoid everything that would
serve to awaken suspicion"
She spoke sadly as well as earnestly A
deep shadow Of concern settled ON her hear
er's face. Wrapped in thought, he delayed
His visitor became impatient.
'Your promised courtesy costs too much ?"
she demanded.
mo. am ready. But see many diff
,ulties. The servants?"
''Give the new man-servant found here
his morning holiday. I will speak to
Thomas"
"If friend should call? ?"
"You will see no one"
IF we meet your father, people will see us |
ogether."
1--WE will go in closed carriage"
Your father will stay here several hours. !
food and supplemented as he is, do you be-
ieve it possible he will not recognize a.
house?"
81 will send my work, my music, and so
IN. this evening. My roonP"
us as you left it,"
''Sentimentalityp
"No-respect."
"Have you any further objections?''
''None. 1t remains to be seen whether we
nall be able to deceive Mr.. Gregory"
by playing the affectionate couple. Can
on remember your grimaces and fooleries
+ two years ago?" she asked sarcastcally.
"No; have forgotten Them" replied
with frown.
Al