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


lap, sank back into the luxurious armchair by
his library fire, after throwing on the table the
letter that announced his promotion to an
euviable 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-
lights TO mock disappointed men,
An old man-servant, one of q sort growing
rare, entered the room with an evening paper.
He laid II at his masters side. and stood at
respectful distance, waiting, Misunderstanding,
with some anxiety legible in his countenance.
Well, ThomasI asked Strickland.
Il beg your pardon, sir; but do you remem-
Der what day it is to-day?''
mo, Thomas"
''Your wedding-day sir,
Stricklands face clouded
Il did not know, sir, whether YOU would wish
for dinner the same wine ss-as you used to
have"
'.No, Thomas; shall probably dine at the
81 ordered dinner az usual, sir; and a bou-
quet, in Case
.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-
scented the suggestion that Thomas would re-
member this anniversary better than HIMSELF
And that il should fall to the old servant to Or
der from the florist the bouquet Gerard himself
this evening. to his wife, 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 lust gone,
young lady called. Hearing You were not at
home. she said she would call again this even
ing about 8. She wished to see you on import
ant business"
Her name?"
''She left none."
Did you see herr"
mo, sir"
Did John say what she was hke?'
,,.h; atneI ,t tall d. sri young lady dark and
IF she calls l 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?'
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 a moment to steal a look a. his
visitor. She stood by one of the tables idly
turning the leaves of photograph album. Her
back was toward him, and ne 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 as if 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 ann not mountaineering you." she
said. at the same time returning his salute.
Then, with quiet ease she selected a chair
and sat down.
No: in the least; am at your service" said
Strickland
As shall avail myself Of your condescen-
sion. l hope that was not merely a compli-
ment."
May / ask you how can oblige you?"
The lady stroked the soft fur of her muff
and 0r tvxic liftad har
his face. Apparently she was hesitating to
name the purpose of her visit. Meanwhile
Strickland gratifed his eyes with a 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 a 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 my father?"
Yes. IL is. however, fortnight since last
wrote to 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
homer
The medical men order him to the south
coast, and he viii, 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 ourselves
in pleasant embarrassment"
She leant back. and with small hand began
drubbing waltz on the table at her side
You call it pleasant" said Strickland
Il did not come here to discuss words, but to
discover plan Of action"
Il see none"
''And you are politician, a man of geniusl
III those subtle arts, that have been so 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 Wen. have plan First. do not
wish cost what 1t may, to let my father know
the truth
The unhappy TRUTH
She made little grimace. and proceeded:
'iy 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 aslde to warn him not to expostulate.
and continued: Hitherto, thanks to our pre-,
cautions. the distance of my fathers residence.
ana the seeIusion IN which he prefers to live,
has been spared this sorrow Tomorrow our
clever edifee Of dutiful falsehood falls to the
ground and l. az least. am unable to conjec-
ture the consequence"
.'Mr. Strickland. il is absolutely necsssarv q,
prevent this scandal. thrust Won will assist me |
NY father must find Us together: and we must !
avoid everything that would serve to awaken |
suspicion"
Sne spoke sadly. as well as earnestly. A deem
shadow OF concern settled on her hearers face |
wrapped IN thought. he delayed the answer |
HIS visitor became impatient
Your promised courtesy costs too much?" |
she demanded.
NO: am ready. But see many difficult
ties The servants?"
tive the new man-servant I found here
this morning holiday. will speak to Thomas. +"
IF friend should eall?'
''iou will see no one"
If We meet your father, people will see us
together"
We win g in closed carriage"
Your father will stay here several hours
Good and simple-hearted as he is, do Won be-
heve it possible be viii not recognize a
bachelors house?"
Il will send my work, my music. and 90 ON.
this evening. NV room?'
is az you left IT,"
''Sentimentalityl'
''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 affectionate couple Can
You remember your grimaces and fooleries of
two years ago!" she asked sarcastically.
No; have forgotten them" replied Strick-
land. with o frown.
And the two looked into each others ewes.
like two duellists
ssWhsp viu xox, .<,-~.