Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-04-02
figure. explained the cause of his obnv-

Ion. Blessed are the absent!
 Miss Clara Gay would hardly have for given this loss of memory. As it was, Miss Gay considered it unpardonable that at the age of 35 Sir Geoffry Est court should still be an unappropriated blessing. And as she was endowed with the usual amount of good looks, she in- tended to execute good deal of business anent this particular visit. When Carmen retired to rest that night her dreams were of Geoffry Est court; but they were ever marred by the all prevailing presence of Allen Fitzclare. However, dreams are but interludes which fancy makes" and as the morning rose, fair and bright, her dream vanished with the sun. And with the sunshine came Julius Gay and his sister Clara.
 Miss Gay looked fresh and fair and rosy with her rapid drive. She was a pretty, typical English girl; light brown hair, good complexion, pretty blue eyes l and charming little figure, and most perfectly conscious of every good point. She had brought with her several killing gowns from Paris, and it must be con- fessed pang of disappointment shot through her heart as she saw the beauti- full presence of Carmen Massingbird standing in the wide hall doorway with the morning sun streaming down upon her. She seemed to be the very center of the little group. Julius Gay, without thought of his sister, jumped off the dog cart and rushed up the steps. Good morning, Miss Massingbird; this is an unexpected pleasure. Where is any author in the world
 Teaches such beauty as a woman's eyes' My beauty, though but mean, Needs not the painted flourish of your praise" answered Carmen with bright laugh. "Mr. Gay, absolutely forbid your quo- tations; you really must be suppressed" Sir Geoffry had gone to assist Miss Gay to alight. ''You have brought us charm ing weather for the first Miss Gay"
 ''Yes, it is delicious. Have you a large party? How many guns?" asked the young lady, hardly giving her host time to reply.
 ''Six with your brother. Col. Massing- bird, Harry We're, Squire Huntley, Mir. Fairfax, of the Grange, and your humble servant" And with that he turned to her brother. "Come, Julius, cannot allow even Miss Massingbird to keep you. Go in, man, and get some breakfast. We are only waiting for you to start" "All right, won't be second" And he and Sir Geoffry passed swiftly through the hall where the other men were con- gregated.
 Look sharp, Gay" they called out. The young man nodded gayly, and has tily drinking cup of coffee and break ing off piece of roll, pronounced him. self ready.
 Have something more substantial, Julius," said his host, pointing to the we'll spread table.
 ''No, thanks, Estcourt. I'll make up at lunch time."
 "Come along, then" Then they all started off.
 Rut in spite of Sir Geoffry being fully engaged, he managed (not unobserved by the sharp eyes of Miss Gay) to throw farewell glance at Carmen, as he called out in hearty tones: Do not forget the luncheon, ladies'"
 "We will not forget" said Carmen brightly, as she waved her handker- chief.
 "Come in, my dear," said Miss Est court to Clara Gay, you really must
 
 long drive, and so early too." Ut was only six miles, Miss Estcourt, and the morning was so delightfully."- fresh and crisp"
 "There is always something deliciously pure and invigorating in the early scent of an autumn morning. In the spring it is the perfume of leaf and blossom; but the autumn is aromatic and pungent. Yes, prefer the autumn" "Ah, dear Miss Estcourt, you can speak from the experience of an early riser," said Carmen, still watching the ever retreating figures of sportsmen, beaters and dogs, as they made their way to the plantation and then became lost to sight. We lose much of natures beauty in our gay life in town," con- tinued Carmen.
 "Well, we enjoy it quite as much," observed Miss Gay practically. II am sure would not give up ball for sum- rise."
 "You can have both," said Carmen saucily, ''if you only stay a ball out" V. Then the ladies, after Miss Gay had some refreshment, adjourned to Miss GoCSouACo D HUI AoOAA "AeA aspect, where their hostess left them for her daily confab with the housekeeper. By and by the two girls wandered out to the gardens and exchanged mutual con- fidences Qimited, bien entendu) as to their various experiences of their Lon don seasons. Carmen did not think it necessary to inform Clara Gay of the un- fortunate little ceremony of three years ago, neither did Miss Gay confess the disgust she experienced at finding Col Massingbirds daughter the favorite guest of their bachelor host. Indeed, Clara Gays private conviction was that Carmen Massingbird intended to swoop down on Geoffry Estcourt, whom she had intended for her own particular prey.
 But Carmen was in sublime ignorance of the unfavorable view taken by Miss Gay. Indeed, she lived in an ideal world, where, like an enchanted prin- cess, the prince of fate was at last coming to claim her. And she let her self glide down the stream of oblivion, and led her bea1ltiflll lOt11s life