The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-10
CHAPTER 1T.

that his scandaliZed sisters became sulky
and went OF to bed.
CHAPTER II.
WHEN THE VISIT CAME To AN END.
1t was the first time the Misses Hallett
had found themselves completely baffied,
and this by an insignificant chit, whose
presence in the house was merely permitted
to oblige their father.
Assuring themselves that it was for
Anne's sake, they treated the intruder as a
dangerous creature, who must be asSailed
with every weapon in the feminine culver
until she could be taught to know herself
better.
The contrived TO avoid being seen any
where with her; there were always excuses
found for not using the tickets MI. Hallett
brought home for exhibitions, concerts,
etc, and Lolita would not have gone any.
where if Mrs. Hallett had not proved more
considerate than her daughters.
Then they persistently thwarted her un-
concealed preference for Gives society,
and she was either prisoned at the chess
board, game size did not like or entrapped
into winding silks and teaching Aurora
new stitches in lace-N Ork or embroidery
But just as the amiable sisters were con-
graduating themselves oil the success of
their efforts Diana came upon Give and
Lolita holding a hurried interview in the
conservatory.
Both her hands were clasped in his, and
oh, horror!-she was looking up in his
face, her own bathed in smiles and tears
and bushes.
"She has lured him to the verge of pro-
posal!' groaned Diana. III | had not up
set half dozen pots and made diversion
at the expense OF two If mammals hand
soonest azaleas she would have secured him.
What is to be done? Can We stand tamely
by and let our brother sacrifice himself to
gOverness?
Let US send for Lady Anne" suggested
Aurora Make some eXcuse-no matter
What-so that it brings her here Give is
bewitched by this bold, bad girl; but her
spell VIII be broken when Anne appears.
He could not be so mad, so wicked as to
jiit an Earl's daughter!'
g But there is papa TO be considered; he
thinks so much of Lolita. She has won his
heart by warming his slippers at night and
making MS toast in the morning. If lie
were to know what we are plan aihg!'
He need not. We are devising de-
lightful surprise for Give let that be our
answer If we are questioned"
Accordingly, and with a great air Of
mystery, the c0nSplrators went TO work.
Luckily for their plans, Lady Anne's
eccentric aunt had been seized with a de-
sire TO visit an old friend in Cornwall, and
did not object to parting with her niece Il
few days earlier than had been arranged.
The young lady reached London safely, and
that same evening Give, rushing across the
drawing-room to whisper few words to
Lolita, who for wonder had been left to
her own resources, was brought to q stand
still by the sight oil Anne Graeme.
But now his sisters trembled for the con-
sequence of their experiment. III Lolita
had secured her prey what excuses could
they make to Lady Anne Tor bringing her
here to see the man she loved at the feet Of
another? Or if Give was wayering be-
tween the two was lie not chivalric enough
or foolish enough, Aurora called ito
keep faith with the governess and leave the
high-b0rn demoiselle to find worthier
lover?
1t was a relief that after the first natural
start of surprise Give greeted Lady Anne
without the slightest embarrassment. 1t
was Lolita who was agitated, who turned
pale, then red; who rose from her seat and
then sat down again, and vainly tried to
hold in her trembling fingers the brush
with which she had been touching up some
of Diana's sketches.
You had better 60 away" whispered the
latter to her, frowning severely. " GU see
that your scheming has been useless; go to
your room and let this be a lesson to you.
Nothing can be more unwOmanly or de-
grading than such conduct as yours"
Yes, | will go to my room for a few min
utes," faltered Lolita, pressing her hand to
her heart, but keeping her Mistful gaze
fixed on Give.
lie turned, he met that anxious glance,
and murmured a few words to Lady Anne,
who promptly crossed the room TO where
Lolita was standing, supporting herself
against the table.
81 am so very, very glad to be able to
bring you this, dear Miss Maynard" ex-
claimed the young lady, holding up letter.
Il went ard saw my uncle, Sir James Ed
ney, as soon as Cli-8s your cousin told me
your wishes; and we are very much pleased
that it was in his power to give me what |
asked for. But the suspense has been too
much Tor YOU she added, cOmmlseratingy.
MAY | 90 with you to your room? Please
let me-
AS Lady Anne and Lolita went slowly
away, Diana and her sister seized upon
Give.
'What does this mean?"
'"Ihat Anne is the dearest girl in the
world-the most generOuS-the most un-
selfish-and has spared no pains to oblige
Eyes; but Lotta? Why is she taking
such an extraordinary interest in person
like Lolita"
"Pshaw such girls quickly learn to APP
preciate each other. They will be fast
friends all their lives
After the shameless way Lolita has
flirted with you? NOnsense!"
"She has never firted with me-" Give
retorted. She saw that L was willing to
be her friend, and told ME how the young
clergyman to whom she was engaged
despairing of obtaining a living here on
which they could marry-was going abroad.
Seeing that she was breaking her heart over
the separation, and knowing that Sir James
Edney had two or three preferments in his
gift. l wrote to Anne. She is terribly afraid
of her grumpy, irascible. old uncle, but
braved his ill-humor, and obtained a
presentation for Lotta's betrothed to the
rectory of Leaburn, one of the prettiest
little towns in Hampshire"
"How very odd and inexplicablev' said
Aurora.
She said it again when Lolita was mar
ried on the same day as Anne Graeme. She
continues to say it whenever she sees fresh
proofs Of the friendship which, as Give
predicted, has sprung up between the Earl's
daughter and the once-despised governess.
AS for Diana she has grown wiser, and is
almost as proud of my cousin. the rector's
wife," as Of ''my sister-in-law. the Lady
Anne" L. C..