The Forrest City times., 1890-06-21
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
 1 did not set out with much oxpecia. tion of enjoyment; but the hours that followed were the most miserable that l had ever known--thc forerunners of many wretchcd days to come. l hate to think or speak of that timo even now. Most of it's misery was of my own making. no doubt. engendered Of my own jealousy and morbid self-dis- trust; but that fact made the torture none the less keen and hard to bear
 Estellc, looking fairer than ever in black lace. was u most gracious host ess that night. She had completely cast aside her usual somewhat super ciious languor and talked brilliantly even mother was softened and at tracted by her: and Dick seemed hardly able to turn his eyes from the lovely animated face. Only uncle Archie and sat moody and silent the skeletons of the feast.
 .sSing something 1rcnc," said Mrs. Gerard. when we were back in the drawing room. Il feel to lazy to talk; the fact is, exhausted myself at tho dinncr-table. By-tho- way, my dear. al. low me to congratulate on your ftsi,tr. He is really q charming young fellow, with plenty to say for himself. and none Of the dreadful gancherto Of the ordinary engaged young man. fore see that we shall not find you two at all troublesome pair"
 I l.sl I.t. knew was meant for vaingiorious tannt; but she could not, luckily, see my face or guess whether her arrow had gone home, for. finding it easier to sing than carry on conversation just then, had gone straight to the canterbury. and was turning over the music itcontalned with rather reckless haste.
 ..Sing that new song of yours dear" mother put in placidly--s'i for. got it's naine--somcthing about Once More or Mover More'-or something like that; pretty little sentimental thing Dicks favorlte, you know"
 Yes sI knew; but | did not feel in the mood 10 sing Dicks favorite song, to trust myself with sentiment of any sort just then. so took up a ballad oi the kind most detost-ono Of the drawing room type-that had practlced once or twice from sheer love of mischief. and sang it almost vilely as IL deserved to be sung, with exaggerated expression and but scan, regard for time or tune.
 ,'lrene!" cried my mother. with eonsternation in her tone, as sound. sd the last chord with defiant crash. and Mrs. Gerrard chimed in. with hot clear silverv laugh
 "Why should you check the child's tastes and spirits. Mrs, Walter2 w. cannot all run in the same musica groove; and. If she likes such songs by all means lot her sing them. Fot my part. think they suit her style to perfection. What do you say. Mr Martineau ps
 l wheeled sharply round upon tn, stool. and saw Dick standing by hel chair; he had come in unnoticed while l was singing, but had not come straight across to me as he usually did. Uncle Archie had come In too; and i was he. not Dick who at oncc answer cd with dry iecision-
 ''I do not like that song at ail--ant like still less 10 hear Irene sing it. Why do you not give us ono of your simple, pretty ballads, my dear ?"
 l muttercd some excuse IL was not because that was ahashed by or resented the rehuke--uncle Archi, had spoken in all kindness. and he did not hate the song moro heartily than l---bnt felt could not obey him then; if tried one note of the song my uncle loved should incvit ably break down. So came away from the piano, whore Mrs. Gorrard presently took my place, playing wi i much brillianey piece of Chopin's {, which Dick listened with cdifying at tention, keeping his eyes fixed upos the performers face.
 '.Very flne---very brilliant .' mother murmurcd slcepily. her taste in musi, being simple. and only exacting in the matter oi melody. But, Archie, does not Mrs. Gerard sing ?"
 ssNo; she has no voice. T said uncle Archie simply
 Dicks face flushed suddenly in an inconsequent manner. and he turned his eyes quickly from my uncle to Es telle and back again, then suddenly bent forward. resting both arms on the piano, and said, with m eager tremor in his voice
 .sBut this Is mistake surely Ton do sing. Mrs. Gerard do you not P
 She did not raise her head; the slim white fingers were busily striking chords us she answered. with n clear deliberate echo of uncle Archio's words
 "You heard Mir Gorrard say hay, no voice p''
 .At. but Mir. Gerard may be mis- taken he cannot provo negative ai best [" Dick went on. with increasing eagerncss and with what. in the cir cumstances. was really absurd pertin- acity. Fl feel am sure that you can sing. Mrs. Gerrard- more. that you have such voice as we seldom hear !''
 TO RE CONTINUED.