New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-16
VIII.
A TRIAL.
cell Farquhar answered Mrs. Ferrers's note ID

~
TRIAL.
Cecil Farquhar answered Mrs. Ferrerss note "a
person
1t was o'clock and he went to the little house
in Vale Place, Pont-st Yes, Mrs Ferrers was AT
home. the smart maid told him, and he ran lightly
upstairs. At the door of the drawing-roon he
was conscious of feeling slight shock of disap-
pointment, and somehow the visit was not as
happy usual. On the little Chippendale
table, that stood at the top Of the stairs
to prevent the opening of the second door, on the
other side of which, in the front room was the
screen with the worked herons, lay mans hat
and stick.
Cecil was half-minded to retreat, but he re.
Trained He pulled aside the heavy curtains
he parted the beads and bamboos and entered.
Mrs, Ferrers was lying back lazily in the chair
with The white catsxln. ana gentleman sat OPP
in, and he glad be had not gone, after all
Mr.. Farquhar, how do you do? she said, put
ting out her hand You have found me out
again | was afraid you were going to drop me.
Let me introduce Mr.. Lakeman, Mr. farquhar."
The two men looked at each other and bowed
stifly. Mrs. Ferprs started some easy converse
ton, and tried TO make IT. Include tne trlo, pus
she found herself answered separately by each OF
the other two, while they avoided exchanging
words with each other. The SITUATION was
strained. 1t was the old story Of "Iwos com
the Objectionable third, while Cecil, on his part
| thought the others presence was an encroacn-
meut where he alone had the rlght' MIS-. I rer
rers made herself charming to both. She talked
lightly topics of common interest, ana sue
ceeded in keeping the conversation impersonaL
d" | should not think he will stop long, Farqu-
har saying to himself.
thinking. ~,
IF only Seringa would come in, was Mrs
Ferrers's thought. And vet, perhaps, on SEQ
ond thoughts, the situation is wholesome,
Meanwhile not too robust flow of talk went
on Sometimes one of the two would drop
out of It, sometimes the other; Mrs Ferrers never
Presently temporary relief in the shape
of the smart maid with tea; and yet even here
there came a little clash, when both men put ont
their hands for Mrs. Ferrers's cup She smiled
ON each She was acutely miserable for one. He
knew nothing of it, and was inclined to he cross
You were going TO sing" said Mr. Lakemnn,
after n pause Do you remember you said The
other day when Colonel Anstey--"
Was -" said Mrs. Ferrers. Il will. II you
like. There is my music; choose song M I0T me
YOU angry?7 she said softly TO Cecil. She
lowered her head and leant little toward him.
What have ! done?"
Il don't know he answered. "YOu are not
W. why do YOU say that'' she asked, in the the
same low voice audible only to him. why? Gan
| help myself? Hush, don't speak for Nj
Lakeman had chosen out song, and had turned
will you sing this, Mrs. Ferrers?' he asked;
WENT MRS to f the pan nose She looked the
Oh not that, she said hurredIy; i thlnk
not that
for I'should have liked 10 hear it
Very well, said Mrs. Ferrers, you shall
She glanced over at Cecil Farquhar as she
spoke. but lie stood at the window, and his back
! was toward her She struck the notes and sang,
and he turned angrlly. The movement was nov
/ lost upon her.
Il know a maiden fair TO sec.
She can an" both false and friendly bs.
beware! Bewarei
Trust her not
She is foOllng thee!'
Surely this done on purpose II was an
oil inpil n NJ In.
stood behind her and turned over her pages Tor
her and Cecil Farquhar saw him looking down
/ on her pretty head in unhidden admiration. 10
have kicked him would have been pleasure. AS
it was. However, he could only stand still ana
Takeman was n man Of about thirty Of medium
height. but we'll built and neat. lie wore short
| pointed beard. He was dressed with great care
| and with taste. His manner was pohshed ana
| easy and his presence sufficiently good
Mrs Ferrers finished her song and rose from
/ the piano Mr. I.akeman thanked her and praised
! her SINGING. Cecil Farquhar stood at the window
81 vaa .rt NY note ~ asked Mrs. Ferrers
YES, sad aquhar shortly; hoped Mrs
/ Mud might have been here; but VIII write
II Shall he happy. but will write and now
I an afraid l must be going. Good-by' Mrs
lie held ont his hand coldy He bowed stifty
/ to Nr Lalleman and left the room. He was AT
tic foot of the stairs when he heard his name
called softly.
Mr. Farquhar.'
"Acs. Mrs. Fcrrers.
Co. want 10 speak 10 you. Come here for mo-
mcnt. please
She stood looking over the baustrades. He
went mp 10 her. There was something Infinitely
soft i'm her voice.
Nou arc angry with me-" she said. Why?
| What have done that | could help?'
"NothnG, he said. "Only--
"Ony what"
Only was right; Mrs. Ferrers; You are not
! quite kind to-day"
Mrs Fcrrers made no answer 10 this. After
| little pause she said
"Nou did not come TO see me Yesterday.
/ missed YOU
Cccils mood was little impossible this after
| noon.
Perhaps Mr. Lakeman came instead he sug-
rcstcl b." 1t would not much matter which, don't
| Won know | am sure You would not care"
You know that | care" she said.