The morning call., 1891-11-27

which he stated that his sister had disap-
peared from home, and that her prolonged
absence was causing her friends considera-
bic anxiety.
"This. my dear Vance," said the letter.
sis diSagreeable occurrence, but | am
thankful that it isn't disgraceful one. My
stepmother was TO blame; | can get along
with her, for l make large allowances, but
Fanny doesn't and wont. She went to New
Y ork, where she no doubt obtained employ
ment, as she is very independent. Please
institute quiet search and let me know the
result"
Vance Dellsle smiled softly and tugged at
his mustache, as he put the photograph into
his breast pocket.
That evening while seated with Miss Cam
eron on the porch OF his sisters residence,
he suddenly said 10 her:
Fanny, had letter from Fred to-day"
"From Fred" she repeated, quits startled.
but very much on the alert. What Fred?"
Your brother Fred" replied Vance.
Ibid you never hear him speak of me? We
were room-mates at college"
A look of surprise crossed her face. She
was non-commitial, aud busy wondering
what else lie knew.
They were very uneasy about you at
home" Vance said, as he keenly watched
her. 81 telegraphed to Fred that you were
safe and we'll"
She sat bolt upright. her face red and
white by turns, veXed sparkle in her
brown eyes.
You told him where l am ?" she slowly
asked.
think | had right To tell him that"
You were cOnsiderate," she said, re-
wardig him with an appreciative glance.
Ibid Fred say"
Then she paused. the color deepening in
her face.
question; "a little tiff with your step
mother-the fault hers. of course, as is gen
orally the case. Then you were a little
over-sensitive, 1t may be, but, understand
me, do not crnsure you for that"
His companion became lost in thought
her white shapely hands resting in her lap,
her eyes upon the moOnlit landscape, but
making little nots of it. At last she turned
her face full upon Vance and asked:
why did Fred write to you?'
LAS an old friend" replied Vance. BE
learned that you were in New York"
Mr.. Delisle," she suddenly asked, chow
long have YOU known that | am Fred Gamer
on'S sister?'
How long?" evasiveIy repeated Vance.
Didn't youch for you the very day you
came"
Yes" she admitted with little gasp.
But yOu had never met me. You did not
even know my name when you intercepted
me at the gate"
Wouldn't l have known you by this su-
perb picture Of you?'' Vance asked, as he
deposited the photograph in her lap
He deceived her, inferentally, as to the
length of time the picture had been in his
possession. but that did not trouble his con-
science much?"
"Ohv she circulated, as he took up the
picture, her checks sli 5htiy q uiye.ing.
That alters Things considerably, d es it
not?" Vance asked
lie had not expressed himselfvery clearly,
and so she naturally inquired, A tiers
what?"
our relationship to each other" he said
"tne allegiance which existed. The armis-
tice has expired, and Pm the ardent wooer
once more, You said / didn't know, but
did, or do. You put mo off with fimsy
excuse, which wasn't lair to me, and, if you
Will excuse me for saying it, not creditable
to Yourself
She coored, and looke1 squarely at him.
You don't lack assurance" she said, with
a dry little laugh.
You wouldn't admire me If l did," de-
elared Vance. Women like a certain
amount of audacity. Next to that they like
persstency, and the lover who hasn't both
rarely makes much progress. In previous
conversation you admitted that YOU loved
me. Don't forget that, please. Now, why
not marry me? If | fail to make you happy
you can run away from me- as you did from
your stepmOther Come, dear, meet tie
What can do?" she asked. Il am lett
utterly helpless"
You can consent" suggested Vance.
well, maybe that is the shortest way out
of the dilemma" she said, with smile that
seemed ineXpressiby sweet to Vance II
hope It may be the best way.
ut wasn't very decided assent but the
tender, truStful, happy look which she gave
him was pronounced enough. - Boston
Globe,