Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1891-04-16

to keep 1t up IN proper style. I'm sure
l was quite as much surprised as you
must have been. But after all, | could
not thoroughly enjoy it while you were
absent, Hollis,' her fond voice slightly
tremulous. "And now we are going to
have pleasant party down in few
days to brighten us all up and make
life at Cragmeir simply perfect. And
there Is Ora Keathley, one Of the love.
liest girls y)u evel saw, Hollis, to keep
US company until they arrive. So you
can't possibly be very lonely, dear
Hollis Gallon smiled somewhat grim
" to himself, but he did not let his
mother see it. For how was she to un-
derstand that awful sense of loss-ay,
worse than that-which would eyer
keep him desolate and alone in the
midst of the gaycst company that she
could assemble in his ncnor:
He was qnitc prepared to accept any
l,lans that she might have arranged for
his pleasure, even to the point of listen
ing patiently to her praises Of Miss Ora
Keathey, whom she had mentioned so
often in her letters to him.
This Ora Keathcy, an orphan girl
with a slender lncon bereiy sufficient
to keep her above condition Of depen
dencv had, in the first days of their ac-
ouaintance, won the proud od lady S
heart to such an extent that Mrs. Gal
ton had begged her to make her home
at Cragmeir, and help to brighten an
existence which, perhaps, would have
proved too lonely in the absence OF her
son.
And the GIRL, seeming to care little
for the gay world they had left behind
them, went willingly enough to the
beautiful and picturesque seaside home.
Here, after months Of conpanionsh'p,
she had so ennearcd herself to the proud
old Lady that, though her son was really
coming home ut last, Mrs Cation would
not listen to the idea of Miss Krathey's
leaving Cragmelr.
Perhaps she cherished some secret
hope tn Hollis would forget The past
and turn to her fayorite for his future
happiness but, if SO, she was wise
enough to keep it 10 herself.
Il want you tostay and see my sen, "
she wonld say to Ora, her naughty gray
eyes soienlng Hth maternal tender
nrss. "Then, think, Won viii pardon
me for having tired your ears so often
with the eound Of his name. All. my
dear Ora, sometimes | almost think no
other mother has SO much right TO be
tond and proud of her boy as t.
And at such tunes the girl would
turn Aer small, dark face away to pre- =
Vent the mothers eyes from noting the
, bitter, half sneering smile that would
curl her beautiful scarlet ips despite
all her efforts.
And now, us the owner of CrAgmelr
rode up through the broad avenue and
, alighted from his carriage, before its
stately portals, Ora Krathley stood at
one Of those upper windows looking
down upon him, a strange expression N
her deep, dusky eyes.
"Nor changed hot changed except
. for hat curlous shadow that seems to
Iinger IN every line in his handsome
face" she murmurecl, thrill Of undy-
; ing paln in her husky accents. Il won
der what it means? Ram0rse: No. that
: couldn't be. His desertion WAS too
cowardly, too hedrtIess. lie is not
, capable of so noble u sentiment as re-
morse. And his dear old lao,her is
proud of him''-wlth a liCtle soundlesS
/
laugh @. inefl,tble contempt. "Weil, let
her remain SO; | shall not undecelve
her
She drew back swiftly as he lifted
, bis glance toward the wlndow where
| she stood, and leaned against the wall
: her hands pressed tightly over her wild
ly beating heart.
, "Will he recognize me ? here and
under this new name by which alone
: she alone knows me? Undoubte lily h.
t will, for those four years have made
little change 10 my appearances. but,
lifting her small dark mead with a ges,
ture of haughtiest defiance, "what Of
t that ? He can prove nothing ii | choose
to deny my identity, and the doubt, the
! uncertainty that my presence VIII con
: stantly inspire will be like ghcst come
; back to haunt him for bis sins. Yes,
will stay--a little longer. | think
shall enjoy the situation.'
4 And she laughed aloud, low, thrill.
t ingly cruel laugh as she turned ana
S went to her elegant dressing-room tc