The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1891-08-13

other method will rob il of all charm.
There Is time worn proverb anent faint
hearts and fair ladies might quote, but
will spsae you, Hart"-witii swift
change Of expression-"I am consumed
with terror lest you forget to notify me
in time about the young woman's taste
] in wedding gifts. If you do ! shall get
something perfectly atrocious!"
Royal made a jesting reply and went
| on his way -insensibly cheered. His Sis
ter's confidence in his prowess and good
fortune inspirited him and caused his
natural b1oyancy to reassert itself. So
thoroughly did self confidence return,
indeed, that during few hours deten-
ton in st. Louis he provided himself
with pretty moss agate pin for Mrs.
Hart and diamond ring and bracelet
for Phyllis.
During the journey eastward Royal
conceived, elaborated and discarded SO
many interviews with his wife, and of
such diverse forms and endings, that his
imagination developed rapidly under the
exercise. Had he been called on at any
moment he could have furnished dozen
thrilling and impossible situations and
still have had power remaining to evolve
others-brand new and infinitely more
complicated. And, as events in this life
rarely justify anticipations, not single
one Of the predicted situations at all fit
ted the reality.
An hour after his arrival in Alexan-
dria Royal left the hotel and proceeded
to Mrs. Hart's house with the avowed in
tention of demanding an interview with
that genial lady and, from her, ascer
tanning how the land lay. So filled was
he with this scheme-which appeared te
him neat-that when the servant, in re-
sponse to his inquiry, informed him tha,
Mrs. Hart had gone over to Washington
and would not return until the after
noon he felt as nonplussed as though he
had led an ace and had it trumped in the
first round.
"Was Mrs, Royal in:"
The servant thought not, but would g
and see. Then she ushered him into tn.
parlor and retired with a grinning coun
tenance. She had had substantial caus,
to regard DR.. Royal with favor during
his former visit.
|
. 1t was eail of signs of feminine occupanc,
pretty hric-a-bracs dainty embroideries
an open piano with lace handkerchie
with scraps of silk and ribbon, and doll
of ;sll sizes in various stages Of prepara
ton for church fair, an open copy o
"Hypatia" on little table, and book
here, there and everywhere.
The street door opened and closed
crlick footsteps advanced along the hall
word or two was exchanged with som
one outside the parlor door, and Roya
faced around in time to see his wife en-
ter the room.
Could that be Phyllis? He had neye
pictured her thus, and could scarcel
credit his eyes or believe that they Il
ported living verify. Slender, radiant
clad still in black from crown to instel
but worn, somehow, differently from hi
recollection of it, with clear gray eye
alight with pleasure, soft rings Of hal
clustering about q white forehead an
cheeks aglow with health and exercis,
she seemed to Royal totally new crea
ure.
She advanced at once with outstretct
ed hand and manner totally devoid {
embarrassment. It was all very diffel
ent from that which he had expected
but by the time he had taken her han
% in his Royal had become conscious thu
whatever she might decide in regard
g their future relations there would be 4
is danger of petty misunderstanding {
e narrow Judgment with this woman. E
a lifted his head and squared his shouldel
:. as though load had been removed fro
them.
- "When did you Conner she was sa.in
~ "this morning? And you came at ON
u to us. That was charming OF you.
1t only wish Nina had been at home to r
p ceive and help to welcome you"
IF Royal, who for the last second ha
rt been perilously near taking her into b
h arms, recovered himself sufficiently
% take the chair she indicated. It.was n
le only that the situation was unexpecte
n but that she, as she now appeared, W
Of equally unexpected. He sat regardil
II her helplessly,
lg "You received my letter." His to-
ne was experimental.
y. Phyllis did not answer him directl
N She had laid pair of blue spectacies
rs the table, and was busily removing h
r glove.
Id "I have to wear glasses still out
N DOORS" she informed him cheerful
"But in the house am quite indeper
th ent of them"
cd Royals eyes were on her hands s
had taken off the right glove and "
he unbuttoning the left. The trimming
y. her sleeve had caught in button a
ry was giving her trouble.
"Let me help you," Royal said, a
he leaned eagerly forward.
nj She surrendered her hand at once. a
es he extricated the fastening from its
Il tanglement, and then. in response to
is acquiesceut glance, drew off the glo
If As hedid so his eyes instinctively soue
er her third finger, and he drew his bres
Mt hard-she had taken off her weddi
he ring. His hopes fell below freezing 20
'ui IA an instant To him it appeared
p0rtent.
'd- sWhy did you take it or
uil The words broke from him invo11
taxily and with q thrill 1t pain
w "Becanseft was Johns, and ! am !
rs his WIFE"
Ell Then when be would have spoken 4
CHECKED him by Q gesture aud turn
her truthful eyes full on him:
.Tom letter came some days ego.
w. Royal know why you dd not WI
ast that co.,c,darnssor sor me- h
me you back from telling me the ST
Q, mcuth ago Yon would not inp.
an my d61iceu right ! am grstaful
ase lpar Madness But could not dist
a 5ua<tR WITH ron until ron aain
int - = -
nyi lCohtinued on Second Page.l