Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-17
CHAPTER XVI.
LILLE E"cn nnnn-

Women, as We all know, have the char
acter OF being much better sctors in society
than men, They hide their worries, their
disappointments, their pains. They smile
over them, whereas men, as a rule, easily
let US see that something is amiss. There
fore, when Sir James, happy and smiling,
entered the sitting room, where Joan and
Miriam had just spoken such tragic words,
he did not perceive their shadow on the
fair faces of the two sisters
He had not seen Mrs. Conray before, and
when Miriam introduced them ne was
struck, as most people were, by the strong
likeness between them. True, Mrs. Conray
was more fragile-looking; but the features,
the eyes, the height, were almost exactly
the same
Sir James warmly held out his hand and
took Joan's when Miriam presented him.
Il am so pleased" he said, in that kind,
cordial manner of his, ''to make your ac-
ouaintance, Mrs Conrav-Miriam's sis
ter" and he smiled at Miriam.
Il am very pleased" answered Joan.
"Anyone could tell you were sisters, !"
went on Sir James, still smiling.
81 am older than Miriam, said Joan.
mot great deal, 1" smiled Miriam.
''Gou are both happily at that age when
years do not tell their tale" answered Sir
James "But am very pleased indeed to
know you, Mrs. Conray."
They talked little while on ordinary
subjects after this, and then Joan rose in
her usual lapguid way to leave the room.
Il feel a little tired with the journey,
Miriam, she said, "and so / shall go and
lie down for an hour. 1 shall see you again
81 dinner l suppose, Sir james,"
81 hope so, >" he answered brightly; and
then after he had opened the room door for
Joan he returned to Miriam's side.
''Your sister is wonderfully like you" he
said, taking Miriam's hand in his own;
''but 1 am glad my darling looks great
deal stronger than Mrs. Conray."
81 think Joan looks i'll too"
''She's a very pretty woman, awfully
pretty, but she looks delicate, and as she
said tired. 4"
''She is easily tired"
''Poor little woman! And are you too
tired dear to go out for an hour with me?"
''Oh, no." and so the betrothed pair went
out together, and Sir James bought many
pretty things, and ordered flowers, and
took stalls for some favorite play. He was
rich, and he was happy, and nothing pleased
him 30 much as to spend his money in
pleasing Miriam. He never ,ireamt that
the cold shadow of fear lay always athwart
1firiam's heart; never thought that the
dark-eyed girl by his side hid away in her
soul a tragic and gloomy past Who can
efitl1ese things? Vice does as a rule Law
its ugly finger on the human face, but many
dark story and storm will pass and leave
no trace When they returned to the hotel,
presently fair, stately, elegant, with shin
Ing Jewels round her white swan-like
throat, Joan Conray entered the room
dressed for dinner and going to
the theater afterwards, what did she
look? A handsome young matron of
whom her old husband might well be
proud. There was a quiet dignity about
this woman who but a few hours ago had
told her sister that her heart lay murdered
in her murdered lovers grave. Mrs Clyde
felt that evening proud of her two daugh-
tiers, and yet an uneasy feeling fingered in
her mind regarding Miriam. But not for
Joan! This acute woman could not look
beneath the fair, serene, and pensive mask,
that General Conray's wife habitually
wore.
Joan is very dignifed-looking," she
said that evening, little later, to her hus-
band, and Colonel Clyde assented with a
smile.
''Your sister looks quite content with her
choice" i" also remarked General Conray'a
little later to his wife ''It's very well. 1
suppose she has quite forgotten POOR Robert
now?"
81 suppose so, answered Joan, a little
huskilv, and she turned away her head.
And SO the next two days passed away
passed in buying presents and flowers, and
the General and the Colonel found many of
their old military friends at their clubs,
and Colonel Lowrey came TO dine with the
Clcdes. and brought his offering for the
bride also. They all indeed seemed very
happy and content, though Miriam looked
somewhat pale, and the very day before her
marriage something occurred which con-
siderably disturbed Mrs. Clyde.
This arose from Ford giving formal notice
20 quit Mrs Ciyde's service. Ford had
been enjoying herself in town also, and had
already ensnared the affections bv young,
good-lool1ing German waiter at the hotel.
And now seeing that her young mistress was
actually about 10 become Lady Mackennon.
of which Ford had had manv doubts, she
applied TO Miriam to become her maid, and
Miriam for reasons that we know of, had
consented.
Ford then proudly had gone to Mrs. Clyde
with this information, and asked leave to
depart with the bride. And Mrs Clyde,
vino had engaged a maid Tor Miriam, telt
exceedingly annoyed.
81 must speak TO nv daughter about this,
Ford" she said; "do you say Miss Miriam
has asked you to accompany her abroad?'
"Yes, Mrs. Clyde" replied Ford, de-
marely.
''I shall inquire into it, said Mrs Clyde,
and on the first opportunity that she had
she spoke to Miriam very seriously on the
subject.
Miriam, nv dear, wish to speak to you
about Ford" she said.
''Yes, mother" answered Miriam.
''She tell me you have asked her to 60
with YOU to Paris
"Yes, it was an old promise that when I
married she was to be my maid.
My DEAR" began Mrs. Clyde, very
gravelv, and then she paused. 81 do not
approve OF your choice, Miriam, she added.
al do not think Ford is efficient enough to
be your maid in your future position"
81 am accustomed to her, mother; do
not care TO have any new woman about me. %
"But, nv dear, consider-Ford is not
steady young woman-aud then she might
talk of what had better never be mentioned
in your husbands household"
Miriam's pale face flushed.
81 understand what you mean mother"
she said, ''but you need not be afraid
81 am not afraid of you, do not mistake;
but / am afraid of her idle tongue. Far
better to have someone with you who has
only known you in your matronhood.''
81 have promised Ford.
"But you can easily get out of such q
promise. 1 have engaged a maid for you;
take my advice, Miriam, and accept this
stranger and not Ford"
Mrs. Clyde spoke urgently, but Miriam
was quietly determined.
lit is settled; mother, with Ford" she