The Press., 1892-08-25

was quite afraid of him at first, be- cause he is so dreadfully clever, but he was awfully jolly-l think he is quite the incest young man ever saw, and what do you think; he says if do go to Passy he hopes he may see something of me, because he will probably be in Paris all next winter"
 Poor Frances could say nothing: her mind was in tumult, jealousy was rampant now. What did it all mean? What right had he to bring the blush to Alicia's cheek, and to come putting ideas into the head of bit of a girl like Edith, when all the while?- Oh, he must be a firt-a f1irt! Then the thought of poor Mir. Fitz- hardy flashed across her; perhaps he had some right to accuse her of flirting. Yet the encouragement she gave him had been very lukewarm at its best she knew now that she had never cared for him, except as an agreeable ac- quaintance. But for this other-well. when they next met she would show him how lightly she held attentions so profusely scattered around.
 She had not long to wait for an oppor- tunity. They met that evening at a grand ball given by one of Dr. Lisle's most aristocratic patients. Frances found it rather dull. She had danced half through her programme with one uninteresting stranger after another, and was beginning to vote the whole affair a bore, when a familiar voice behind her | said: What, Miss Lisle?-well 1 am glad. How do you do? Is Mrs Lislp hereY'
 "Yes, and papa, too," she replied, for, getting all her plans of revenge at the first glance from those honest gray eyes whose every look she was learning to know so we'll
 "And have you any dances leftr l hope am not too late Jack and have been doing duty at a stupid city dinner
 '1 have one or two, l think" said Frances, feeling for her programme It could not be found; the cord and pencil were there. but the card had been torn off.
 "l must have lost it." she said: 'how very awkward"
 "Do you remember to whom you were engagedT'
 Mot bit; they were all strangers l know hardly any one here"
 "Nor do l. have happy idea When any one claims you who you think: looks stupid say you are engaged to ne Do, please; it will be d real act of kind ness, as know no one"
 Frances hesitated, but he looked x, smiling and friendly that she smiled toe This he must have taken for consent for he placed her hand on his arm anu walked off with her to the ballrouln where they were just beginning d waltz saying as he did so. And now 1 oni hope and pray they may be all dnlfcls'
 A son of the house, acting as nl;uStc. of the ceremonies, touched him on the shoulder, Gan introduce you to any partnersY
 Mot necessary" he replied: my pro gramme is full.
 What a change had come over the scene! Surely the lights were brighter the flowers sweeter, the gay costumes more dazzling, the strains of the band more exhilarating! After the dance he led her to her mother and staid by them all the rest of the evening" She danced once or twice with the partners who claimed her promise, because she felt ashamed to refuse one after the other but he danced with no one else. She asked him at last why he sat out SD per ristently.
 Because want to enjoy myself thor oughfy tonight" he replied, and Frances :elt her color come under the glance that accompanied the words. She for got her jealously, forgot even her re- morse about poor MT. Fitzhardy, and remembered only that she was happy happy as she had never been in all her short young life before.
 Then, when cloaked and hooded she followed her father and mother to their carriage, he was still there to offer her his arm and whisper, Thank you for very happy evening" The hand clasp which followed was undoubtedly fan closer and longer than formalitv re quired .,