Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-11-30
A MASQUERADE.

bukdr W bilt NOChaIOO.
Quite So" was his reply, and he care
fully gathered in loose leaf of his cigar.
Then, after a pause: And yet, why SOP
It's very pretty world one way and an
other"
YES it's pretty world at times"
At that moment they were both looking
out over part Of the world known rs the
Nindobar plains, and il was handsome to
the eye. As far as could be seen was
carpet OF flowers under Il soft sunset The
homestead by which they sat was in
wilderness Of blossoms To the left was
high rose colored hill, solemn and mysteri-
GUS; 10 the right--far olf-a forest of gum
trees, pink and purple against the horizon.
At their feet, beyond the veranda, was a
garden joyously brilliant, and bright
plumaged birds fitted back and forth.
The two looked out for long time; then.
as if by mutual impulse, suddenly turned
their eyes ON each other. They smiled, and
somehow that smile was not delightful TO
see, The girl said presently. ut is all on
the surface"
you mean that the beautiful birds have
dreadful voices; that the flowers are scent
less; that the leaves Of the trees are all on
edge and give no shade; that where that
beautiful carpet Of blossoms is there was a
blazing quartz plain six months ago, and
there's likely 20 be the same again-that,
in brief, it's pretty, but hollow" He made
slight, fantastic gesture, as though mock
ing himself for so long speech, and added,
Really, ] didn't prepare this little ora
ton"
She nodded and then said "Oh, it's not
so hollow-you would not call it that ex.
actly-but unsatisfactory -
you have lost your illusions, Miss Ash.
forth"
And before that occurred you had lost
yours, Mr.. Tom Sherman"
do betray 10, them" He laughed not
at all bitterly, yet not with singular cheer
fulness.
"And do you think that you are possessed
OF such acuteness, then, and r. She
paused, raised her eyebrows a little coldly
and let the cockatoo bite her finger.
II did not mean 70 be egotistical, believe
me. The fact is live my life alone, and
never hear any remarks upon myself
was interested for the moment In knowing
something of how ! appeared TO others
You and have been tolerably candid with
each other since we met, for the first time
three days ago | know you would no
hesitate TO say what was in your mind, anS
ask out Of honest curiosity. One fancie
one hides ones self, and yet--you seep
lyon are forgiven Of course. Do yo'
find IL pleasant then TO be candid and fire
with some onep
why with mef" She looked him frank
ly in the eyes.
well, to be more candid. You and
know the world very we'll, | fancy. Yol
were educated in Europe, travelled, en-
joyed-and suffered" (The girl did no
even blink, but went on looking at hin
steadily.) I'VE have both had our hou
with the world; have learned many side
of the game We haven't come out OF
without scars Of one kind or another
knowledge of the kind is expensive"
you wanted to say all that 10 me tn
first evening we met, didn't youP Their
was a smile OF gentle amusement on he
face.
Il did. From the moment ! saw you
knew that we could say many things I
each other without pFeliminaFies.' An
TO be able to do that is great deal"
And IL is relief 10 say things, ism
it,"
1T Is better than writing them, thong
that is pleasant, after its kind"
IL have never tried writing-as we tall
There's a good deal Of vanity at the DO
tom Of IL, though. believe"
"Of course But vanity is kind Of vi
tue too" He leaned over toward he
dropfng his arms on his knees and holt
ing her look Il am very glad that | ms
you. | intended only staying here owe
night, butt
But Interested you in way-you Sc
/ am vain enough to think that. Wei
you also interested me, and | urged n
aunt 10 press you 10 stay. You did IL III
been very pleasant, and when you go
will be very bumdTum again; our conve
sation, mastering, rounding up bullocl
and rabbits. Which IL interesting In
way, but not for long NJ a time"
He did not stir. bat went on looking
her
yes, believe IL has been pleasant
you, else it bad not been 80 pleasant
me. Honestly, ! don't believe shall ev
get you out Of my mind.
"That Is either slightly rude or bad
expressed" she said Do you wish, the
to get me out Of your nlindP
"No, no. You are very keen. wi
to remember you always. But what Il
at the moment was this. There are mel
cries which are always pa siye and deifgf
which they are over again; the reflection
enough. There are others which cause
to wish the scenes back again, with XII
Of hunger. AID yet they won't or car
come back. I wondered Of what class u
memory would be.
The girl flushed ever 50 slightly, and
fingers clasped little nervously, but 5
was calm. Her voice was even. 1t b
indeed a little thrilling ring Of eneri
"You are wonderfully daring" she repli'
ito say that to me. To schoolgirl
might mean 20 much. To mep'- s
shook her head at him. a. II compaasi'
,ately.
He was not In the least piqued. Il v
absolutely honest in that. said nothii
but what felt would give very mu
to feel confident one way or the othe
Forgive me, for what seems incredible e
ltism-- II | were Ise years younger
should have said instantly that the me
CRY would be one''--
(which youid disturb you, make