Smyrna times., 1892-02-17

nereSe DeIrlenued her little COmrade
until she was quite able to befriend
herself, and then felt that she had done
all that could be desired of her, but
the day came when she was given the
opportunity such as few women re-
ceive, aud, girl as she was, grasped it
with hardly a moments hesitation.
though to her it meant the sacrifice of
all that she held dear in her life.
Tony DrummOnd was standing by
the window, talking bravely to gray
haired Colonel. who attended Miss
Caruther's receptions with unfailing
regularity. Shs-Miss DrummOnd,
was looking her prettiest in a white
gown, a fairy-like creation of India
null, Valenciennes and pink rib
bOns, and the ColOnel's heart was in
danger.
The hostess stood before one of her
latest works with lady and gentle
man who belonged to the upper ten,
and whose approval she was exceed
lngly anxious to obtain. 1t was an
acknowledged fact that Miss Caruthers
was "Odd," but in all the time society
had known her, it had never beheld
such piece of Oddity in her before.
She wore gown of rich golden-red
SILK, shimmering, cOppery texture
that fell about her in sweeping, daZ-
zling folds. There were rich diamonds
on her throat and hands and in her
ears, and on one arm a diamond ser.
pant coiled it shining length Her eyes
gllttered, the white teeth flashed, and
her white cheeks glowed feverishly.
As she moved little points of flame
darted up aud down the skirt.
Poor Tony looked at her in wide
eyed amazement, and throwing her
arms about her friends neck, tearfully
entreated her to don Quieter costume
But Miss Caruthers only laughed hys-
terically and babe her not be silly.
Nv hat Is the matter with our host
ess, Alroid ?' whispered an unobser-
want young man, near the door, as he
put up his eyeglass
Hanged if know - returned his
friend, who had been staring with
well-bred impertinence at that central
figure ever since she entered. Queer
gown, that, for Miss Caruthers. eh i?
Usually wears softer colors, toned
down, don't you know, sort of neutral
tints. Blamed if | know why she's
changed Whim, most likely; women
are full Of 'em."
But she's not like most women, :"
persisted the other, pertinaciously.
That Is true, too. Well, | can't
account for it, Messler unless she's
been disappointed in love, though
that's not her style. Here comes Young
Wesley. He ought to know. say,
Carl, here minutc!'
But Carl was not listening to him.
Iherese was standing by tall, white
Venus de Milo, picking to pieces a
snowy rosbud. The petals were scat.
tered over the front of her gown. Be
side her stood a broad shOuldered
young fellow with a bright beautiful
laughing face. Carl stared moment
in hungry silence, then turned upon
his heel and left the room.
CHAPTER III.
"Therese, are you there ?" Yes,
Tony" The door opened and Tony
entered. She went straight up to the
easel where Therese was sitting, brush
and palette in hand, and put her round,
white arms around the young lady's
neck. Miss Caruther's pale face turned
paler still, and lifting her ewes to
heaven with Il mute prayer she set her
lips firmly. She strOked Tonv's fair
little head carelessly with her soft
fingers.
HAS it come, dear ?"
Such low, tender voice, and happy
Tony Rugged its owner conclusively.
Yes. Oh, Tressa, / don't see how
it is I'm such a wicked thing YOU
know, and he's so big and good, and
handsome An, my dear, you can't
imagine
"Yes l can, Tony. I can imagine
anybody loving you, and Carl-is just
the one to make you a good husband.
When is it to come off?"
"Oh, don't know Not for long
time yet. But to think, Tressa, that /
fancied all the time it was you p
did you? Well, whose fault was
that, I'd like to know? And, Tony.
listen. You must never be Jealous of
him as long as you live. for if you do,
some day you'll repent it. Carl is a
treasure, but men are not angels, and
you must not expect too much of
him. Will you remember this dear?"
"Oh, yes" said Tony, with a iovous
little laugh. I'll remember, if that
will do any good, but I'll never be
jealous of Carl-see if | am. But I
must run. | only came in to tell you
about it, and must finish that scarf
to night. Now, kiss me for coed
luck"
She raised her bright, blooming face
to her friends, and Miss Caruthers
dropped a light kiss on the pursed-up
lips. Tony ran to the door, and turn
ing in the act of flight, threw another
on the tips of those dainty fingers.
A lady and gentleman was leisurely
making a detOur of a picture gallery
one cold blustery day in January. The
lady was small and slight, with eyes of
a dewy violet and soft, fair, hair, The
gentleman was tall and well-propor-
toned, with strong, handsome face
and suspicion Of silver in the brown
curls that clustered about his tenn
pies.
carl :"
Yes, Tony"
Look here"
nc hdu ldgReu oenl0u a little, nut at
her command quickened his pace. She
was standing, her hands clasped before
her, in front of a picture representing
a church brilliantly lighted, and
bridal party moving down the aisle.
The bride and groom were the princi-
pal figures, tall, fine looking man
and bright faced little woman with
violet eyes. Instead of the usual
crowd which gathers about the door
when wedding is in progress there
was but one person, a woman, stand
ing just inside the awning with a
shawl thrown over her head, and a
pair of great brilliant eyes staring a.
the happy faces of the newly married
couple. Her face bore traces Of beauty
but was pinched aud hollow with suf-
fering, and there Was look in those
hungry, fever-bright eyes that made
ones heart le9p into ones mouth with
pity and sympathy. The catalogue
called il AT the gates of heaven" and
the artists name opposite was Therese