The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-10-14

and him.
She followed stout lady who was not
unlike Mrs. Delaney up stairs, and seated
herself by her and her daughter. "Not
that my being alone matters" she thought,
'for who can say that | am not an old
married lady who can go about as she
likes ?"
She danced twice, and then began to
wonder why she did not recognize Mr.. Glare.
She almost felt disappointed that she did
not do so. She had not heard what cos
tune he was to wear, and did not know
what to look out for. It was twenty min
utes to twelve, and ere long she would have
to go. So she put her anemones where
they could be seen, and took three or four
from the bunch and held them loosely in
her hand as she stood up to watch the
dancers. The spirit of adventure had
taken possession of her. Before five
minutes had gone by Puritan with long
Genevan gown and white bands, but, like
every one else, closely masked, seemed to
be good deal interested in the fact that
she was not only wearing anemones from
the Riviera, but carrying enough for
buttonhole in her hand He looked
earnestly at her and at the flowers, and
stood some time near her. She was again
only one seat from the lady who resembled
Mrs. Delaney, to whom for that reason she
had attached herself on arrival.
"Will you dance this valse with me p
he said She was almost certain that he
was Mr.. Clare.
"With pleasure" she said in the assum-
ed voice in which she had spoken ever since
she had entered the Foom-why she
scarcely knew then, except that she had
gathered from the novels which were her
principal reading that it was the custom to
speak in an assumed voice at a masked
ball. Now it was really necessary.
"You have some anemones in your hand,
he said as if wanting to be helped out of a
difficulty,
eyes," she answered, hoping that he
would ask more.
wonder why you troubletO carry then" "
''Partly as a penance, she said; "some
one asked me this morning to give him
three or four to wear tonight, and | reius-
cd | can't think why, for I wanted him
to have them.
@Ah, | thought had OWNED you even
in your Surroundings of black; my instinct
led me to you. Will you give them to
me now2'
"Let me be sure that you are the right
person; where was when refused them?'
"At the far end of big drawing-room
in Chester Terrace, Hyde Park. begged
you to give me one or two, and you we're"
aQh, don't say what | was, and don't
always judge me by what l say never
can say what mean, or wish.
"Is that true ?"
SIT Is quite true"
"Do you never say what You mean or
wish ?''
"Yery seldom I am so shy. l might
perhaps say what mean now that | am
masked, and no one can see how look
while | am saying it.
''There is question which affects-the
happiness of my whole lifei for weeks and
months | have wished to put it to you. |
have tried once or twice, but l never even
approach it without your manner becoming
so discouragipg, and your words SO repell.
ing, that see it is of no use to say more,
"What is the question q she demanded
with an admirably ingenious manner.
"Can't you guess?"
II don't know. Perhaps I can, but |
seem to like you to put it.
~ do put it. Will you by my wife ?"
There was brief pause and then for
sole answer she put the four little anemones
in his hand.
"Say you will, he pleaded.
II will"
"Good heavens And you did make me
so miserable this morning, and | have been
so miserable ever since"
"You are sure you love me ?" she asked
almost in a whisper Even though this
offer was not meant for her she was too
much affected by his words and manner to
be able to answer him in an assumed voice
now.
a0f course am. never was so sure
of anything in my wholelife Ionly wish
| were as sure of your loving me. Once
or twice during the past two months you
have looked as if you did care for me just
a little, and then the next moment you
have chilled me into silence and hopeless
ness. Even now feel as if scarcely dare
to trust in such happiness feel as ifit would
fdae away and leave me, and that Tomorrow,
when see you again, you will look fright
ened and hesitate, and when you do open
your lips it will be to say, 4 can't think
what you mean; am quite certain that |
never said | loved you; how could l say
such thing?' In modified form that
is how you have treated me for some
months"
81 know it is, and it has made me quite
as unhappy as it can possibly have made
you. 1t is something that l can neither
control nor alter that makes me behave as
do, and whenever you seem to like me
most, and l am most happy play the
fool and say something to drive Won avav