The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-06-02

ened, but there was no blush OF shame
on her face; nor did she look in the least
guilty as she kissed the child. The
stranger took the boy in his arms, laugh
ing merrily as he perched the lad on his
shoulder. Then the three went into the
house.
Presently the clear, sweet tones of
Mrs. Smiths voice reached me-
"Oh. loYe. dear love, be true"
"Oh, faithless wife, how dare she sing
of truth who is so false?'' l thought.
The next evening [ heard some one
calling, kate, where are you?h and
glancing up saw Mr.. Smith at his own
door.
"What, Charlie, you back! Why, did
n { you tell me you were coming home?n
And she ran to him and held up her face
to be kissed, looking so pleased to see
him that felt as if the scene l had wit
messed the previous evening had been a
dream.
II had to be in the city to-day on bust
ness, so thought would run home and
see how you were getting on before 60
ing back.'
"Then you have not come home for
good, dear?'
There was no mistaking the disap-
pOintment in the lady's tone as she asked
the question. Surely must have been
dreaming the night before.
"No-I have arranged to return to
Eastbourne to morrow"
Later in the evening they were garden
ing together.
"Charlie, give me that rake"
"What for?'
"You are a regular goose, and don't
know how to use it,"
Thanks"
Then playful tussle ensued.
NOW, then, Mrs. Self satisfied, let us
see the wonders you are going to per-
forml" exclaimed Mr.. Smith, when he
at length allowed her to take the rake.
The sound of their light-hearted laugh
ter fell upon my ears. 1t seemed to me
that of late the sad expression which
used at times to steal over Mrs. Smiths
face had disappeared. Oh, how dared
she look so happy?
Sick at heart | went indoors, deter
mining to put the whole matter from my
mind. 1t was a mystery | could not
fathom. | was glad that on the follow
ing day was to start on round of visits
to my friends and relatives.
My first visit was to Birmingham,
where l remaiAed fortnight. Then l
joined my sister, Mrs. Ireton, who had
taken furnished house at Eastbourne
for three months. Mrs. Ireton was a
widow, with two grown-up sons and an
only daughter.
Yes" said my sister, in answer to my
inquiries, I'VE are having pleasant
time here. The boys were with us, but
they have now returned to town. Amy,
especially, is locking exceptionally
bright"
Mrs. Ireton spoke meaningly; and, as
Amy was q favorite of mine, it was with
great interest that asked if there was
any particular reason for my niece's
brightness.
"Wel, to tell the truth, Eva, think
Amy on the subject"
who is it?"
at is a gentleman with whom the
boys were on friendly terms while they
were down here. l believe they got ac-
quainted with him at tennis. He seems
very nice, and his attentions to Amy are
most marked. He has been here about
SIX weeks. However, he is obliged to
leave by the last train tonight, and, as
be promised to call in this evening to
wish us good-by, you will be able to see
him."
81 suppose he will visit you when you
return to town, then? Does he live in
London, Mary, do you know
Yes, believe he does. The worst of
it is we know SO little about him, and as
the boys are not here now, | feel that l
ought to be all the more careful"
''What is his name?' l asked, more to
i. A.. 7 intnract in 40
affair than because l particularly de-
sired the information.
Smith"
"Smith-SmithP fancy have heard
that name before"
"Oh, shouldn't mind at all about his
plebeian name if thought he was likely
to make Amy happy"
Our conversation was here cut short
by the entrance of Amy herself. She
was certainly looking her best, and that
was saying great deal, for she was re-
pretty girl, of whom we were
all proud.
A few minutes afterward there was a
knock at the front door. CHANGING at
my niece | noticed that her color had
risen, and there was an expression OF
glad expectancy IN her very expressive
eyes.
st is Mr.. Smith, Eva" whispered my
sister, mysteriously
| turned my eyes toward the door,
watching auxiously to catch first
glimpse of the young man. The next
moment tall. stately person entered the
room, and recognized my neighbOr, Mr..
Smith.
| have an indistiRct recollection of his
to me and of thinking he
did not know me. But l was far too
confused to observe details-in fact, l
was so terribly shocked l gssped for
breath.
"Whatever is the matter, Eva?' cried
my sister, i'll alarm.
/ had just enough sense left to see
that the young man was too much en-
crossed with Amy to notice what her
mother and aunt were saying or doing.
That is my next-door neighbor," |
whispered.
SIS he, indeed?'
Eyes"
"Oh. | am so glad! | suppose, then,
you know all about himP"
MARY said impressively, The is a