The Bessemer indicator., 1894-04-21
aid NAV, looking straight into her

said May, looking straight into her
friends eyes with . serene smile.
"Thcre is no necessity Whatever for
coincidence, I assure you. And II do
not wish to hurry you, dear, or to seem
rude, but this panel is an order, and
am rather rushed TO get II finished by
the date mentioned"
"Ohi' murmured Nancy, taken
aback, "if that is the wny you feel
/ abou:. nv kindness"
And, Ia q very I'D humor indeed
she departed
The young artist went back TO her
hollyhocks. She thought them ugiiet
than ever. She deliberately lifted her
blendef, ard with few swift, cir
cular strokes merged the varied, bril-
liant tints in one indistinguishabte
daub. All at once she laid aside
palette, brushes, rest stick, and lean
ing her head on her hands, burst into
tears. fSs------~,-
Well-born, comfortably off, attrac t.
i've, accomplished, she had had many
admirers, but not one had touched her
heart until she met Edwin Wilmarth.
Her cheeks now burned with shame as
she recollected she had given him her
love unasked; but had not his man
ner toward her been that of the most
eager lover?
The afternoon light faded. She
heard the street door open. Her father
must have come home. She would
hardly have time to dress for dinner
She dropped her brushes into n can OF
turpentine, and rose listlessly. There
was n step in the hall without. A tall
form darkened the doorway. She
turned to see Edwin Wilmarth.
81 wonder if you will forgive me,
Miss Davis" he said, coming forward,
hat in hand. "for invading your re-
treat. The servant told me should
find you here. j owe you an explana-
tion as well as an apology for my fail
ure to keep my appointment last even
ing"
She did not answer him. In IL kind
of dream she waited for the explana-
tion. She wondered family if people
were to keep forever coming up those
stairs to talk about a mere absurd ap-
pointment that had been broken.
zone who is very dear to me-" went
on Wilmarth, "whom had not seen
for years, owing to my long absence
in Europe, CHANGED to be in the city
yesterday. She was leaving for her
home last evening. knew you would
pardon me, If 1 took the liberty of
wiring you my regrets I went to the
Langham-where she was staying
with a friend. She SO much wished to
make your acquaintance. I'm afraid
with boyish laugh, II had raved of
you good deal"
May felt the warmth come back to
her heart with rush.
"Who-who is she?" she asked, in n
voice that to her sounded far away.
Ibid not tell you? How stupid of
me! She is my only sister-a widow.
Her name is Vastine-Cynthia Vastine.
She lives in ST. Paul. Why-what is
wrong, May? You have been crying" +"
He had just caught glimpse of her
face, till now resolutely turned from
the light.
81 spoiled my panel. 1t is abso-
lutely ruined"
"That is pity. But, May"
"Yes."
~ told Cynthia my hopes. She is so
anxious for my sake. What can
write her? That you care for me at
ALL love You so! Dear, will you
trust your future in my hands?"
She lifted to his radiant face.
"Most confidently" she whispered.
Gertie Davis and Katie Lyons con-
f1ded tn each other that Nav certainly
could not have any pride. Miss Luders
disclaimed responsibility after having
warned May concerning his treach-
erous conduct" But when they
learned that Mr.. and Mrs. Wilmarth
were about to pay visit to the
groom's sister-the pretty st. Paul
widow, Mrs. Vastine-not one of the
three said: ~ told you so!'
styles In Floors.