The herald., 1894-09-23

their t.~aas alG rha pages c. penny H..
tion. l should have thought that Mr.
Aubrey Everdene would have shown
wider sympathias.
"Thon you really believe, Lady Hill
yard. that adolt, sensible people con-
ceive such abrupt attachnents?''
81 am convinced that it happens fro
quently."
''Oh, come, not frequently"
7Wsll, sometimes, F" she amended. 81
cos,i give you dozen instances. -.
He lacked the heart to argue with
her It would have been like breaking
butterfly ON wheel. And, after all,
there might be more sentiment in fin
dc steele humanity than he thought.
Women have wonderful intuition in
these matters.
'Well, suppose we lot that slide for
the moment and proceed to indictment
No. .. What other phrase of mine do
you take exception top
'You said that had not the remotcst
idea of construction, and that Fashion
and Footlights' was evidently speci-
men of that Objectionable class of fiction
which you regretted to sec was growing
SO prevalent---the amateur novel, born
of vanity and lack of wholesome oc-
cupation. "
Her voice died away with o trelnor.
He had only stated the truth, but that
fact did not prevent the speechless Mr..
Everdene from feeling as If he had COM
mitted particularly brutal murder
and the ghost of the victim had come
to arraign him before all tho people
whose opinions he valued most.
'I-I cried, she murmured pathetic
ally.
Her lips quivered. Beads of perspira-
tion rose to the mans forehead.
Good heavens, if had onlyiguessed
how much l should hurt you! Is was
harsh, monstrous. No doubt was in q
bad temper, and your unfortunate book
was the first thing that afforded me an
opportunity to vent my spleen."
Lady Hilyard applied six square
inches of cambria and lace to the corner
of an eyelid.
eff you'll only believe me, my dear
Lady Hilyard, when tell you that I'm
sorrier than can say. s"
Au0u you ttuhIiOWlStS50 t1du JOu
were neetlessly cruel?"
81 was brutal" He would have COM
mitted blacker perjury as sho wiped
that tear away.
"And that had just cause for indig-
nation?''
"You were perfectly right"
A smile broke like April sunshine
over her face.
''In that case, suppose must for
give you.
He was ridiculously grateful. He
heaved o sigh Of relief and hesitated,
with his hand on the button of the cleo
trio bell.
Lady Hilyard, you know the Arab
custom Of taking salt with ones friends?
AS token Of good will permit me to
give you the prosaic English equivalent
Of cup Of tea
The offer was tempting, the room was
hot, and she had talked great deal.
She yielded-and more. When the re-
freshments came, accompanied by won
derful sweetmeats from Bond street
round the corner, she asked permission
to pour it out for him with winning
graciousness which charmed him. It
afforded him an odd sense OF pleasure,
too, to see her white fingers moving
about tho china. He was unaccustomed
to the presence Of women in his home.
With the Japanese table between
them, them chatted for awhile, and
then the clock On the nantelpieoe struck
6. Sho rose, with a pretty gesture Of
you know, Mr.. Everdene, that have
been a whole hour wasting your valua-
bio timer"
''I thought it had been 10 minutes, -
he answered, land the pleasantest time
of my life"
VERY prettyp" she said, blushing
family. "And, in return for it, let me
tell you my address is ON my card, and
that my day is Thursday. Also must
thank you very heartily for your kind
ness and courtesy to an impertinent in
truder. Very few men would have been
so considerate.
please don't thank me. 1t is l who
owe you debt Of gratitude. You have
taught me something never expected
to learn.
"What?''
'That the conduct Of your hero and
heroine was not improbable at all. "
Their eyes met. The woman's dropped,
self conscious, pleased.
"You really mean that?"
"On my soul, do. "
The most delicious softness was in
her voice:
"It makes me so proud and happy to
think have convinced you. ;"
There was silence. She smoothed a
wrinkle in her suede glove He twisted
a button on his coat Then she aroused
herself, with little laugh, and extended
her hand.
"Well, goodby, Mr.. Everdene. and
once more, thank you"
He pressed her fingers ever SO lightly
--her proselyte.
"Not 'goodhy,'" he murmured "Au
revoir. BLACK and White
She Pleased the Queen.
DO cail flo+ Mice hFo;a,Iso xrIo