The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1894-10-31

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FOUNTAINS PLAYED SOFTLY AROUND THEN.
She had no rival. lie was hers--at least,
for the time being. and she resolved to
make the most Of her opportunity. :.
! Always an admirable dancer, she put
forth extraordinary efforts to Guido herself
With Fairfax, all was unconscious abandon
mcnt to the moment. His spirits infected
hers. The music WINS ravishing. In .
dream they seemed to float around the room.
Passing by one Of the windows, he dexter
ously guided her toward 1t, and, arm IN
arm, by tscit consent they passed out, on
- the balcony.
Fountains played softly around them In
tho moonlight The delicate, subtle per-
fuIne OF flowers was waited by, on the
balmy air. The music, softened by dis
lance, was breath Of poesy and tender
ness, while the glorious moonlight glittered
and shimmcred through the pattering leaves
overhead
This was her opportunity. But it was
his, too. Her will was no longer predomi-
nant. She was half in love with, and most
decidedly interested in, this original, strange
fellow. She could not deciphcr him; yet
knew that he was worthior, better and far
more to be respected than the society tops
who had hitherto surrounded her.
On the other hand, he simply admired this
magnificent creature. That was all He
had cold -bloodedly formed plan. That plan
required the assistance Of the Lady Lydia
| He was himself again; self-possessed,
knowing what he wanted, what were the
best methods by which to obtain It.; and,
above ALL thoroughly self-reliant.
Lydia, on the contrary seemed to have
lost her usual aplomb and keenness. She
! realized that he was moro than match for
her, and that her will must submit to his,
this time, at least
With sigh, she awaited his remarks.
$50 the Princess Natalie Is your friendi"
asked he, boldly opening the battle
Eyes, my dearest FRIEND" she answes>i,
half-sadly, her large, thoughtful eyes, all
the time, quietly observing the effect Of her
words.
"Poor Natalushxa! She lost her brother,
recently, and has never quite recovered
from the blow. Hers is q strong, affection
ate nature that, loving once, loves for.
evcr.n
Lydia could see the CLEAN in her com.
panion's eyes as she said this.
'She is spending her summer here, but
leaves soon for Lake Msggiore, where her
, family 10 staying. 1t was there her brother
was killed. For that reason, she greatly
dislikes the place. Her stay there is always
short. She lives very quietly here and
avoids society. She came tonight, solely to
crafty the Marquis and his wife"
But" SAID the, suddenly, observing how
eagerly he wa listening, and thinking tnat
he had forgotten himself, 'if you don't know
her. why were you so disturbed ut her sud
den appearance on. the stairsi'
Fairfax was on his guard in an instant
"Oh" replied he, with cleverly-uttcred
sigh and quite truthfully and naturally,
'only because she reminded me Of recent
little incident in my career"
"ls that incident secretp inquired she,
archly.
II think it scarcely worth while relating"
answered he, with faint smile.
"Well," said Lydia, shrewdly dropping
the subject ITO return to Natalie, one effect
OF her brothers death upon her is that she
shuns not only society but, in every way,
mems society-especially that Of young
men. Suitors there would. but may not be /;
for she refuses not only to speak with
them, but even to see them"
The willy speaker observed Fairfax close
ly during these words. but the face Of that
individual was as immovable as that Of
statue.
"Come," said he, "let us go back"
The same waltz was still in progress in
the ballroom. The same enhancing
strains enticed the nimble dancers to per-
form feats Of grace and skill, but Fairfax
was no longer the same He waltzed me-
! chanically
LYDIA perceived the chang, and felt
piqued at it,but was more annoyed with her
self for allowing such an interest in an I'M
known American, so far below her in rank.
/ Presently she said
"Let us stop and go into the hall"
There she found her chapcron, who re-
minded her of the late hour
Turning Unexpectedly to Fairfax and
looking him full in the face with her mar
velous eyes, she held out her hand with the
/ sweetest OF smiles and said, in a manner
that ought to have melted the most frigid
heart,
I Mr. Fairfax, am very glad to have met
you, and | hope that We may meet again.
Will you not call upon US, here, with 70 r.
! friendl And, should you come near us in
I England, trust you will look us up"
/ Fairfax, in a stiff, pre-occupied way,
bowed assent and thanks
Lydia 5lushed angrily, but quickly recov-
ering herself, babe him goodnight" in
her most charming manner
"Come Arthur called his CHEEKY friend,
Dick; 'come, Fairfax. old man, we must be
going"