Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-09-06

idea of construction, and that Fashion and Footlights' was evidently speci- men of that objectionable class of fiction which you regretted to see was growing so prevalent-the amateur novel, born of vanity and 0 lack of wholesome oc- cupation."
 Her voice died away with @ tremor. He had only stated the truth, but that fact did not prevent the speechless MT. Everdene from feeling as if he had com mitted a particularly brutal murder and the ghost of the victim had come to arraign him before all the people whose opinions he valued most
 "I-I cried, ;" she murmured pathetic ally.
 Her lips quivered Beads of perspira- ton rose to the mans forehead.
 Good heavens, if had only guessed how much should hurt youl It was harsh, monstrous. No doubt was in a 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 cambric and lace to tho corner of an eyelid.
 If you'll only believe me, my dear Lady Hilyard. when tell you that I'm sorrier than I can say."
 ''Then you acknowledge that you were needlessly cruel?''
 ''I was brutal. He would have con- mitted blacker perjury as she wiped that tear away.
 And that I had just cause for indig- nation?"
 You were perfectly right. '' A smile broke liko April sunshine over her face.
 ''In that case, suppose must for give you.''
 He was ridiculously grateful He heaved sigh of relief and hesitated, with his hand on the button of the cleo tric bell.
 Lady Hilyard, you know tho Arab custom of taking salt with ones friends: As token of good will permit me to give you the prosaic English equivalent of a cup of tea-'
 The offer was tempting, the room was hot, and she had talked great deal. She yieldcd-and more. When the re- treatments came, accompanied by won derful swectmeats 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 the china He was unaccustomed to the presence of women in his home.
 With tho Japanese table between them, them chatted for awhile, and then the clock on the mantelpiece struck 6. She rose, with pretty gesture of dismay, like a second Cinderella. Do you know, Mir. Everdene, that I have been a whole hour wasting your valua- ble time?''
 II thought it had been 10 minutes, |" he answered, ''and tho pleasantest time of my life. ''
 ''Very pretty!" she said, blushing faintly. 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. It is I who owe you a debt of gratitude You have taught me something never expected to learn.
 W nat!
 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, l do."
 The most delicious softness was in her voice:
 Ut makes me so proud and happy to think l have convinced you"
 There was Il silence. She smoothed n 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, MT. Evcrdene. and once more, thank you. He pressed her fingers ever so lightly her proselyte.
 Mot 'goodby, " he murmured "Au revoir. ''-Black and White.