The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1894-12-27

8; II n \
WITH NO INTERRUPTION, SAVE THE TINK-
LING MELODIES.
my happiness, Mrs. Maynard. His ex-
istence even is matter of Indifference
to me-
Mrs. Maynard was too thoroughly a
woman not to understand the exagger-
alton in this statement. She immedi-
ately decided that she would be justi-
fed in renewing the attack upon the
same line.
II wish. for his sake, that could say
as much for him. she said, slowly, af-
fecting to be absorbed in her idle twirl-
ing Of the dainty hand-screen that she
held before her eyes, but in reality
watching anxiously the play Of express
sion in Miss Hilary's changeful face.
But he betrayed to-day, when off his
guard for q moment. degree Of inter
est in you which, under all the circnln-
stances of your recent meeting here,
seemed to me very singular, to say the
least; and when commented upon this
fact he attempted to explain it by say
ing that you were old friends. It
seems strange, does it not, that he
should have resorted to q declaration
that is so easily proven to be mistaken
Miss Hilary was now pale as ashes,
and in the soft shining Of her eyes, as
they were still fixed upon the Goals,
there was a suggestion Of reprcssed
tears. But she spoke in firm, calm
manner, after q little silence, and with
scarcely perceptible unsteadiness in
her voice.
III ut is quite true, Mrs. Maynard, that
we were once friends-and more than
friends. If I had dreamed that It would
result in my meeting Mr.. North, Z
should never have come to you at all.
No, I mean if could have foreseen that
our meeting would be what it was, for
Il confess that I had expected something
very diff erent if Fate should once more
throw us together! But 1t is far better
to have all illusions swept away than to
waste ones time in useless dreaming; is
1T not, ma chere?'
''My dear Myra!'' It was the sweetest
and most delicate sympathy that was
mingled with the surprise in this low
breathed exclamation.
# ''Oh, I am forcing a disagreeable con-
Rdence upon your cried Miss Hilary,
with sudden little laugh of self-dis-
sdain. II forgot how uninteresting such
,things are to a third person. Pray for
give me, Mrs. Maynard"
i s'Not forcing, my dear Miss Hilary
protested Mrs. Maynard, reaching up
quickly and clasping the fair hand that
hung listlessly at Myra's side. .'Did
not I invite your confidence? But in
deed, I have no wish to intrude upon
any experience that is sorrowful or sa-
cred; do not misunderstood the feeling
that prompted me to introduce this sub
5ject.''
Withdrawing her hand quietly after a
moment, Miss Hilary drew a low hassocls
forward into the glowing freight and
seated herself near the chair in which
Mrs. Maynard was reclining. For q
moment she remained silent, with her
gaze once more dreamily intent upon
the fire, where a fairy castle, glowing
from the very heart Of the white Goals,
reared its fantastic towers; then she be-
gan slowly, in avoice in which a little
effort was betrayed: 55
1t seems strange for me to speak SO
freely Of this affair, and yet. after all,
there are sufficient reasons why !
should confde the story to you. Since
we have been thrown together under
your roof, and especially since Mr..
North has chosen suddenly to depart
from the cold formality Of a perfect
/ stranger, with which he first met me
here two weeks ago, and assume the at
titude Of an old friend to which priv
Slege he has forfeited every claim!-it is
only right that you should know the
little that there is to tell concerning
my past acquaintance with him. !"
II shall be glad to know AL, my dear
Myra,'' interpolated Mrs. Maynari',
softly. ''It may serve as guide to
my own future course.
II met Mr.. North. !" continued Miss
Hilary, musingly, .sin the White noun
tains, four years ago. We were guests
at the same hotel, and through the in-
PRODUCTION of common friend we were
made acquainted. From the hour OF
his introduction he became one of our
select party, and wherever we went,
whatever we did, he was sure to be
with us-with me- she added, in q
lower tone, while the freight flashed
more redly for an instant over her pale
cheeks, FOR he devoted himself to me