The Van Buren press., 1895-07-06

the hour appointed for his lecture.
arrived, che professed herself slightly
unwell, and Dundas found himself, to
his disgust, relegated to the care OF her
father, who received strict injunctions
from Mabel not TO allow the lecturer TO
interchange greetings with anyone.
"rhey might congratulate him!" she
said. "How very awkward that would
be!s
Dinner passed of without mishap.
Mabel was shy and constrained, and
spoke little; but as Cliff ord was in high
spirits at the success with which every
thing passed of, and kept the conver-
sation chiefly in his own hands, his
guest did not notice the unusul preoc.
cupation and sile nee of his daughter.
But, alas! the best-laid scheme may
fail sometimes. No sooner were the
three established in the drawingroom
than the door-bell rang sharply, and .
few moments later the servant an
nounced: miss Worboise!''
Poor Mabel gasped and turned pale.
She had no time, however, to say any
thing, for Miss Worboise ran forward,
exclaiming; "Oh, Mabel. my darling,
what do you think? My cook has had
a fit-positively fit-f left her with
her head in the kitchen coal box! The
doctor is expected every minute. But
l couldn't stay-such scene, you
know! l am so upset! Might l spend
an hour or two with you?"
Mabel, nearly distracted, managed
at last to welcome the very unwelcome
guest, and then sat down on thorns,
waiting In kind Of despair for what
she might say.
II know" said Cynthia, archly, shat
1t is rather an inconvenient time to
cali. You must be SO very busy-such
q lot Of preparations as you must have
to make before tomorrow, haven't you,
Mr.. Dundas?"
II? No." said Dundas, rather sur
prised. II really have no packing to
speak Of, and that's done already, as
am leaving by an early train.'
IAN early train! But surely you
won't miss the reception?"
Good gracious!" thought the young
man, "are they getting up levee for
me2' But aloud he only said: "Well,
I'm afraid l shall, unless it's very
early"
(which reminds me-" said Miss
Worboise, mabel, darling, you forgot
to say at what time we are expected to
come" and then, 10 the girls infinite
horror, she produced from her pocket
her invitation card.
"Confound that woman!" thought
Clifford, savagely, and then, jumping
up, he exclaimed eagerly: .sSee here,
Miss Cynthia, must have your opinion
on some Of Mabels presents in the next
room" and, rather against her will,
hurried out Of the room, but not before
he saw that the mischief was done. for
Dundas had stopped politely to pick up
the card which had fallen from Mabel's
nerveless hand, and in doing so could
not avoid seeing what it was His
name on the card arrested his atten-
tion, and he read it through, scarcely
realizing its meaning. Then, too
amazed to speak, he looked toward
Mabel for an explanation; but, seeing
her pale and speechless, sprang toward
her, fearing she was about to faint.
His touch, however, recalled her to
herself; and, waving him back with an
effort, she rose and faced him.
you had better know the WHOLE"
she said, and then, as calmly and col
lectedly as she could. she told the hui
initiating story.
Halt an hour later Mr.. Clifford reen.
tered the drawing-room, telegram in
his hand. He stood for moment on
the threshold, and then. advancing,
said:
Il suppose my daughter has told you
all, Mr.. Dundas? She is not to blame
in the matter. but I feel | owe you q
deep apology for the unwarrantable
liberty I have taken with your name.
Mabel" he continued, turning to his
daughter. II can never repay you for
the service you have rendered me-and
the suffering you have undergone.
But this telegram tells me Uncle
George Is dead, and, as am his heir,
we can now, at least, send back the
wedding presents"
with your permission, SIR" said
Dundas, smiling, mabel and / have
decided to keep them."- "-London Tit.