The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-09-07

| Wnat Otner phrase OF mine 90 you take
exception to?"
"You said that had not the remotes
idea of construction, and that Fashion and
Footlights' was evidently specimen o.
that Objectionable class of fiction which you
regretted to see was growing so prevalent
the amateur novel, born of vanity and @
lack of wholesome occupation"
Her voice died away with tremor He
had only stated the truth, but the fact did
not prevent the SPECIFICS Mr.. Everdene
from feeling as if he had committed a par
ticularly brutal murder and the ghost Of
the victim had come to arraign him before
all the people whose opinion he valued
most.
I'll cried" she murmured patheti.
cally.
Her lips quivered. Beads of Precipitation
rose to the man S forehead.
Good heavens, if | had only guessed
how much | should hurt you! 1t 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"
''Then you acknowledge that you were
needlessly cruel?"
81 was brutal" He would have COM
mitted blacker perjury as she wiped that
tear away.
"And that had just cause for indig-
nation?'
"lou were perfectly right
a smile broke like April sunshine over
her face
SIN that case | suppose l must forgive
you?"
He was ridiculously grateful. He
lieavcd a sigh of relief and hesitated with
his hand on the button of the electric
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 a cup
of tea"
The offer was tempting the weather was
hot, and she had talked great deal. She
yielded. When the refreshment came ac-
companied by wonderful sweetmeats from
around the corner, she asked permission
to pour it out for him, with winning
graciousness which charmed him. 1t
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 the japanese tables between them
they chatted for awhile, and then the
clock on the mantlepece struck 6. She
rose with pretty gesture Of dismay like II
second Cinderella.
600 you know, Mr.. Everdene, that l
have been here whole hour wasting your
valuable timer"
II thought it had been ten minutes"
he answered, 'tand the plensantest of my
life"
Every pretty!' she said, blushing family.
Anu III ItuuTH lOI ~ leu lhc teli Nou thae
my address is on my card, and that my
day, is Thursday; also l must thank you
very heartily for your kindness and
courtesy to an impertinent intruder. Very
few men would have been so consider
ate."
"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"
son my soul do"
The most delicious softness was in her
voice.
at makes me so proud and happy to
think have convinced YOU
There was a silence. She smoothed a
wrinkle in her sude glove. He twisted a
button on his coat. Then she aroused
herself, with little laugh, and extended
her hand.
We'll. goodby, Mr.. Everdene, and once
more, thank you!'
He pressed her fingers ever so lightly
her proselyte.
"Not goodby," he murmured. "Au