The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1895-02-16

all, which was womau's reason--and
there was the carriage. and auntie had
better hasten, or they would miss
Melba's wake song in the first act of
Romeo ct Juliette."
For brief space the duchess fears
concerning Miss Kittie's affections
were lulled, but they were aroused
again to instant suspicion, when, at
the beginning of the balcony scene,
Allan Tremayne, all unlimited, entered
her box and very coolly slipped into a
chair at Miss Kittie's side.
Every sigh of love, every thrill of
passion of the two stage lovers found
an echo in Kittie Marjoram's heart. and
the duchess saw it all, for she was an
observant woman, and knew well how
to read ieeting bushes, downcast
eyes and painting, snowy bosoms.
When the fond Veronese pair sang
of secret marriage, the duchess
sharp eyes saw Tremayne's knees press
ever SO lightly against Kittie's satin
skirts, and his lips-handsome, clean.
shaven lips-shape rather than utter a
word or two in her ear.
Tremaynef put the ladies into their
brougham after the opera, and as he
did so said an impressive "Good-by."
IAN revoir, presume you mean,
Mr.. Tremayne?" said the duchess.
mo, really, good-by. I'm off for six
weeks salmon fishing in Norway. Lord
Tregarth has lent me his rivet and the
chance is too good to be missed"
"And you won't be at Goodwood or
Cowes?" cried the duchess. in accents
OF most uncomplimentary Joy.
ALAS! no. So once more good-by.
Back Tippler for the Goodwood stakes,
Miss Marjoram, and you'll win lot of
gloves"
well. / hope the affair is done
WITH" sighed the duchess to herself,
after Kittie had kissed her good night
and gone to her own room. .Tt's
mercy that man has gone. He might
easily have persuaded the silly child
to any act of folly-even to marrying
him. Perkins, Miss Marjoram has left
h er gloves and fan here Take them
to her."
The duchess pushed Kittie's belong
ings aside, and as she did SO felt the
faint crackle of thin paper beneath
the pressure of her hand.
Never mind" she cried hastily,
Miss Kitty need not be disturbed to-
night You can 60, Perkins"
Once alone the duchess drew from
the palm of the small scented glove q
note written on foreign paper.
my OWN DARLING: Thanks for your trust
ing faith in my love and your sweet promise to
become my wife. You must leave the Good
wood course during the luncheon hour on
wednesday. Drive to the station at Chiches-
ter will meet you there with the license In
my pocket. Well be married at Dover. and
then for lifelong honeymoon You shall see
how beautifully shall catch her grace over
the Norway lie Your sdoring
ALLAN TRExAYNE"
II wonder to how many women
Allan Tremayne has signed himself an
adorer?" cried the duchess to the sill
ver-topped bottles on her dressing
table. "and how many women have
been fools enough to believe him?
But Kitty, poor little simpleton, shall
be the last. Her heart is touched. /
know, but she's a proud girl, and
won't wear it on her sleeve for the
rest of her sex to peck at. Anyway.
it will be for her own good, even il the
cure hurts. Now, what's my best plan
of action?' She twisted the tiny note
in her fingers for moment "Kittie
mustn't know I've seen this, it will put
her on her guard and only result in an
other plan. ! can't let her have this
back, it's too valuable a weapon to
part with. wonder-I wonder if I've
any paper nearly like this?"
With the activity of young girl
she ran to her escritoire, and search
ing through her blotter found half
sheet of thin foreign paper.
THE very thing" she cried. and. sit
ting down, the duchess of Duiverton
proceeded to trace word for word of
Allan Tremayne's note on the frseh