The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-11-20
TWO YEARS LATER.

at think it only right to tell you, Mr..
Valmore,' said Mrs. Bromley easily,
''that my niece, Miss Bromley, is engaged
to my SON mention it because 1 have
fancied sometimes that you were inclined
to be attracted by her. I hope was mis-
taken?"
''Engaged?'' he exclaimed clam glad
you have told me-
He had met the girl few months since,
and the admiration she had at once excited
in him rapidly deepened into love. The
fortune she possessed he had not counted
any obstacle to their union, for his own
means placed him above the suspicion of
mercenary motives.
He rose, and after few murmured con-
venti Qualities took his leave. His world
was in ruins. To his dazed eyes the ia
niliar street looked strange.
AS the door closed behind him Mrs
Bromley smiled.
$50 very unfortunate If Grace
learned he was fond of her., she mus
''Her money is really indispensable to
boy, and if they are not engaged alre
it was a very white falsenood, for
shall be soon, I am resolved"
1t was an evening two years later, and
from a house in Portland place few cabs
and carriages we're whirling away the
guests.
Mrs. Grahame and her two daughters
stood in the deserted ballroom when it
was over, discussing the event, and Grace
Bromley, the young lady who had been
engaged to play the piano, was tying up
her music preparatory to taking her de-
parture.
"Mr. Valmore seemed rather attentive
to you, Sybil. Didn't he say anything
deflnite?' Mrs. Grahame inquired anx-
iously.
Attentive to Sybil, mother? What
nonsenseP' the other girl said, with an i'll
natured laugh. II thought he mooned
about in an absurd way all the evening.
don't know why he came. I'm sure he
didn' It dance twice
"You need not remain, Miss Bromley, "
Mrs. Grahame remarked, turning sharply
to the girl her mind reverting to certain
masculine chances of admiration that had
been cast at her. 81 shall request Mr..
Stiles not to send me that person again, -
she continued, without troubling to lower
her voice. "She's too
1t was showing heavily when she
emerged into Portland place, and she shiv-
cred and looked about her, dismayed at
the storm Suddenly tall figure in fur
lined coat doomed out in front of her.
''Mr. Valmorel" she exclaimed, with a
sigh of relief.
YES he returned quietly. ST have
been waiting this half hour for you to
come out. Did you think 1 was going to
lose sight Of you again after this unex-
pected meeting? Which is your directions
81 live at Hampstead, she replied,
''and I go by omnibus from Piccadilly
circus"
Her tone was cool, and it puzzled him,
but he was not to be repulsed. He gained
her permission to accompany her as far az
the Swiss cottage, and then, in the cheer
less obscurity of the half empty bus he
began to ask questions.
"Will you tell me the meaning of this
masquerading tonight and VIII" you
wouldn't know me?'
sit means that 10 months ago my trus-
tee decamped with my money, and since
then I've been getting my living as you
saw me this evening. For your future en-
lightenment, let me tell you that it is not
customary for young persons in my posi-
ton to acknowledge a guest, especially q
male one, while fulfilling her duties"
Eustace looked at her in panied silence
"And now" he said-''now that the
duties are over, are you glad to see me
now9 1 can't tell you how sorry am tc
hear of your misfortune
You are very kind she said. Zone
must always be glad to renew an old &C
Quaintance.
The stiffness of her tone, the continued
formality, hurt him horribly
IAN acquaintance!" he echoed. "And
your husband, - he inquired, lis he wells?
My Lusband?" she repeated. 81 an
not married
"You are not married. he stammcred
"But surely two years ago you were en-
gagged to your cousin? Mrs. Bromley tolC
me so.''
GGSha told vo, thatS,, ovc1aiD,ed tho Girl
"It was not true. He proposed to me morI
than once but 1 refused him"
| He lifted the shabbily gloved hand anG
| kissed it rapturously.
| eff had known" he murmured
"Gracel You and I will never leave eacf
other any more. London News.