New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-10

In this manner the last two weeks passed away
The morning OF September ii dawned clear anu
bright This was the day on which rate invited
by Singleton, was to preside at the interview
which should determine the future relations OF
Miss Berkeley and her egotistical wcoer.
Singleton went shooting; Miss Berkley re-
manned at home
Singleton, In the fields. confessed that ne had
never before had such execrabe luck with MS
gun Miss Berkeley In the library, acknowledged
that never before had the hours seemed so tardy
and so hnpromisng Of better things: was SIN
geton coming, or wasn't he? Well, ne knew
what her answer would be- so there was really
no necessity for his appearing STILL she believed
In a man a1hering to his word, no matter what
the consequences. These were her reflectiohs III
the morning In the afternoon she wondered JUST
how much Singleton cared for that Colchester
woman Perhaps he was calling on ner then;
What there In Mr.. Singleton that pieaseu
Mrs Colchester? She did not know, and tried 20
ascertain by comparing Singleton with some otner
young men Of her acquaintance. She recalled MS
words. actions, mental and physical characterins,
tics, habits virtues. and those wees which sn,
had cOntrived TO unearth Inc result was ..
she thought a great deal about Singleton ina ma
afternoon but why did the man not come 90" =.
was growing impatient about something. iS
Sngleton's delay? Certainly not she "ouIu
not care I'm the least II she never saw MIN again
there she stopped-to think this over n.tle
She wondered how he would act anu 'o Sbe
and feel after II all over. About o cioch ST.
hogan TO feel unwell-a sort or nervous a''dOn'
she thought That the reason she had occa-
sional crying spells The perslstency OF tnes $50
II
she scoded the maid who announced Cdp,a.ii
George Pympton. She was not az holne ~
Captain George to-day AT c'Sg IHui tae had
called Should she tell him Miss Berkey was
not at home? No, she Should not. so Single.on
came in, and had the bad form to lay ms nat
stick nd gloves on the drawing room table
AS they seated themselves each was conscious
Of sense OF restraint For several moments
both silent. Then MISS Berkiey 'lianu -. an
attempt to open conversation by asking her sutton
n he had been shooting, and II shooting was as
good this year at 1t had been last year singleton
admitted that he had been shooting, ana INA. .Sa
game was about as plentiful as II had peen lhe
year before They next attempted to discuss
the merits of "Trilby," but this topic proved as
short lived the previous one nad peen' 81 altel
two or three more Intellectual efforts to appear
at ease they relapsed into an uncomfortaple
silence. 49, MI. ,.,oo,
moment was at hand Singletons race was pare,
and his gaze sought Miss Berkey's eyes she
appear red to have become suddenly Interested IN
toyed nervously with the fringe on the arms Oh
her chair Dame Fate had reported Tor duty.
Miss Berkeley three months ago, after having
known you only three weeks. asked you TO De
nv wife You refused me We have now known
each other for nearly four months, ana nave
had ample time to reconsider what we tnen salu'
I have reflected seriously on what am aoou'
to say. and having. during the last three months
learned 10 regard you more earnestly ana ue-
votedly than before, / will now take the liberty
Of repeating my proposal WI you pe f my made
her way slowly toward the window: singleton
rose also but did not follow her Thus toI sew
eral moments they stood In silence Wh! ulu 10.
the lady answer him? Surely the egotist was
at her mercy now One little word-the Simplest
in the language-would humble all MS cohcei.
and satisfy her curiosity. she had put 10 .p pS
that word and turn her head to see how Arthur
Singleton would look in the presence or deieaI
Why did she not say 1t? ,
The little onyx clock the mantel licked Joy
ousy-tck after tck-until sixty were 'olu' i"e'
it started on another sixty $1,000 ,.,
you do not answer me" said Singleton quletiy.
Ah but she did. moment later ne had ms
answer. II came gently-lt was scdEceiy "ioi'
than whisper-but 1t came
NO"
VIII you try it again. Singleton, or have you
had enough? Not so irresistible with the ladies'
az YOU thought en- Singleton? Well go buy
box II bonbons-the best that can be bought
there's a good fellow. She won them fairly MISS
Berkeley still continued to gaze out OF the WINDOW
Did she wonder how Singleton looked row? NO,
she had not turned her eyes In his drectiOh' pu'
she knew. His face was pale. his lips were COIL
pressed and there was an expression OF over
whemng disappointment ir his eyes She knew
II all Singleton advanced and extended MS hanu
How IL came to pass that hers found place IN
his she never knew But she will never forget
that smile which she then saw on Singletons
lips 1t not cheerful one 49,
Il have lost" falterel Singleton. "Goodby.
"Goodby," exclaimed Miss Berkeley softly, IN
tone Of surprise.
ago you said that a rejected lover would ma X
ed friend with respect 10 the woman he loves. |
did not believe you then, but In the course or
three months man may learn many otter
truths. now admit that YOU were right: :.
Miss Berkeley smiled Singleton thought 1t was
a smile OF triumph, and released her hand ,
Come and see me tomorrow AFTERNOON saiu
Miss Berkeley gently, as Singleton turned away.
II start for Paris In the morning, repheu
Singleton a trife coldly.
For Paris exclaimed Miss Berkeley, whose
features now startled expression.
Yes | shall join some friends Of mine there,
and travel the Continent a bit"
Singleton turned toward the table and appro-
prating his hat gloves and walking stick started
for the door. But Miss Berkeley was at the door
and what is more, she had her back against it
thus cutting off his retreat
I'll not let you go until you promise to call on
me Tomorrow" pouted the lady
IT have said that leave for Paris In the morn
ing"
"Then postpone your departure. VIII you call
tomorrow?
Perhaps" said Singleton. after some hesita-
ton.
THAT is no promise" replied his fair captor
stamping a dainty foot petulantly
dark flush mantled Singleton's brow. and
there was an ominous CLEAN in his eyes.
81 beg OF you TO let me pass, Miss Berkeley" he
said With frigid poteness.
Don't be angry with me- Mr.. Singleton.
That Singleton was angry, 1t would have been
vain to deny He felt that being beaten, he
should at least have been permitted TO depart
with the honors OF war. He laid his hand on
the knob Of the door and a moment later felt
Miss Berkley's hand fall gently upon 1t.
you need not send me those bonbons, Mr.
Singleton" faltered the lady as her eyes sought
the well handled but nsensible knob; then as
Singleton remained silent, she looked up and
realized. for the first time In her life, that the
face Of an angry man is no pleasant object. A
profile view may be interesting 10 student Of
human nature, perhaps but full-faced view
should be avoided when practicable. Miss Berk-
ley now confronted the full-face presentiment
and didn't find 1t altogether agreeable.
IF YOU will leave me your address, Tll-rn
send you the bookmark by post" she said little
feebly. Then Withdrawing her hand from the
door knob she continued: You may 60 now, II
you want to. Mr.. Singleton"
Having thus spoken, Miss Berkeley abandoned
her position at the door. and made her way de-
jectedly toward the window. Singleton for a
few moments looked If he had taken leave
Of his senses.
4