Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1895-06-21

the hour appointed for his lecture
arrived, she professed herself slightly
unwell, and Dundas found himself, ia
his disgust, relegated to the care Of hei
father, who received strict injunction.
from Mabel not to allow the lecturer te
interchange greetings with anyone.
"They might congratulate him!" she
said. How very awkward that would
be!'
Dinner passed off without mishap.
Mabel was shy aud constrained, and
spoke little; but as Clifford was in high
spirits ut the success with which every
thing passed off, and kept the CONVEX
sation chiefly in his own hands, his
guest did not notice the unusul preoc.
cupation and silen 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 a
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? Ny cook has had
fit-positively fiji left her with
her head in the kitchen coal box! The
doctor is expected every minute. But
couldn't stay-such scene, you
know! am SO upset! Might spend
an hour or two with you2"
Mabel, nearly distracted, managed
at last to welcome the very unwelcome
guest and then sat down on thorns,
waiting in kind OF despair fer what
she might say.
II know" said Cynthia, archly, "that
it is rather an inconvenient time to
cali. You must be so very busy-such
a 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 l
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
me?" But aloud he only said: swell,
I'm afraid | 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: "See 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
Drndas 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.
ton, and he read it through, scarcely
realizing its meaning. Then, toe
amazed to speak, he looked toward
Mabel for an explanations; but, seeing
her pale and speechless, sprang towart
her, fearing she was about to faint
His touch, however, recalled her t.
herself; and, waving him back with al
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 hu
initiating story.
Half an hour later Mr. Clifford reen
tered the drawing-room, a telegram il
his hand. He stood for moment OF
the threshold, and then. advancing
, said:
: Il suppose my daughter has told you
all, Mr.. Dundas? She is not to biam,
| in the matter, but feel owe you
deep apology for the unwarrantabl,
; liberty l have taken with your name
, Mabel" he continued, turning to hi
r daughter. II can never repay you TO
the service you have rendered me-ant
| the suffering You have undergone
} But this telegram tells me Uncl
, George is dead, and, as am his heir
; we can now, at least, send back tn
$ wedding presents"
with your permission, SIR" sai'
I Dundas, srliling, mabel and l hav
' decided to keep them. London Tit
E Bits.