Evening star., 1896-10-24

Charing Cross and go with us to the thea
ter yours very 1y,R truly. H;,rs 111rrpr,,.
To be candid, the Invitation pleased me.
I knew that Madge would be of the party.
and counted her my friend 1 accepted,
therefore, and on Saturday was waiting in
good time at Charing Cross. It was a
miserable foggy day. and I half feared
they would not come. But though their
train was somewhat delayed they presently
arrived, and we took a cab along the
Strand. Madge looked unusually pretty,
and greeted me with disappointing cheer
fulness. had counted on little sympa-
thy from her. but her aspect was one Of
rather mischievous enjoyment. 1t would
nave been timely enough If she had held
IN store fer me some very delightful sur
prise She even referred to a matter
which had hoped for a month past had
escaped her observation.
did not think that you would descend
10 theft" she said. Il would have given
II 10 you. And OF course you have dis
We were entering the theater as she
spoke there was a momentary press of
people. and / affected not to have heard
her speech: Indeed. was not a little angry:
her clumsiness was obviously intentional
for l was well aware that she in no wise
suffered from want of tact.
our seses.
viii you take the inside seat?' said
Madee, and moved obediently to the last
vacant piace-next to a lady whose face
L
my seat when she turned and looked at me
She had the grace to blush-for it was
MAUD Cameron-but there was no tremo1
later
How do you do?" she said, politely. And
In the same words 1 answered her.
For few moments Madge Luttrel leant
forward and talked to ner Then the
orchestra began the overture and she lean
cd pack In her seat and was silent. Maud
and were in some sort left together.
l did my best to play the part that fate
required of me. 1 cuGeeled my brains for
polite Eothings wherewith to fill up the
nothing.
Presen'ly she leaned little nearer. and
spoke TO me in her soft, pretty voice. You
nave nothing to say?' she said You NAV
talk. you knew"
turned to her with a look of despera-
self?
Il had forgotten" 1 said Il must con-
graduate you-or Dick. at any rate"
Oh she answered. smilingly. you may
congratulate me also, do not fear. 1t has
happened marvelously WE'LL"
bowed Marvelously well!'' / echoed.
Yes she continued land particularly
IN that you are his special friend. 1t is so
Is nice. But why didn't you tell MIN you
knew the Luttrels-and me?"
stared at her. incredulous of her cruel
ty How could 1 tell him?' said indig-
with me. and since you had forgotten do
you think l wished to remember?'
was trifle startled at the effect of
this speech. 1t should have sileneed her,
thought: but it seemed as if had injured
he's. and now a greater indignat ton than
my own arose in her.
1T is not true she said. What do you
mean? l saw him only a fortnight ago.
when l returned from Sandybar, and 1
distinctly remember telling him that day
had met you there Mother did suggest
that he might bring you down one Sat-
urday but of Course
l interrupted. You only saw him a
month ago? Why. it's full month since
re told me you were engaged. And yet you
have known him only fortnight"
She looked at me with a sort Of pitiful
amaZement.
He told you he was engaged to me?
why, hes engaged to Mary. my sister.
And besides, you might"
A new life entered into me; the old hopes
lived again. Yet l was unconvinced HE