The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-04-15

that Isabel did not Ego OFF, more quickly
Until Lord Peergloss had appeared on tho
scene, really no one had seemed TO "tako"
to her at all. And she wanted her to
marry very much, u dear, good girl but
trying, very trying occasionally, and awk-
ward TO get on with, incomprehensiblo
and full of whims.
Her latest whim was that she needed q
''companion"-in fact, She absolutely re-
fused to winter in Rome without one. and
it was essential that sho should wintor in
Rome, since Pcergloss was there. and It
was not desirable that his fancy should DO
given time to cool.
She was not, however, easy to suit. Ono
person was too old and another was too
plain and third Ibid not appeal to her
somehow" It was not for several weeks
after they had begun to scan the advertise
ment columns of Tho Post that anybody
presented herself who appeared to fulfill
the fastidious young lndy's requirements.
The successful applicant certainly had
everything in her favor, possibly except
ing that Lady Barbellion opined she was
too good looking for dependents posi-
ton. Still the main thing was to settle
with some one and capture Peergloss
while no was in the mood, SO she was en-
gagged and the trio departed
Mildred had cause to congratulate her
self on tho step when they arrived. Peer
gloss was unfeignedly glad to SEQ them,
and after few days they met constantly,
walking, driving and dining together, to
Isabol's evident delight. Tho young mans
attentions did not, 1t is true, mature and
eliminate quite SO rapidly rs the countess
had expected, but no was doubtless an cpl
cure in the emotions and preferred to pro-
long the pleasure of Irritation to its fullest
extent before proposing.
Alas! This amiable delusion on the
Widows part was destined to have an ig-
nominious end. By degrees-slow de-
grees, for she was very loath to acknowl-
edge lit became evident to her percep-
ton that, whatever attraction Isabel might
have exercised earlier over his mind, that
attraction was suffering certain eclipse
through the destinations of her companion
1t was shocking-it was horriblo-but she
was u clear sighted woman, and she knew
that it was true. There was only one
course to be adopted-to give the presum-
ing adventures her congo before things
had gone too far. She did not explain her
motives to her daughter, but she was re-
lievcd to see she need anticipate no opposi-
tion from her. 1t was obvious that the
danger of n beautiful companion" had
begun to manifest itself to her understands
ing too. So much the better. She rang
the bell and prepared herself for decisive
action, IL check in lieu of notice lying OH
the table by her side.
II find we shall be unable TO retain your
services, " she said. MY plans arc changed.
and am sorry 1 should have put you to
the Inconvenience of leaving England,
Miss - er" - Sho never remembered
names; it was one of her little manner
isms. II should prefer that you left us
er Immediately; l may say today OF
course propose to recompense you in fit
ting manner. This check will meet your
views, have no doubt?'
MAY ask the reason of my dismissal?"
II have given you my reason. l have
no other to offer you, none whatever. l
will wish you-er-goodby. l trust you
will have no difficulty In suiting yourself
elsewhere.
There were tears in the Companions"
eyes when Peergloss met her in the hall
two minutes later. He stopped her and
asked her what Ind happened.
Il am sent away" she said, THAT is all.
But it has upset me little"
"Sent away" he echoed. Good heav-
ens What a shame! What for?''
Il don't know what for. Let mo pass,
Lord Peergloss, please. 1 want to pack
my things
Du1 uon Want you TO PACK your
things, urged the young fellow. Il don't
want you to 90 away. I-oh, my darling,
say you like me tiny bit. I'm as wildly
in love with the very ground you walk on
us ever man could be-" His arms had
stolen round her and her answer was lost
in his mustache. But it Is To be assumed
she WAS not vcxed with him, for there
were no traces of tears in hor eyes when
she did go up stairs and her face wore a
smile of exquisite happiness while she
packed. The statement is perhaps uD-
necessary, but it may be mentioned that
when she changed her gown there might
have been observed, had anybody been pres
cnt, mole shaped like u pear just below
her beautiful sEoulder.-St. Paul's.