The record-union., 1896-09-06

You'll get used to it again in a few
days."
But shan't get used to being away
from you. You're the best companion
I've ever had. You're BY Jove, ]
didn't know was such a baby 1 can't
stand it, upon my word. can't
See the Juanita," she said quickly
pointing to the yacht that was lazily
sailing across the bay; They've put a
new topsail on"
Her hands were lying in her lap. He
bent towards her and rested one Of his
hands on them. I've just discovered
something" he whispered. I'm in love
with YOU
Her breath came and went quickly;
she did not STIR
I'm in love with you," he went on.
Tive been in love with you all the time
without knowing it. Thank God I've
found it out before going away from
here
She turned her face away from him.
Edith" he said, holding one of her
hands tightly.
Then he drew her towards him and
pressed her face against his own. He
could feel her breath on his cheek
DO you think you can care for me
little?" he whispered, his lips still
pressed against her face.
Il care. for you awfully,'' she ac-
knowledged, smotheringly.
He held her closely without speak
ing. Suddenly sfre tore herself away
from him, and stood up.
Some one will see u.s." she said.
Lets go away from here
IL.
Thomas went back to New York after
registering a promise to keep the en-
gagement secret till Edith Grants re-
turn in the autumn. Of course, Mrs.
Wilder and Bob" were to be informed
and on reaching the city, Thomas imme-
diately directed his steps to 'Bob's' Of
flee down town. He was afraid of meet
ing Bob" of measuring himself by SO
lofty a Standard but he felt reassured
by the hearty greeting he received from
the modest giant Gagged in a sky-scrap-
ing building that looked out on the har-
bOr
Il knew I couldn't keep her much Ion
ger" said Marvin Grant, with a smile
that showed Thomas he had not made
a bad impression. Il consider myself
lucky to have kept her as long as
have"
They parted with an engagement to
meet for dinner that night, and, during
the rest of the summer, they often dined
together, and passed the evening at the
roof garden or the club. Thomas found
Bob" very much younger than him.
self, and more racy in his talk than most
o fthe men he knew; but, in spite of his
reservations about his prospective
father-in-law, he liked him. They spent
many hours in discussing Edith, and
Thomas was little annoyed by the
jocular tone which her father assumed
towards her; but, of course, a mere
father couldn't be expected to be as
reverent as lover.
The next few months were a busy
time for Stanton Thomas, and when the
last week in September arrived and
Edith came back to town, he found
himself condemned for ten days to the
wilds of Northern New York, to make
plans for the construction Of a mag
nificent residence for political million
aire.
On his return to the city Edith had
settled for the winter. 1t was a prema-
turely cold afternoon on the second day
of October when he first called on her,
and a fire was burning in the CRATE of
the dining-room. She wore a dark,
tight fitting cloth dress that cOntrasted
oddly, almost pleasantly, he thought.
with the light shirt-waists he had been
used to seeing her in. When she had
offered her hand and received his en-
brace, they stood smiling at each other.
You're changed, she said
$50 are you." he replied
"All the brown has come off," she
went on, passing her hand over her own
face. Too bad! It was awfully be-
coming"
1T hasn't left your face yet" he said.
"But-''
In spite of oceans of cold cream I've
been using!" she exclaimed
"YoV are different" he said, thought
fully
I'm what way?''
''Oh, don't know; perhaps it's the
clothes"
And your clothes, too!' she ex-
claimed. That frock coat. How it
changes you! 1t makes you look $3.50
'citified,'''
They both laughed as if they were
embarrassed. Then they sat down and
continued looking at each other. IT
shall nave to get acquainted with YOU
all over again." she said You seem
to me like another person. Wasn't II
nice ever there, SO free and natural
But got so tired of it after you left. II
was good to get back at last into the old
life. Bobs bought new horse for me ;,
she went on, Frightening; "a beauty.
I've been trying her to-day. We ride in
the park every morning. Don't Won
want to come with me? We start at
half-past seven, and come back in about
an hour Tor breakfast. Sometimes we
take breakfast in the park. Come with
US Tomorrow, won't you?'
Thomas promised on condition tba+ he
round satisfactory animal in a livery
staoie suppose you won't ride your
wheel much in town. he said.
NO; that's one thing Bob won't do
he mates 1T. Then it's so common to
Wheel IN town-for a woman, mean"
Ihomas felt a slight shock of surnr;sa
80 common" He had never heard ber
say anything like that before. r.
couldn't be that in town she lost ber
feeling of independence.
me next day in the chill of the Octo-
per morning. the ride through the nark
prlliiant with the hues Of autumn ax-
hliarated him. Edith seemed like bar
ora SELF again; and Thomas was amused
py the tone of authority she took uith
ner rather, who meekly accepted II
nat night at dinner, too, she made sew
eral remarks which. showed him that
sne ruled the house. She mnst ha :
wonderful manager. he thought. vet
When ne went away he had an indef;n'
able sense of 1iccnV,For4