The herald., 1896-09-06
CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.
It was about q week before this conversa-
tion took place that I saw Wilmay for the
first time with the exception Of that mo-
mentary glimpse in the Park since my re-
turn to England. 1t was at Bertha's house
in the morning. had sent word that was
coming, and found them both In the morn
ing-room. Bertha looked very young and
quite pretty, and greeted me with much
sisterly effusiveness. Wilmay took my
hand. and looked away from me. and said,
edward. I'm glad-so glad that you have
come back"
As we talked I watched Wilmay. The
glimpse that had had Of her in the Park
had been deceptive. Driving in the fresh
wind must have brought the color to her
cheeks, and suppose even II one Is sad at
heart one still laughs passably we'll in pub
lie IL ones companion says an amusing thing
Now she was very pale, and when she was
not talking or conscious that anyone was
looking at her, her expression was wistful
and her eyes seemed fixed on something far
away.
"wilmay." I said. "ars you really quite
well?"
"Oh. quite!"
"There is nothing the matter with her."
said Bertha. "But she is tired-she has to
go about SO much, and see so many people.
There are Carrones innumerable all anx-
ious to inspect her."
"If she's quite WE'LL" said, ''she doesn't
look it. And unless she can manage to
look it. she shan't be married at all.'
"Please, do not let us talk about me any
more" said Wilmay. II want to know all
about your opera. We've heard it of course.
Everybody's heard 1t and everybody's talk
ing of 1t. But want to hear the history Of
It,"
"And I'm sick to death Of the opera"
replied, land I want to hear the history of
your engagement"
But on that point Wilnay was absolutely
mute, and let Bertha answer for her.
AS the days went on. and I saw more Of
Wilmay, grew moro uneasy. She admired
Sir Vincent and was fond Of him in a way.
but it did not strike me that she was in
love with him. Sometimes I thought
saw doubt on his honest handsome face.
Sometimes even Bertha herself would look
little anxious, when she spoke of Will
may. ;,
The time sped-new. It seemed to me,
more swiftly to catastrophe, as a moth to a
flame. 1t was less than a week before the
day fixed for the marriage that got note
from Wilmay in the afternoon:
Dear Edward:-We were to have dined
with Lady Harston tonight, but Lady Hars-
ton has been the angel to have one of her
neuralgia attacks (poor dear) and put every
one of. We have nights peace. Bertha
and you and I dine together here, and you
play to US afterwards. You will. won't
you? Not even Vincent will be here. We
are quite alone land we both want to see
Wilmay."
I went. Of course. When got into the
drawing-room noticed that the piano was
no longer used like the backyard of
curiosity shop. but was allowed to be mere-
ly piano.
"No." said Bertha, ''you needn't give me
the credit or the discredit of It. That's
Wilmay. I suppose when you've written
great operas. you expect that kind Of hom-
mage" ~ lsl ~
81 have not written great operas, but
have tiresome and offensive sister-which
sounds like Ollendorf but is only the gospel
truth. Wilmay. I am indebted to you. I
will talk to you, to the entire exclusion of
that elderly female at whose house you
board"
"Oh, do stop!' cried Bertha. 'You
shouldn't say things like that to anyone
with any imagination.I feel as II lived In
Bloomsbury and charged extra for the
boots. feel old, and dishonest, and hag-
gard.'
"Do you?" said. "Well, we realize
the truth about ourselves sooner or later"
Every WELL" Bertha retorted, II shall
ring and order Mr.. Derrimer's carriage"
"Mr. Derrimer came in a cab," replied,
''and he will not go until he has had dinner
anyhow. And, by the way"
Carter opened the door. gave my arm
to Wilmay, and we passed into the dining
room. We were all three in state of pleas
ant but foolish high spirits. Wilmay was
particularly audacious; her eyes were very
bright, and her color a little feverish. She