The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-07-17
che Bof11e Reading Circle
A FALSE CONCLUSION.

"Yet [ have had my troubles, Polly"
Camilla replied.
Mrs. Bellajrs shook her head. Moth
ing to speak of, surely"
We'll You know, marrying poor, dear
Philip when was not the least in love
with him. Mother insisted, and after
all, 1t turned out for the best. He
formed-in fact, he cultivated me,
turned me from a raw school girl into
a femme du monde, and left me a free
woman before my hair was gray. 1t
Keeps its color well. don't you think?"
"Your hair is still yellow naturally.
Though four years a widow you are
only five and twenty"
20, don't say 'yellow'-such a de-
testable color like a canary--suggestive
of a beaky nose and sallow cheeks!"
protested Camilla.
But you We're speaking of your hus-
band"
'Yes-poor Philip. He always told me
he was consumptive in earlier days, as
an inducement to marry him."
Camilla hated herself as she spoke
II was a way she had drifted into un-
der Mrs. Bellairs' influence. Her friend
seemed to expect frivolity from her,
and smiled appreciatingly.
"Ah, Camilla, you have everything
youth, health, independence. You are
not even burdened with a family, and
certainly make the most of life. But
sometimes, dear, l think. you know,
you are just q little-too-well, too un-
conventional"
Indeed! Do tell me of my indiscre-
tions; it would be so very interesting"
Camilla clasped her hands and tried
not to smile.
"They are hardly worthy mention
ing. l was only thinking of Mr.. Will
SON"
"Mr. Wilson not worth mentioning?
Polly, L cannot let you insult my
friends"
you know what mean," murmured
Mrs. Bellairs, lowering her voice con-
1ldentially; 'six waltzes running, and
then a cozy corner for the rest of the
evening"
But went to supper with Mr. Nor
ris.'
And ate half a sandwich before run
ming away. Yes, he told me about It
afterwards. OF course it is quite ex-
cusable that you should like Mr. Will
son, q most attractive man; but his
reputation"
What about his reputation"
81 never care to repeat scandal, but
-"
20, stop! / know you are going to
tell me someting horrid, and / would
rather not hear I wish so many nice
people had not bad regulations. 1 am
expecting him to tea this afternoon;
perhaps you will not care to meet
him."
Thanks, dear'-kissing Camilla af-
fectiOnately-"I always take a hint; it
is one of my talents"
mo, Polly no; really did not mean
-"
But Mrs. Bellairs was already half
way down the stairs, confronting Mr..
Wilson.
II am almost tempted to stay" she
said, shaking her hands: but an ap-
pointment with my dentist"
The hall door closed and Camilla
found herself alone in the drawing
room with Mr. Wilson.
II am glad you have come" she said.
Are you?' he answered. 81 almost
wish that you We're sorry"
"Why?"
Because l am going away, and / do
not want you to miss me. Camilla, you
have made my life happier-better; for
give me If l shock you, but you are the
only woman l have ever respected
Nothing evil can touch you. wish 1
were more worthy of your friendship"
A strange thrill of wonder and Joy
passed through Camilla. She felt in
stinctively that over this man at least
she had an influence for good, that with
him she escaped from the frivolous side
OF her nature to her real-her better
self.
NO" she said, 81 am not good: but
sometimes feel that it Is in me to be
good II l would only try myself-give
myself the chance. 1 am so fond of the
world and the worlds amusements-all
my time is taken up with pleasure; and
lam not tired yct-not blasa. But lately
L have been thinking. My idea may
startle you, and you will call it far
fetched, and you will say l am in earn
est"
You look sincere" he answered. "I
think l shall believe you"
II want to enjoy my life in my own
set, among my own people, and | find
/ cannot do this with clear conscience:
so l have made resolve, and a very
year out Of my life to God'
How shall you do that-what plan
have you formed?"
"A simple and at the same time a.
hard plan, None of my friends is to
know where am or where / go. Just
intend to vanish off the face of their
earth for IL months hard labor. All my
little vanities, my extravagances, must
be given up, buried, forgotten. One
half OF London does not care to learn
or know how the other half lives. | am
going to find out for myself, to settle in
the very heart Of the East End, dressed
as a Sister of Charity to live and
work as such. You made me think of
it by saying had influenced you for
good"
l know l feel that l can influence
people, and 1 have always used this
power for purely selfish motives. Now.
am going to try to exert it over Door