The morning times., 1897-03-02

she smiled at herself in the glass as she
answered:
Yes, Mr.. Nettleton. Ny name is Net
Teton
so I understood, ma am" answered
Susan.
Prudence and nisgivings have little
chance beside a consciousness OF looking
ones best. Marcia entered the dining
room with bright smile. Her host shared
her good spirits; he was laughing to himself
as she came in. The soup was on the table.
A man-sevant entered and drew back a
chair, inviting Marcia to seat herself.
The young man sat opposite and helped the
soup.
Susan wishes to know, sir" said the
man-servaut, whether she shall prepare
the red ROOM
The young man looked up.
''Yes, she'd better" said he.
you're toe kind" said Marcia; ''but
isn't there an inn to which we could go?
We mustn't put you to all this trouble"
The young man laughed.
mot within miles," said he, Eyes,
Joseph, we'll have the red room ready-in
case 1t is wanted, you know"
''I'U tell Susan, sir, f" said Joseph.
Have you given the orders about the car
riage?'
Yes, sir''
The young man turned to Marcia.
Where do you think your husband is?''
he asked.
IL don't know" she stammered- and
truly enough, although there was no reason
to take other than hopeful view of the
| matter.
'oh, but whereabouts?' he smiled.
Marcia suddenly remembered the position,
blushed very red, and cried hastily, in the
| hope that 1er confusion had passed I'M
| noticed:
"oh, you mean Fred! He's-he's -
She. paused. Her host was regarding
her with inqusitive amusement. Hes
| where l left him. she added, with great
dignity.
That's more than wife can always
say about her husband remarked the
| young man. 'Do you think you can de-
scribe the place for us?'
Marcia obeyed; Joseph listened, bowed
| and left the room.
1.-The carriage shall go and look for him
as soon as possible said the young man
again. ''Oh, and perhaps 1 might say
| that my name is Forrester-Noel Forester
| hope you found your room comfortabfe?'
''Delightfu, Mr.. Forester. 1t really
| looked as if you expected some one"
Il am of sanguine disposition he
answered, smiling, but fortune outruns
| even my hopes sometimes"
He was charming. that was certain;
| but it was equally certain that he was
not communicative. Marcia wished she
| had rot begun her silly joke about Fred
| She shrank from owning to it now; it
| would sound so foolish.
| Supper went on, food, wine and service
| were excellent. BY the end of the meal,
| when Joseph brought coffee and finally
| withdrew Marcia was in radiant spirits.
| She had forgotten poor Fred, still out in
| the rain; she had forgotten the rather un-
| conventional nature of her visit; she had
| forgotten even the curious readiness of
| everything i'll the blue room. Undoubtedly
| Noel Forester was charming, and she
| thought that she herself had been very
| agreeable,
Marriage is a very pleasant condition."
| remarked Mr.. Forester, suddenly.
| "Oh-er-yes, very" murmured Marcia
| Provided he continued, that perfect
| confidence reigns betweei. husband and
| Wiz. nave ways iboiottu Oii
mean should always insist on it if the oc-
| cason arose It's essential"
| ''Of course, it's nice, said Marcia.
'T should require it from my wife, Mr.
| Forester went on. I'm very easy-going,
| but do like to be trusted. Don't you,
Mrs Nettieton? But I'm sure your hus-
band must trust you implicitly"
''He never says he DOESN'T murmured
| Marcia, hiding a smile.
/ Il happen to object very much to being
questioned said Mr. Forester My
servants never question me- | don't allow
my friends to question me. Most questions,
| Mrs. Nettlcton, are either superiluous OF
i impertinent, or both. Have you observed
that?''
| .Yes, they are, most of them" said
Marcia
$50 none are asked in this house Let
me put your cup down for YOU
He rose, but, by evil chance, as Marcia
handed him her cup she upset it in the
saucer: few drops fell on her gown.
With a cry Of dismay she began tabbing
at the stuff with her handkerchief.
~ hope / haven't spoiled this lovely