Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1897-04-23

had exlsted-that she had ever known
me-that was past liberation.
''They live at Brighton, :" Dick con-
tinued, $50 that we are not too far
away to visit them. You must come
down some day with me. I want you to
know her.
There are times when it were unwise
to be sincere.
II shall be delighted" I said even
while | reviewed the excuses upon
which I should be able to rely in the
event Of his some day rendering more
definite invitation. Then I turned the
conversation into other channels, and in
little while, somewhat to the disgust
Of my friend, who had much to tell, !
left.
About month had passed when
had note one day from Mrs. Luttrell:
DEAR Mr.. MoRTIMER-We have taken tickets
for the Lyceum matinee on Saturday, and
three or four friends are to meet us there.
wonder if you are free that afternoon and
would care to meet us and 60 with us to the
theater. Yours very truly,
FRANCES LUTTRELL.
It was a miserable, foggy day, and !
half feared they would not come. But
though their train was somewhat delay.
ed they presently arrived, and we took
cab along the Strand. Madge looked
unusually pretty and greeted me with a
disappointing cheerfulness. Ihad count
ed on a little sympathy from her, but
her aspect was one Of rather mischie-
vous enjoyment. It would have been
timely enough if she had held in store
for me some very delightful surprise.
She even referred to matter which
had hoped for month past had escaped
her observation.
II did not think that you would de.
scend to theft" she said. II would
have given it to you. And, of course,
you have discovered your mistake"
We were entering the theater as she
spoke, and there was momentary press
Of people, and I affected not to have
heard her speech; indeed was not q
little angry. Her clumsiness was OBJ.
viously intentional, for I was we'll
aware that she in nowise suffered from
want Of tact.
A moment later we were being shown
to our seats.
Twill you take the inside seat?" said
Madge, and I moved obediently to the
last vacant one, next to the lady whose
face was turned from me. I was just
taking my seat when she turned and
looked up at me. She had the grace to
blush, for it was Maud Cameron, but
there was no tremor in her voice when
she spoke a moment later.
'How do you do?" she said politely,
and in the same words answered her.
Presently she leaned little nearer
and spoke to me in her soft, pretty voice:
"You have nothing to say?" she said.
"You may talk, you know
turned to her with look of desper.
alton. Why could not she leave me ia
myself? IT had forgotten" said. 81
must congratulate you-or Dick, at any
rate.
"Oh," she answered smilingly, ''you
may congratulate me also. Do not fear;
it has happened marvelously we'll"
"Marvelously well!'' I echoed.
YES" she continued, "and particu.
larry in that you are his special friend.
| 1t is so nice for the wife when the hus.
band S friend is nice. But why didn't
you tell him you knew the Luttrells--
and me?'
I stared at her, incrednlous Of hel
cruelty.
''How could I tell him?" I said indig
nantly. "You had denied acquaintance
with me, and, since you had forgotten,
do you think I wished to remember"
I was trife startled at the effect Of
this speech. 1t should have silenced her.
thought SO at least, but it seemed az
if I had injured her, and now greater
indignation than my own arose in her.
"It is not true, !" she said. "What dc
you mean? / saw him only fortnight
ago, when I returned from Sandybar,
and distinctly remember telling him
that day that I had met you there.
Mother did suggest that he might bring
you down one Saturday; but, OF course
interrupted. "You only saw him a
fortnight ago? Why, tits full month
since he told me you were engaged.
And yet you have known him only 8
fortnight"
She looked at ME with sort Of pitt
full amazement.
HE told you he was engaged to me-
Why, he's engaged to Mary. my sister
And besides
A new life entered into me. The ole
hope lived again. Yet / was convinced.
HE showed me your photograph, "
said.
She looked at me moment. Slowly
the bewilderment faded from her face,
and it appeared she was nightly
amused.
Ibid he tell you my name?" SHE
asked
HE showed me your likeness ani
told me you were engaged to him.
don t remember if he told me your name
But there was no need. I do not forget
SO easily"
Maud chuckled. There is no othel
word.
"You have seen the photograph be
fore?" she said.
II stole it out Of Madge Luttrell's al
bum the day was to leave Sandybar
thought
''Surely it was a little curious t.
steal the photograph Of lady you hat
never met, for it Is to Mary, my sister
that Mr.. Ferguson is engaged, and i
was her photograph you took from
Madge's album. She is considered rathe
like me-"
i was stunned with the sudden 10.
and with the sense Of my great stupid