The morning times., 1897-03-02

gown" she exclaimed. Its owner would
never forgive me-
Il assure you should forgive you much
worse things than that smiled Mr.. For
rester.
Marcia stared at him for a moment
He would not wear red tea gown. But
question rose to her lips. She remem-
bered his objections and paused. Besides
she did not wish to set going an exchange
OF questions; it might end in her own de-
lection.
"A gown more or less is no great mat
ter. said he, Struggling his shoulders.
"But this is such lovely one
II hope it fits your
Its a little-just little tight" she
murmured.
"Ah, figures do differ he remarked.
That's inevitable, you know"
Marcia's high spirits began to be dashed
by vague uneasiness; the distrust which
had assailed her as she followed Susan to
the blue room revived. 1t was nearly 10
O'Clock; surely Fred would make his ap-
pearance soon! The position became en-
barrassing to her She had to admit that no
such feeling was displayedby her host. lie
had obtained her permission to light a
cigarette and was smoking composedly.
"How funny 1t would look if anybody
found me here she said, forcing smile.
"But OF course nobody will come now.
Her assertion masked a question; did he
expect another guest?
II don't know about that" observed Mr..
Forester. smiling. Il didn't expect you,
! you know; but you came all the same. So
somebody else might
I'm sure | hope nobody will"
Except your husband?'' he half asked,
half reminded her.
"oh, except Fred, of course she agreed,
hastily.
His eyes dwclt reflectively on her face
for a moment
Except Fred, l mean" he remarked,
with his pleasant smile. But Marcia, To
her horror, felt herself blushing. Had he
guessed her deception? And If he had
heavens, what might the man think or not
think? At the cost OF some humiliation
she determined to confess her joke and put
matters on aproper footing. She wouldIook
very silly, but that penalty must be
faced.
think ought 10 say,
"Harki' said Forester, raising his hand.
az hear Wheels
"oh, ITS Fred! How glad ami" cried
Marcia. Do letime rhn and open the door
| for him" She fose'to her feet. Her host
followed her example and stood with his
back to the fire.
You can open the door If you wish II, -
saidhe Ticking Off the ash OF his cigarette.
. But I'm afraid you'll be disappointed"
'Disappointed?
Il mean youxwon't find your husband
on, don't be distressed. The man will take
fresh horse and go in search OF him at
once An, she S at the doorl' For the
! bell was rung briskly.
Marcia stared at him in a bewildereG
way.
You see,' he explained, ~ haven't
been able to send for Mr Nettieton sooner
because my only trap had gone to the
station. But never mind, we shall soor
| find him now-if he's where you left him
/ mean
"But-but but who is it?''
"Who is who?'' asked Noel Forester.
"Who is it who's Gomez"
He had walked half way toward the
| door. lie paused to give his answer.
GIN I be SURE; VI Soutse, WltHout IooA'
| ing said he, but it ought to be Celeste.
| Excuse me a moment, Mrs. Nettleton.
| And with a courteous bow, he Went out
| closing the door behind him.
Marcia sank into a chair, gasping. Who
| was Celeste? What was she to thinl
| OF Celeste? And, worse, what would Ce
| leste think of her? With flash Of horrol
she jumped 10 the conclusion that the gowI
| she wore was Celeste's.