Evening star., 1897-06-05

''The manager OF this hotel" she began.
with . foreigner's precision Of English,
has just told me that you were at presen.
that you wished to see me at once on my
return. and believe that was not wrong
IN apprehending that you preferred to hear
from an innkeeper. had intended to
keep these rooms for some weeks; but un-
fortunately for me. though fortunately
for you. the present terrible financial
crisis which has most unjustfy brought
my son into such scandalous promi-
nence, will oblige me to return to
San Francisco until his reputation is fully
cleared Of these foul aspersions. I shall
possession Of these rooms for a couple
OF hours until can pack my trunks and
gather up few souvenirs that almost
always keep with me-
Pray consider that your wishes are my
own in respect to that my dear madam
returned Demorest gravely, land that,
indeed. I protested against even this tenn
porary intrusion upon your apartments;
but l confess that now that you have
spoken of your souvenirs I have the great
est curiosity about one Of them, and that
was to crafty it. 1t is in regard to q
photograph which I saw on the chimney
piece of your bed room, which 1 think l
recognised as that Of some one whom l
formerly knew"
There was a sudden look of sharp sus-
picion and even hard aggressiveness that
quite changed the lady's face as ne men
toned the word souvenir" but 1t quickly
changed to smile as she put up her fan
said
"Ah! see. OF course. lady's photo
graph
The reply irritated Demorest. More than
that, he felt a sudden sense of the abso-
lutte sentin:entality of his request, and the
consciousness that he was about to invite
the familiar confidence of this strange
wOman-whnso had hfc
in regard to her.
'It was Venetian pictIre." he began,
and stopped, a singular disgust keeping
him from voicing the name.
But Mrs. Van Loo was less reticent. "Oh,
you mean my dearest friends lovely pic
ture; and you know her? Why. yes surely.
You are the Mr.. Demorest who. OF
course, that old love affair. Well, you
are marvel! Five years ago, at least,
and you have not forgotten! I really must
write and tell her.
Write and tell herr Then it was all lie
about her death! He felt not only his faith
his hope, his future leaving him. but even
his self-control. With an effort he said:'
Il think you have already satisfied nay
curiosity. I was told five years ago that
she was dead. 1t was because of the date
of the photograph-two years later-that 1
ventured to intrude upon you. 1 was anx-
ious only to know the truth
She certainly was very much living and
of the world when 1 saw her last, two years
ago., said Mrs. Van Loo, with an easy
smile. Il daresay that was a ruse Of her
relatives-a very stupid one-to break off
the affair, for I think they had other plans.
But, dear me! now l remember, was there
not some little quarrel between you before?
Some letter from you that was not very
kind? My impression is that there was
something of the sort, and that the young
lady was indignant. But only for time,
you know. She very soon forgot it. 1 dare
say if you wrote something very charming
to her 1t might not be too late We women
are very forgiving, Mr.. Demorest, and, al
though she is very much sought after, as
are all young American girls whose fathers
can give them comfortable dot her par
ents might be persuaded to throw over a
poor prince for a rich countryman in the
end Or course, you know, to you republi-
cans there is always something fascinating
IN titles and blood, and our dear friend is
ike other girls. STILL 1t is worth the risk
And five years of waiting and devotio1
really ought to tell. It's quite a romance,
Shall write to her and tell her have seen
ycu, looking well and prosperous. nothing
more? Do let me! should be delighted"
Il think it hardly worth while for Won to
give yourself that trouble" said Demores.
quietly, looking in Mrs. Van Loo's smiling
eyes. now that 1 know the story of the
young ladys death was a forgery. And 1
Will not intrude further on your time PRAY
give yourself no needless hurry over your
packing. l may go to San Francisco this
afternoon, and not even require the rooms
tonight"
AT east let me make you a present of
the souvenir as an acknowledgment OF yoar
courtesy, said Mrs. Van Loo, passing into
her bed room and returning with the pho
fcgraph. Il feel that with your five wears
OF constancy it is more yours than mine"
AS a gentleman, Demorest knew that he
could not refuse, and taking the photo
graph from her with a low bow with
another hnal salutation he withdrew
Go be continued)