The Sauk Centre herald., 1897-12-16
IN THE GLASS.

It was May Waldegrave's sympathet
fc nature rather than her charms Of face
and figure that led Mark Carstone, the
author of "A Trifling Affair."" to be-
stow his friendship upon her. Carstone
had sought long for bright, intellec-
tual maiden of romantic temperament
with whom he could discuss his work,
and when he met May his search was at
m end She was tender and ardent and
entered into his work with enthusiasm.
She was elated at the honor vouchsafed
her, and for a time the friendship ran
ON In the smoothest of grooves.
For a time. OF course it could not
last forever May was the first to real
ize this. Her face bore rueful look as
this fact forced itself upon her. Car
stones Indifference to women's person
al charms was prOverbial. He was so
absorbed in his own puppets that he had
no time to devote to those who trod the
human stage In vain she wore her
prettiest gowns-he never seemed to no.
tice these things like other men.
And yet he wrote the most delightful
love stories-wrote, too, as though he
had sounded every note on loves Tyre.
As May finished his Last book she felt
that in spite Of his seeming ignorance
he knew more about a woman's heart
than most men of her acquaintance.
Tears of vexation stood in her blue eyes
rs she thought of her folly. Her girl
friends one and all refused to believe
that literature always formed the sub
ject Of those long discussions she held
with him in secluded corners and were
beginning to talk
At Lady Barrowmere's reception she
was sitting beneath big palm discuss
ing "A Trifing Affair." with its au-
thor. Most girls of Mary's age called
him old. He was barely 35, but GER
tain thinness in the dark hair made him
appear more.
$50 you think it the best thing I
have ever done?" he said.
"Oh, yes
"Yet some of the critics say other
wise. Kirk, now, in The Scarifier, sim
ply tears it to shreds
She tossed her head in contempt
'Oh, Kirkl Why, he is 60, and, as
every one knows, he was Tilted in his
youth
''What has that got to do with it?''
he asked in surprise.
Everything. You can't expect a
woman hater to appreciate love story. "
"True''
"Only girl should criticise such a
book. think it is perfect, and when I
know that you have written it-well, !
think it is wonderful
"Why should you think that?'
Because l had no idea you knew
such lot about girls-about love-"
81 don't know much"
"You know everything. That girl in
your story-Beatrice- very lifelike. "
ST am glad you think so," he said,
his pale face flushing with pleasure.
''There is one part especially that
seems to me- SO very true"
"What part is that?'
"Where she is thinking of her future
lover, picturing the kind Of man she
would like
"You believe all girls have such fan
cies2''
She bent her head II know they
have" she answered shyly.
"You-you have had them yourself?'
he said, after short pause.
"Ye-es"
He leaned back in his chair and fixed
his mild eyes reflectively on the ceiling.
81 wonder if Icould picture the hero Of
your dream,'' he murmured in a mus
ing tone
She laughed-a little, nervous laugh.
81 don't think you could"
''Now 1 do" he said briskly.
''Try."
"very well First of all. he must be
young.
"He needn't be very young"
"AboIt 25?"
"Oh, more!"
"Thirty?"
.sThirty-tive would be better" she
murn ured, studying the point of hel
satin slipper.
''Thirty y-fvel Why, that's my age.
You don't want an old man?''
''You re not an old man.
81 must seem SO to you"
Indeed you don't," she replied
earnestly. Besides, don't like boys .
He nodded. Il see. Well. 35. Hand
somep''
"N-o, / shouldn't call him exactly
handsome 1 mean-that is, - blushing
furiorsly, ''it's not absolutely neces
E,y
~ -
''R-t,.cr ely
"Gl.yert
"Yes, very clever .
"Ah! a brilliant Politician
'.No; think should prefer him te
be a-writor. =
"a poet, eh?'' d
..No
"a novelistT'
Eyes, a novrlist-a distinguished
novelist.
He looked at her in q puzzled kind q