Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-15
laughed back with unwonted emeritus

laughed back with unwontcd cheerful
ness.
Really. Cousin Bella looks quite hand
some this morning" said one to the
other. Scotch partners seem good for
the complexion"
During the succeeding days Bella went
about In state OF vague, dreamy nappi-
ness. Her mother kept looking 1T her
and her eyes reflected the light In her
daughters. but she made no allusion TO
Mr.. Berwick and his expected visit. 10y
Sunday morning Beilss mood hao
changed. She was possessed by SICK
ening fear lest the day should pass with
out any sign from her friend. At break
fast-time the mother, with her terrible
power OF insight into her daughter
mind, spoke IN trembling whispers, and
ner hand shook az she poured out hei
tea. Dear, had we not better have
out the best china cups this afternoon
she asked fearfully.. breaking the grim
silence OF the breakfast table.
why have them out to-day more than
any other day." asked Bella, sternly
"Oh, nothing, dear" murmured the
poor old lady, confused and reOuked Oy
the look in her daughters face.
The morning passed. and the early
dinner was eaten, and Bella went up TO
dress for callers. Two burning spots
OF fever stood in her pale cheeks. heI
mother almost cried out in fear at the
straneeness Of her appearance when she
came into the little drawing-room, deck
cd out in its Christmas array OF ever
greens. Her mood had again changed
70 one OF feverish gayety, and she ex-
hibited an unwonted want OF retcence
ct look charming this afternoon, mother
dear" she said, as she posed before the
long mirror. laughing Historically
Don't YOU think l might sit FOR a
picture OF Mariana in the Moated
Grange
The sound Of the street-door bell drove
every bit Of color out OF her face. and
when the old lady Of whom II was the
forerunner was ushered into the draw
ine-room. she was scarcely able 10 frame
n greeting with her pale, stif lips All
through that long afternoon the torture
was repeated each time there was fresh
ring al the bell. There was quite un-
usual stream Of visitors, and Bella talked
ond laughed with eyes fixed on the door
and ears strained to eaten the souhu VI
= yoiee that wa never heard IN that 1T
~. nail. once tfe door opened TO admit
the cousin with the fluffy daughters
"Ch. Cousin Bellar' one whispered
laughing and putting up her lons-hah,
dled eye-glass and twisting her mead
about. where is your Mr.. Berwick l
had hoped to see him here. Has he caHed
yet?' ao M
Bella shuddered visibly, and MADE no
reply, and got up and handed the CAKE
basket. ..-..
II seemed as II that dreadful afternoon
were never going to end; and not the
least dreadful part Of 1t was the knowi-
edge that her mother was Watching
watching with face scarcely less tense
than her own. The last dreary gossip
took her dreary leave, and Bella, coming
through the hall after having let her out
was met by the housemai4 bearing a
small brown-paper parcel. ~ gentleman
i'm a cab with luggage had LETT 1t at the
door" she explained. Bella tore it open
and found It contained her necklace ana
a card. on the card was engraved the
name. "Mr. Charles Berwick, The Manor
House, Thurso"; above was written IN a
small "niggly" hand. with apologies
Glow. the letters "P. y. A."
KATHARINE SYLVESTER.