The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-22
An Hour in October.

On the lowest terrace. overlooking the
park, woman was standing, leaning one
elbow against the stone edge OF the bal
rstrade, and wistfulIy regarding the au-
tumnal foliage and the grass that was
still gray after the heavy rain.
The woman's face was full CT happy
expectation. II was no longer very young
or fresh, but it was full of charm and ter
derness. Under her hat the glossy waves
of her hair We're scarcely touched with a
gray thread. Here eyes were earnest and
tfustfui in expression, and they seemed
full OF light as she looked down at the
sodden stretch of turf in the pack, now
upward toward the towers Of the house.
Mrs. Chesney was conscious that, in
taste and education she belonged TO a diff
ferent epoch to that of the lively guests
round her. They were absolutely mod
| ern. and she had very little in common
with them. She could not play bridge.
| and she knew nothing of racing or of the
| latest developments in the serious or tri-
| fling love affairs that seemed of such vivid
| interest 10 these others, so small 10 her.
Since her husbands death, she had lived
! quietly and almost alone in a country
| house gardening. studying, working for
| the poor. When at last she had made up
her mind TO accept the invitation of a
1 cousin of her husbands, the effort had
been painful and depressing. She had
grown shyer and more silent in those
years of quietude. Even in her new-fash-
| Toned clothes she somehow looked of a
| different world than that of Miss Vincent
and Lady Norledge, who were the beauties
of the party.
| My dear, she is essentially early Vic
torian," was the verdict of the lively La
4 dy Norledge, as she discussed Mrs. Ches-
! ney with friend But now, on this Oc-
tober afternoon. standing alone in the fee
! ing sunshine and among the falling leaves
/ Mrs. Chesney felt young, triumphant and
absolutely Indifferent to the opinions of
every living soul excepting those OF the
| person whose advent she was awaiting.
She had felt as if she We're in dream
when her host. few days ago, had an
nounced the approaching arrival of d new
distinguished guest. The name of Gen
eral Trebovir was in everybodys mouth !;
his skill and his successes were the top
les of conversation at dinner tables i'm
portant and obscure. He had been receiv-
ed on his return to England after pro-
lcnged absence with honors and applause
and he was now taking a weli-earned
rest in the society of some of his best
friends. Some ten years ago Hilary had
parted from This man with an anguish
that was no less unbearable because she
had known that his love for her was as
strong as her own, and, perhaps, even
the motive for much that was noblest
and best in his life. During these years.
which had seemed an eternity, these two
had held no communication with one an
other. This had been her wish alone. for
he had strongly maintained that, unhap-
PLY married as she was, a friendship so
pure and devoted as his for her must,
at least, make it easier for her 10 exist
under what was too heavy load for
solitary woman. But she had remained
firm, and he had gone away in bitterness
of spirit. Now, today, she felt sure he
was coming here for her, and her alone,
and she was joyfully waiting.
Then, though she could not help no.
ticing how gorgeous the chrysanthemums
seemed as the sunlight fell in a long
streak across their faces, She knew that
he was coming down the steps at the
corner. and straight toward her. Her
knees We're shaking. and there was a curl
Gus singing in her ears, through which
she heard his voice speaking. Half me-
chemically. she put out both her hands
and her face was as white as a great
snow chrysanthemum that she had just
plucked.
My dear Mrs. Chesney. this is indeed a
pleasurei 1 had not the remotest idea
when Franklin told me that L should find
a charming party, that his words were to
be truly fulfilled.
Hilary had let one hand drop, and looked
at him, stiff half-smiling. His words and
his manner had hurt her; but she was
emphatically brave, and her tremulous
expression had suddenly given away to
one that was calm and friendly.
81, too. was delighted" she said, when
they told me you were coming" Then
with a sudden impulse, she added, "Bu1
my stay here is very short. for l am
afraid l must go tomorrow or the next
day
"Oh, what pityl Can't you put off duty
engagements-for l am sure that is what
they are-and stay on just d little
longer"
He spoke kindly. and as If he wished her
TO remain, but without a trace of emo
ton.
The general took out hAs watch.
'It was very good of You TO want me
TO come and see you out here But 1
must. l fear, go in and write something
rather important for this post. ! wish
could have stayed on longer now and
chatted about old times
Yes, l wish YOU could
A streak of light fell on his face. Yes,
hair became him.
Wei. We will so on with our talk later
said he
He raised his hat and turned away 10
mount the steps.
On the topmOst terrace another figure
row caught her eye. II was that of a
young woman, very graceful and alert.
and dressed in an exquisite gown of Grim
son and fur. This person paused. and
held a hand up To her eyes. Then Hilary
say her start of. walking very quickly
down the gravel path that led toward
the first flight of steps. The sight OF her
Jared upon Mrs Chesney. She represent
cd the incarnation Of ali the qualities that
Hilary most despised. She was empty
headed. shallow. vain. and looked upon
the world with no sense OF the proportion
Of things And vet It was impossible 20
deny that she was superlatlyely graceful.
and that her dark eyes were as beautiful
as they were undoubtedly reckless IN ex-
preston. Mrs. Chesney watched her as
she went along. and at the corner by the
clipped yewtree Lady Norledge stopped.
The figure Of a tall man had climbed the
topmost step. In the clear. stiil air Hi
larry heard their voices. His sounded just
as il used 20 do years ago. lie had
taken Lady Norledges two hands. and
was holding them in his.