Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1898-04-23
CHAPTER xvIf.-(ContinuedJ

% O hanson, and was being driven to-
ward Mrs. Scarlett's town.house. All the
way thither memories were thronging
thickly upon him, and Il was with a sigh
Of absolute relief that he got out Of the
cab and went into the hall. He would
get over II soon. the visit which he felt 1t
necessary to make, II oaly to explain to
himself and her what terms they should
be on for the future. The old love was
dead--hc felt unspcakably thankful for
that-it now remained to see whether
friendship could take It's place.
He went up the thickly carpeted stair
case, noting as he went oil the old land.
marks. The same statue Of Venice stood
In the same corner: the rose.shaded lamps
that used TO shed such tender glow on
the passer.by stood out from the walls.
There was the hush. the quiet, the air OF
expectancy. the warm scented breath OF
flowers. He thought II just now little
oppressive. Then the door Of her bOu.
doir was flung open wide, and second
lAter he found himself In her presence.
Mrs.. Scarlet rose ~ he entered and
advanced little 10 welcome him.
"You have come at last" said she. with
the softest, the most fattcring touch OF
reproach. II have waited for you until
] believed you almost false-but'-with o
little swift, fond smile-"but not OUTER
II am sorry II I have kept you wait
ing," said he, more eravely than the &C.
casion required. He was feeling the sit
uation kecnly, and his manner, In spite
Of himself, was strained. II intended to
Be earlier, but could not manage t."
Had TO 6nd IN opportunity! thought
she, exultlngly. The little touch Of To-
trigue delighted her; she felt quite elated,
and her eyes CLEANED as she turned them
on him.
IAN apology 10 a real friend IL the I'M
friendliest thing know" she said, with q
charming glance. believe me, for.
give you without explanation. That
with . sudden sad lowering Of her head
''is more than you could honestly say
with regard to me-"
''You are wrong: that Il what prlnci.
paiiy brought me here to.day--to tell you
that entircly-honestiy, a. you say-.for.
live you ali the past"
Mn. Scarlet moved q little into the
shadow and bit her lips sharply. She
hardly likes this generous condonement
q her oifense. She would have preferred
~ old anger, the unmeasured scorn. Al
Q rule, when one forgives, It means that
one has ceased to care.
"How good you arev' she said, very
softly; "though, II you knew all, there
might not perhaps be 20 much left to par.
don, But. az you don't know, Il ID In.
deed good OF you, Fulke, II I dared ex.
plain"
II think Il will be better not" said he,
steadily; mo good ever yet came Of ex.
plantations such m that. Let the dead
past bury Ito dead. The present may
contain other things- that have you q,
Q friend, for instance"
II am always your friend" said she
gently, though a little glitter had come
Into her eyes. "Whether you are mine \
the question"
my dear Mrs. Scarlet, surely . ven
unnecessary one!'
She startly yislbly % he addressed heI
By her surname.
us Il to be 'I.eonie' no longer, thenT
she asked.
II think"-slowly-"it will be bettel
not"
"And you-are you TO be Lord Wri
othesley' TO me In the futuref'
~ think that, too, viii DO wise," n
oiled he, In the same measured tone.
Mrs. Scarlet accepted her defeat with
q courage that did her credit. Not {
glance, not a movement betrayed her
Perhaps she had caught at that wore
"wise," and saw light through Il.
"Wisdom! That cold thingy' she said
with low laugh. but, II Il II better
safer-so DO Il then. Don't stand 81 fa
over there-you will be frozen. Conn
nearer TO TIE fire."
4. do you remain long In town." b.
asS =. wv " % y "'" VIZ u" "
"indce3i And whom do you mcnn b,
.ve,W
a.. 49,,