Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1898-12-03
CHAPTER XVII,

II am more than satisfied. Mr.. Bryant"
Lady Rose replied warmly. Every one
says Il was an immense success"
The play was over; the brilliant audi
ence who had thronged Lady Roses bijOu
theater were crowding round their hos
tess, cOngratulating her and her friends
on the unqualified success Of the play.
The performance had been very credita.
bic one, and the piece had been put upon
the stage In manner which left nothing
to desire, 80 that Lady Rose tasted, or
thought she tasted, the delights Of Lon.
don actress who has made a successful
debut; and Mr.. Bryant shared In the con.
'gratulatiOns.
The hall was quite empty-thc house
hold were all busy, the guests were In the
ballroom and the cOnservatOrieS. 1t was
sufficiently isolated from the reception
rooms to insure privacy, especially on
such night. The light was dim, the fire
In tho open hearth had sunk low; faint
strain Of music from the ballroom reach.
ed Barbara, softened by distance until
the dreamy waltz tune sounded like wall
OF pain. The girl shivered az she heard
tit sounded like farewell. She had
hardly strength to stand up, when Lord
Keith appeared, and she let him wrau
round her the soft white shawl that b.
had brought.
"This 10 not my shawl" she said, 20 she
sank down upon the settce again.
us Il not2 It was the only one there, "
he answered. "Are you 20 cold, love
! hope you have not taken q chill"
She smiled ut him with dim eyes.
"Oh. no; ! shall be quite warm direct.
"! But ! have not finished my cross.
examination, Everard. Sit down."
"YOu are In questioning mood, Bar.
bara."
"Bear with me-" she said softly. "Just
one or two more, and have done. Dc
you remember the day we were enga sed n
quite well. my dearest. 1t was hap
py day for me-"
She murmured a word Of thanks, then
continued hurriedly-
"YOu said that nothing could come be-
tween us, Everard. am foolish tonight
let me hear you say II again."
"YOu are nervous and OverwrouRht
dear" he said, gently. "Still, II Il be any
pleasure to you, let me tell you again and
again, Barbara, that nothing can come
between Us while we love each other"
As she rested In bis arms, her achius
head pillowcd on bis breast, bis clasp sup.
porting her. wild wish rose In her break.
Ing heart. II she could die now! II she
could only die there!
II love yOu," she murmured, with pallid
trembling lips-"I love you! Oh, Ever
ard. always believe that ] love your
He soothed her gently 40 she trembled
In his arms; he did not understand her
he could not guess at the passionate WON
ans weakness which l0pged to and
strength In the knowledge Of bic love fos
her; he could not know Of the woman'i
heart which hungered for one word Of ten
derness aud compassion and reassurancs
from him. She remained for o moment
leaning against him. her eyes hidden, heI
hands clasping him with 6erce strength
then she raised herself slowly, reluctant
ly, and disengaged herself from bis arms
'6hall we 60 into the ballroom nowf'
she asked. u am longing for . walt,
with you, Everard."
"Are you well enough. darlins" b,
asked.
"Welf OF course am quite wellv
She threw Oh the aeecy white shawl and
left II on the ssttee. then turned and tool
his arm.
II am much Obliged to the owner Of TIL
Hhswl" shs said, with almost fsvsrist
eayety. "C0ms. Everard-it 10 my favor
Ute NY Queen waits. II would be {
shameful waste Of opportunity to miss itr
Come, them"
mo step suits mine % well - yours,'
~ UuSmured, % tAoy giide6 ever III