The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-06-04
A CONFESSION.

A CONFESSION.
! Her adversary was my opportunity.
Young Watson was boring her, could
see, so I made my way between the
dancers and said easily, Our dauce, I
believe"
| Mrs. Featherstone is woman Of tn
telligence. She consulted her program
with an anxious brow, and said grave
ly, so it is. People do scribble Sc On
programs, or perhaps it's the pencils"
! Are you going to reward me fo'
that?" said, as I led her away from
young Watson's best story.
Virtue is its own reward the copy
books say"
| but this was not virtue; 1t was q
lie. How do you propose to compen-
safe me for my loss Of self-respect?"
Il will sit out this dance with you"
! She seemed in a most plant mood;
her gray eyes were pensive, and the
corners Of her mouth dropped little.
She even made no objection to the con-
servatory, as I had feared, but sank
back in an easy chair, her hands clasp
ed inertly in her lap.
you aren't yourself tonight. Are
you tired or in love?'
II am sure am tired, and l expect i
am In love-"
What are the symptoms? I will
diagnose It for you" said.
"a longing for his presence, a de-
light when he is with me, darkness
when he goes, craving for his approx
al, dread of his censure."
/ Him. 1t sounds like serious form
OF the complaint. Appetite good?"
! Certainly. It's quite out of date to
lose your appetite when you are in
love-"
! When did you first notice the symp-
toms?"
so long ago that I fear the COM
plant has become chronic"
And is it reciprocal?"
! 81 hope So" Her voice broke lit
tie, and | could see she blushed. 1t sud-
denly occurred to ne that she was in
earnest, and I could not believe Mrs.
Featherstone could be in earnest over
anything.
who Is it," I asked
I II don't like to tell you" She turned
her head away
! Il suppose ! am not the happy man."
1t is difficult to hit Just the right pitch
of voice between jest and earnest; but
l flattered myself l had done it, and
she need not have answered so hearth
ly, 20, don't be so ridiculous, of course
not. That would be all right, but now
If people knew they would drop me-"
l was rather staggered. OF course,
there were excuses to be made for her.
A pretty woman, with bookworm
husband who never went out with her,
and natural taste for frivolity; still,
one must draw the line.
Don't you think it's rather a pity?"
I asked
20, tits, is it! But what am to do?
can't help it, she said.
Does the man know"
81 think So
Look here, how would 1t be IL saw
him and spoke to him; asked him to
keep out of the way, and all that?"
He wouldn't listen to you, | am
sure"
rs he a man l know"
Il think you have met him. but you
hardly knee him. He-he isn't in our
SET" she faltered.
"O!" | said, rather dismayed; she
had never struck me as being that sort
Of woman. | wondered whether it
were an actor; some women go crazed
over man they have only seen on the
stage
81 know it's terrible thing. I have
tried my best to cure myself Of it, but
l can't" she said despairingly. And
and | am SO terrified lest people
should guess. lit is unheard of; but
think | am quite safe with you"
"Of course you are stroked the
clasped hands gently. A Father Con-
fessor may do that much by way of
benedictiOn. But be brave. Put an end
to this unworthy infatuation. Go
away where you can't see this fellow
for time" was quite ardent in my
missionary zeal.
Il cant. He wouldn't let me-"
This was terrible. She had evidently
fallen into the hands of some william
GUS black mailer, who would never
loosen his hold on her until he Lad
wrung the last penny from her
"You haven't written any letter,
hope?"
"A few very reluctantly.
Mrs. Featherstone, let me act fol-
you in this matter. Tell me this mans
name, and trust it all to me-
II am afraid you will be shocked, ;
she murmured.
Not /. Tell mel" I insisted.
She looked at me with a desperate
courage in her gray eyes. "Ah! dom
look at me. Turn your head away
she entreated.
! ohcyed. I could hear her, quick.
ening breathing, the rustic of hel
gown, Was she only holding her tears
at bay?
"It--it-it's my husband" she said
And this is the reward Of my Knigh
Errantry.