The Irish standard., 1898-03-12

Mrs. Grafton did not, that the relations
on that idylllc wedding journey must
indeed have been delightful There
were two men, however, who laughed
not-IIayne and Whitaker. Grufton
was away on duty, and there was one
woman who felt u singing sense of de-
feat-Fanny McLane herself. In that
one action of Merriam there was mani
fest utter indifference to her former
destinations, utter defiance to her pow
ers.
A dozen people, altogether, must have
been gathered in the room at the mo-
ment, and some officers were seated on
the vcranda without There We're not
chairs enough, SO the men gossipcd
about the pano, while the women
grouped about the guest. and Mrs. Mo-
Lane had no opportunity of singing
out and renewing her advance upon
Mrs. Merriam. Presently those who
had been there longest arose to go, and
their place was speedily taken by other
arrivals; that soon let the Haynes and
Merrams out, and rs they tripped away
homeward each seemed to draw Il long
breath.
won't you come and sit little
while?" begged Mrs. Hayne, as they
neared the captains gate.
"Not tonight, thnhks," was Mcr-
RAMS reply, us he felt Floy's prompt
twitch at his sleeve. She was still ncry-
Gus. She wished to get away and to
bear him with her
Merriam" said IInyne. II admire
your nerve, perhaps should say your
check"
"Well, it was rather n trying mo-
ment," said Merriam, gravely. "Flor-
ence would rather be struck than kissed
by her, and feared she could not avoid
showing it."
well, you created n diversion, GER
tainly," said Hayne. "Good-night, II
you must CO." But Mrs. Hnync did not
speak until they were out of sight. She
was anxiously watching Florence, who,
beyond barely audible Good night"
had not uttered word.
Lawrence" said she, finally, "that
may have been stroke of fincsse on Mr..
Merriam's part, and may have crent-
ed diversion, as you say, and distract
ed attention from Floy, bnt--she didn't
like it,"
Some of the fair widows calls were
returned almost Immediately, the Mcr-
riams' among the first, although the
Merrnms were not among the first to
welcome her arrival. AS luck would
have it. Merriam was ont on some troop
duty. Mrs. Merriam saw her coming,
accompanied by Mrs. Grafton, and fair
ly flew upstairs to her room instead Of
first giving instructions to her servant,
us an older soldier Of society would
have done. In consequence the China
man admitted her caller to Floy's prct-
ty parlor, and went in search of the lady
Of the house. Mrs. Grafton seated her
self in an easy-chair, but Fanny fitted
rapidly from point to point, scanning
pictures, books and blic-u- brac. John"
presently relppcared, smiling vncu-
ously.
mo can see. She sick, yclly," he
sturdily reported.
Mrs. Grafton looked concerned; Mrs.
McLane annoyed.
II nj sure ] saw her on the tennis
court not an hour since" she muttcred
to her hostess, as, after proper ex-
pressions of sympathy and regret, they
rcgaincd the roadwayi
"Well, she hasn't been looking we'll
for some days" said Mrs. Grafton. "and
it's quite possible she is ill.,"
The schoolmatcs had been housed to-
gcther only n few days before Mrs.
Grafton became convinced that Fanny's
deNotions were rapidly waning, that
with recovering health and bloom and
spirits the crying need for the one dear
friend to lean on had vanished. Less
and less grew the hours of confidential
chat. More and more was The late dis
consulate widow becomins Interested,
not to say absorbed, in Ole details Of
garrison life. freeman, formerly Of
the -th, but now a squadron COM
mander at scdgwick. remarked ahnt
the lady was "beglnning 70 take notice