Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-01-06

tone of entreaty and alarm. do not,
Philip must not know--I do wish
him always to see me bright and
cheerful-and--it Is nothing! 1t is
that heard something which grieved
me"
What was it? asked Lorimer, re-
Numbering Duprez's recent remarks.
"Oh, | would not tell you" she said
eagerly, drying her eyes and endeavor-
ing to smile, because | am sure 1t was
mistake, and all wrong-and / was
foolish TO fancy that such thing could
be, even for moment. But when one
does not know the world, 1t seems
cruel"
"Thelma, what do you mean?" and
George surveyed her in some perplex-
ity. IF any ones been bothering or
vexing you, just you tell Phil all about
1t. Don't have any secrets from him
he'll soon put everything straight,
whatever 1t is."
She shook her head slightly. "Ah,
you do not understand" she said
IuCLOblS1ilyb INV Jou' bC-
cause you have not given your life
away to any one, and 1t Is all different
with you. But when you do love-if
you are at all like me,-you will be
80 anxious to always seem worthy of
love-and you will hide all your griefs
constant presence shall not seem tire
some. And I would not for all the
world trouble Philip with my silly
fancies-becaus then he might grow
more weary still"
Weary" interrupted Lorimer, in an
accent of emphatic surprise. why,
you don't suppose Pills tired OF you,
Thelma? That is nonsense indeed!
He worships you! Who's been putting
s"ch notions into your head?"
She rose from her chair quite calm
and very pale, and laid her two trembl-
Ing hands In his.
"Ah, you also will mistake me- she
said, with touching sweetness, like so
many others who think me strange In
my speech and manner am sorry |
am not like other women,--but | can
not help 1t. What / do wish you to
understand Is that | never suppose
anything against my Philippe Is the
noblest and best of men! And you
must promise not to tell him that l
was so foolish as to cry just now be-
cause you played that old song sang
to you both so often In Norway--it
was because l felt little sad-but it
was only fancy,-and | would not
have him troubled with such things,
VIII you promIse?"
"But what has made you sad?' per-
sisted Lorimer. still puzzled.
Notwithstanding indeed" she an
swered, with almost feverish earnest
ness. you yourself are sometimes
sad and can you tell why?"
Lorimer certainly could have told
why.-but he remained silent, and
gently kissed the little hands he held.
Then | mustn't tell Philip of your
sadness?" he asked softly. at last.
But will you tell him yourself, Thel-
ma? Depend upon 1t. it's much better
to have no secrets from him. The least
grief of yours would effect him more
than the downfall of a kingdom. You
know how dearly he loves you!"
"Yes-l KNOW" she answered, and
her eyes frightened slowly. "And that
is why | wish him always to see me
happy!" She paused, and then added
in a lower tone, 81 would rather die,
my friend. than vex him for one
hour!"
George still held her hands and looked
wistfully In her face. He was about to
speak again, when u cold, courteous
voice interrupted them.
Lady Burlington, may / have the
honor of taking you into supper"
1t was Sir Francis LennoX. He en-
tered quite noiselessly-- footsteps
making no sound on the thick velvet
pile carpet, and he stood quite close to
Lorimor, who dropped Thelma's hands
hastily and darted a suspicious glance
ut the intruder, But Sir Francis was
the very picture of unconcerned and
bland politeness, and offered Thelma
his arm with the graceful ease Of an
accomplished courtier. She was, per-
force. compelled to accept it-and she
was slightly confused, though she
could not have told why.
Sir Philip has been looking every
where for YOU" continued Sir Francis
amicably. And for you also" he add
cd turning slightly to Lorimer. Il
trust I've not abruptly broken off n
pleasant tete-a- tote?"
Lorimer colored hotly. Not at all,
he said rather brusquely, eve been
strumming on the organ, and Lady
Errington has been good enough to
listen to me-"
You do not strum." said Thelma,
with gentle reproach. You play very
beautifully"
All! charming accomplishment"
observed Sir Francis, with his under
glance and covert smile, as they all
three wendell their way out OF the
library. Il regret have never had
time to devote myself to acquiring
a. la, Ia