Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1898-06-25

10 us. she wrote, IF you only knew how
Clare has set her heart upon having you."
Esther was at loss what to do. She
felt sorry to refuse q kindness, that might
almost be called favor; but doubly sorry
to disappoint her little worshiper. But
how could she 90?
MY dear" she said aloud, holding the
letter In her hand. and looking up Mt
Glare Harvey, II had no idea It was any.
thing like this that you wanted me to do
for you. ! am sorry, but am afraid
cannot keep my PROMISE"
But you said you would do II Il II were
In your power, and It Is In your power.
Nothing could be easier, am sure. Nam
ma will send the carriage for you, and
will come In II, overwhelmingly
"you ought to come"
II wish could--indecd do; but don't
see how II can be! DO you. Dulcicf'
"Do what!" Dulcie inquired. languid.
~. coming back from her survey Of the
trcc-tops with apparent reluctance.
Lady Harvey has sent me a most kind
invitation to spend few days with her.
DO you think could 60? At this partic.
ular time, you know" she added, hastily,
blushing vivid crimson.
Nothing had been said to the Harveys
about her engagement, the intimacy had
not warranted II; and she did not like to
say now, bluntly, to the young lady: II
am going to be married In about three
weeks from to-day, SO that have no time
for visiting"
"Oh, yes! you can 20. see nothing to
hinder you," Dulcie said, quietly.
".There! I knew It," Glare Harvey cried,
rapturously. ''Oh! thank you. Miss lie.
vesque, for siding with me. When shall
We come for you-to-morrOwT
Tomorrow" Esther laughed. THAT
would he too sOon."
"Oh, no!'-pleadingly. "You must come
tomorrow! Shall we say five oclocky'
swell, yes; we'll say five, then, II II
must be tomorrow" Esther assentcd,
amused mt the girls earnestness.
When she had kissed Esther. she turned
TO Dulcie. and held up her face. II was
the first time she had ever done such a
thing. and Dulcie stared little a. she
bent and kissed her.
what lucky girl you are!' she said
to Etty, rs they stood and watched the
slender girlish figure galloping away.
"These grand folk have all fallen In love
with you; and you don't need their love
In the least, while poor little me, who
would be grateful for It, they pass over
as a nobody"
They were very busy for the next hour,
choosing dresses and matching ribbons,
and hunting up stray bits Of old lace that
could on no account be done without.
When they had finished, they felt quite
tired.
"a pity II isn't bedtime" Dulcic said.
''There doesn't seem anything worth 70.
Ing downstairs again for tonight"
Al that moment Mrs. Hardingc came
In.
Have you finished ?"-looking round
ut the dire confusion that rcigned oil over
the room.
"Yes, Just finished" Dulcie replisd.
''rhen you had better 70 down. Etty.
Percy In In the drawing roOmw
"Percy" Esther repeated, In surprise.
hourY"
"EIe had to come to Crewdson's about
the lease. he says, and then he came on
here to see YOU"
without waiting even to look at her.
self In the glass, Esther hurried of, and
! Dulcie coilcd herself up In the corner OF
the big chintx sofa.
II am terribly tired" she said, land
know they don't want me, SO I may az
we'll rest myself where am"
Mrs. Hardinge smiled and went away
to her own little sitting room, 80 that
Esther and her lover might have the
drawing room to themselves for q while
Percy StanhOpe was standing before
one Of the windows, his hands In bis
pockets, his head bent like a man busy
with his own thoughts. At the sound Of
Esther's rapid steps he turned.
"Oh, Percy! ! am SO glad you have
come tonight" she said, Us she came W
to him.
"Are you? Then am doubly glad"
The rosy light TINT was fading In the
west sent It's last rays into the room and
touched the girls head and face, and hei
hands held out to him In welcome. liz
took them, and held them fast In his
while red color surged into his face, and
his eyes, looking ut her-Oh, 20 tendcrly
grew misty and dark.
II could not be 30 near and not come tc
you, You are the good angel Of my life
Etty. The sight Of you stills all the bit
ter pain at my heart"
She smiled up ut him, deepest love, tru
est faith shining In her frank eyes.
"YOu silly fellow" she said, softly, "a'
Il you knew what bitter pain was"
He shivcred a little. and drew her hea(
down to his breast. The pure, pale face
the love-lighted eyes, the sensitive. ten
der mouth. were they not beautiful? II
the Exchanging lights Of the lingering
sunset, her beauty seemed to brighten o.
one has seen the heart of the lily glow
when the warm sunlight has poured upol
1t. Against his black coat, her sOftl!
turned cheek and chin. the wilderness O
her brow cleaned like an exquisite cameo
He looked ut her In u passion Of love ant
doubt, and vain bitter regret. which tor
his heart, and made even her beauty darl
to him. He did love her. He must low
her. She was thousand times too goo
for him. And when she was his, his yer!
own, 30 that nothing In the world cOul'
come between them. then indeed he wOul'
be happy, or 50 he told himself.
II want to tell you something" Eft
said, presently, putting up her hand I
the collar of his coat, and smoothing
gently. "And ! want You not to he vexe'
about IT,"
"Vexed, my darlingv' starting little
"Why should ! be veXed about anything
you could tell me-"
He bent and kissed her, ana smiled :
sec the hot color that sprang upon chez
and brow ut the touch Of his lips.
swell, ! am vexed. awfully vexed," sh
said; "but could not very we'll help my
self. Lady Harvey has asked me to go I
Abbcylands on visit for week or te
days, and'-looking up into his face rati
l .,1 An As