The Eddy current., 1899-03-18

pleasant time IN town. Was Il not
very hot7'
looked at her uncaslly. and was
startled by the great change IN he's ap-
pearanco so startled that did not
speak FOR n minute
MY absence does not seem 90 have
agreed with YOU Nell" said. with "a
forced spriRhtllncss. and plnchlne her
wan check - must not let you Try
a spell Of wldowhood for some time
again"
oh there's nothing particular the
matter with me- she returned gently.
Withdrawing from my touch There
COOS the luncheon bell. De quick and
get ready Paul We must not keep our
guest waiting, you know"
She scarcely spoke or ate anything
during the meal, but sat with downcast
eyes. lisilessly playing with her knife
and fork The oftcner I glanced az
her the more painfully / was struck
by the change In her looks intensified
hy contrast with Edith's rosc-tinted
checks. sparkling eyes, and gay sweet
laugh. Her skin had completely lost
its clear healthy hue. and was gray
and Opaque. her eyes were sunken and
dull, and there was a hard. harsh line
about her mouth that robbed her face
Of Us youthful appearance
Helen ! said anxiously. following
her from the room when she was leav-
Ing 90 dress for the garden party 90
the Grange Il do not think you are
well enough 10 go 20 the party You
had much better remain quietly at
home. and l'il get Dr. Flnlay 10 pre-
scribe you tonic that viii bring back
your color ana appetite"
There Is nothing the matter with
mo. ] tell YOU why do YOU worry
so. Paul and Try Go prevent me from
going 90 The party have been so look
/ ing forward to' ! won't stay 90 home
-thproi'
/ drew back. almost dumhfoundol By
/ the violent qucrulousncss Of her tone.
and said nothing more
Arrived 40 the Grange. ! was stopped
/ hy an old Indian friend. aud lost sight
I OF my party for some time. was try-
F Ing to find them at least. my wife.
who ! knew SIN felt shy and 800 az ca so
among the notabilitics of the county.
ana give her the support OF my coun-
. tcnance. when was detained by my
hostess, who exclaimed nnlmatodly.
"Ah. here y0G are az last. Mr. Don-
nys' ! have been looking for YOU
/ everywhere 20 make up SCI of tcn-
MIS-"
THANK YOU" said hastily. 81 am
looking for my wife She was 80 poor
ly this afternoon that wanted her 10
go 20 bed instead of coming 20 your
charming party.
Poorly your wifc'" exclaimed La-
dy llcrnshaw. gazing 40 me In genuine
nstoulshmont "Mr DcnnyB. why cy-
cryonc ls commenting on her appear.
aucc' ] never .sw her took $50 wen.
] scarcely recognized her at FIRST, Why.
she is the attraction Of the afternoon.
the men are Hooking round her like
bees round % honoy-po,. and am per-
trctly distracted trying 90 lind partners
for those yards Of unfortunate girls
lining the tennis ground DO help mo
tffttAN NfN % NV "fNNf Nl Win "a HlNNNH
ing glance In the direction my eyes
had also taken send your invalid
wife home 10 bed at once"
! looked stupidity az my invalid
wife She was reclining on couch
of cushions under q spreading chest
nut tree, surrounded by crowd ut
young men. her host. a very handsome
dissipatod looking man OF %. knecllng
at her feet holding q plate Of straw
berries and cream, while others wcrc
iroasurIng her parasol and her Fan am
which oyorpowering attention she was
receiving with the naughty ease and
careless aplomh of professional beau.
~ uf i've years standing my Helen.
who. but "a month before. would nav,
turned away with scared blush from
the carclosa glance of stranger
"lcs.' responded slowly. turning 90
my hostess you are right. Lady llern-
shaw; my poignant anxiety is relieved
for the moment Pray command my
.er,ic,s iu the tennis ground"