The Banner-Democrat., 1899-09-09
1t his eager expectancy gave way "a
CONSERVATION. He found his eyes

cOn5CernatlOn. lie 1OunQ MS eyea
meeting those Of Margaret Smith.
Incapable Of speech, he could only
stare upon the seeming apparition, while
Miss Hilton gazed helplessly from htt
disturbed face to Margaret's cold. inn
penetrable ono.
Only Margaret was equal TO the occa-
sion. She had prepared herself fox this
meeting, and advancing toward Brian
with easy self-possession, though with
an cir and expression that told OF re.
membrance, she took his hand, saying
in rather conventional tones:
You are welcome to Elmwood, Cousin
Brian, though I hope you need no words
Of mine to assure you Of that. I must
beg your pardon for my late appear
ance. Miss Hilton gave you my excuse,
and I am sure her presence more than
compensated for my absence"
Brian tried to make some Ineligible
answer, but he was not very successful.
Margaret was amply revenged.
He wondered il revenge had been her
object in bringing him here. Just now
he was willing to believe anything.
Margaret saw his inquiring glance,
and probably guessed his thought. She
bowed her head, while deep flush
passed over her face. Then, turning
abruptly with the announcement that
dinner was served, she led the way to
the dining room.
The many excellent dishes failed to
tempt Brians appetite. While he found
himself unable to penetrate Margaret's
object in coneealing her identity from
him, he had an unpleasant remembrance
OF their last meeting, the despicable
part he had played, and the contempt
she had manifested toward him.
Miss Hilton watched him narrowly.
She was much mystif1ed, but with an
intuitive sense that something was
wrong, she made laudable efforts to re-
lieve the strained condition Of things by
introducing various subjects Of CONVEX
sation.
Margaret seconded her ably, but Brian
| answered in monosyllables. It was a
relief to him, if not to all parties, when
dinner came to an end, and they at last
repaired to the parlors, where, as soon
as politeness permitted, Brian excused
himself on the plea of fatigue and sought
the welcome solitude of his room.
Come, Miss Hilton" cried Margaret
when they were alone, "let US go to our
sitting-room. 1t is ever SO much more
cozy than these bare parlors. Don't you
think so?"
She did not wait for an answer, but
hurried off to the room in question,
where Miss Hilton, following more
slowly, found her enseonced in the
depths Of large rocking chair, bending
closely over book which she was hold
ing upside down.
Tell me all about it," said the old
lady, gently taking the book from her
hands and placing it on the table. You
know we agreed to have no secrets from
each other. You and Brian have met
before tonight.
YES" answered Margaret, slowly
buying her face in her hands, "and, oh,
Miss Hilton, did not think the day
would ever come when I should feel SO
thoroughly humbled. I had rather beg
in the streets than feel my sense Of
obligation to him. He thinks me capa-
BILE of STOPPING to seek revenge. Ho
thinks l am enjoying the money he has
lost, but, ah, if he knew what bitter hui
initiation its possession is to me, he
could wish no sweeter revenge"
Revenge, Margaret? You talk Wild
ly, my dear child. I'm afraid that trip
to S'conset did you more harm than
good. I can very safely say that such
on idea has not entered Brian's mind" 4"
Perhaps not, replied Margaret, mis-
erably. Il do not think he is revenge
full, but I will tell you the whole
story, Miss Hilton. How we met, and
what passed between US, and then you
can understand how circumstances have
made my old regret more bitter.
Then, with her head on Miss Hilton's
shoulder, and her hand clasped in that
of the dear friend who had never failed
her in any difficulty, Margaret told Of
the meeting on the beach at S'cOnset,
of the long and pleasant hours Of q
close companionship, and Of the inter-
view which marked an epoch in two
lives.
/ Miss Hilton listened quietly, and if
she guessed what was left untold, she
gave no hint. She talked to Margaret
in her easy, gentle way. She said all
that was possible in Brian's favor, but
apparently her words were Intellectual
in changing Margaret's ideas, and she
confessed to herself with a sigh that
the unfortunate meeting had been a
contretemps indeed, and severe If not
q fatal blow to her crushed hopes
TO BE CONTINUED.