Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-07-28
MARY STANMORE.

wound.
"Mr Henry will be there-now dom
blush. l have it from his own lips how
very highly he esteems you. BY al
means so, my dear, II you are invited.
a red spot burned Oh the cheek Of the
high-bred girl--it was succeeded by
a deadly pallOr. All the spirit In hel
nature aroused to the ferccst retort.
do, my dear" she continued. I'm
sure 1t must be a great trial to you tC
give up all society, and an occasional
lift into the old circle will brighten
your spirits wonderfully. l said as
much to Mrs. Mordaunt."
Indeed! And advised her to notice
mel mean include me In her invi
tations" retorted Mary.
"Well, I can't say but l do take a
little Of the credit to myself" said the
wicked woman. II really cannot bear
to see my old friends sighted" and
soon afterwards she took her leave.
few minutes later the little maid
of all work announced Mrs. Mordaunt
"My dear Mary" cried that good
woman. cordially, her face radiant de-
spite its dash Of sympathy, II hope
you are quite we'll"
Mary laughed and kissed her friend.
"Ah, sunshine and tlowers l knew
you'd have them both If you could & t
them" cried Mrs. Mordaunt. mir.
Henry says-but. on second thought,
l shan't tell YOU"
Mury's face grew shadowed; the cold
reserve came back in spite Of herself.
1t could not rest there long. however,
the sweet, gentle nature of her visitor
forbidding 1t.
"Ive so much news to tell you. In
the first place, I've adopted a poet
Whom do you think? Mr. Henry, If
course. He has carte blanche to cal
me mother, to come to the house when
it suits him; In fact, to make his home
there. if he will! In the next place,
that poor, little graceless widow, Mis-.
Redmond, has fallen madly in love
with him, and
"She was here this morning." said
Mary, quietly.
"She" Mrs. Mordaunt lifted both
hands. THAT creature! My dear, /
hope-but no, I'll not counsel rudeness.
Well, I'm astOnished."
"lve made her my mortal enemy, I
expect" continued Mary, laughing at
her friends look of comic astonish-
lnent.
~ wars just going to add that she Is
terribly jealous of me. old and wild
ow though | am-quite old enough to
he Henry's mother. But to my pur.
pose. am going to give a dance.
Will you Gomez"
mo, indeed, dear Mrs. Mordaunt
how can you ask me?'
Because l want you; and further.
wish to see you independent Of the
worlds opinion"
but l have no deslre-it would be
torture to me. No, l must not; don't
urge me. If you wished for aid. help
in any way, might, perhaps; but to
go as though it We're just the same,
that is impossible, you know"
"Why impossible. except that you
will it so? confess l have reason
that will not allow ME to let you or
lightly"
As Mrs. Mordnunt was thus pleading
Mrs. Stanmore entered, and finding
how matters stood, Joined her entreat.
les to those Of her friend.
~ wish she would co." she said. with
n look of anxiety. II think it would
do her good. I really do not see any
for you to exclude yourself
entirely from society, SO l will Insist
that you so, my dear"
"4And will send my own carriage
for you" said Mrs. Mordaunt. Thus
pressed. Mary at last reluctantly con-
scented.
But she regretted it to the very hour
Of her departure.
"AIiss Stnnmore," said a low voice
that thrilled her, though she depressed
the nervous start that had nearly be-
trayed her. She looked up, first catch.
lhE thc Whitc SASuhA VI thc NiuoW
spiteful eyes. Mr.. Henry
stood beside her. and there was no
the import Of his glance.
1t was whispered here and there that
the young author was exceedingly at
tentive to Miss StanmOrc, but nobody
dreamed Of what was going on in one
lin corner Of the conservatory. Mary
Stanmore stood there, with proud eyes
ylistening through tears but she still
shook her head with a decisive motion.
"What more can I say to yOu!"
pleaded the young man. you are con.
WINGED Of my sincerity-I have proved
am rich enough for BOTH have
your fathers consent. What more
AN l say?"
She was silent. At her feet the bril-
liant petals Of summer rose lay,
and dying. victims of her IT.
resolution.
Did she love this man? With the
whole of her loving heart, God knew, |
md yet pride. that fear. born Of treach-
Try and neglect of which she had ex-
)erienced so much since the mlsfOr
unc that had fallen upon her father,
made her wilful even against her bet
er Judgment.
"My stay in this country with my
sister depends upon your
Mt length he said slowly. Il
I'm willing to bide my time, only give
ne hope. Upon what contingency does
ny fate depend? Contide in me. II
t Is only false pride, you sacrifice
wO hearts and place an ocean between
49,"
"Mr. Henry, was only speeches.
because l could not find words that
would express the gratitude i"
mot that-do not say gratitude" he
ried. bending over, his face glorious
With the light Of happiness.
well, then-lovc; /"
"That is all I want" ne cried. lifting
Ter hand to his lips, then drawing 1t
lnder his arm, they sauntered Down