Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1900-03-16

Miss Rose?' he asked.
Very much" l replied-not, how
ever, without qualms of conscience, as
l had really not given it thought.
Il recognized you by your Dress" he
triumphantly responded.
l looked down at my bright merino,
the subject at home of so much dis
putting, and felt an inward terror. Was
the man a medium, clairvoyant? Had
he in spirit heard my conversation with
George?
my dress?' I gasped
"Yes, your dress. My aunt informed
me that your travelling suit was
brown"
"Oh!' I family calculated, inwardly
thinking how very strange in mamma
to write to Mrs. Wharton concerning
the dress, and feeling considerably
veXed about it-so much so that the
gentleman, judging from my flushed
cheeks that the subject was unpleas-
ant, pursued it no further, to my great
relief
Presently the carriage stopped before
large and handsome dwelling, and
although | know that Mrs. Wharton
was in possession of very comfortable
income, was not prepared for the ele
gance l encountered.
My poor brown merino looked sadly
out of place beside the rich crimson fur
niture and splendid mirrors, and had
not Mrs. Wharton's nephews made
strenuous efforts for my entertainment,
l should have subsidized into that most
forlorn and drcary feeling -homesick-
ness.
My aunt begged that we should dine
at the usual hour" said the gentleman,
after l had divested myself of my
wraps, "aS she was afraid she would
not be able to return before 8 or 8
O'Clock; the friend she has gone to see
is very ill-in fact, dying-and Aunt
Lizzie will probably stay until all is
over"
Aunt Lizzie?" thought; has she
discarded the name of Rose?"
l remembered, however, that her ini-
tials were r. +. w.
The dinner was charming; my appe
tite was good. | never had dyspepsia
in my life, and ate the luxurious food,
so daintily prepared, with an enjoy
ment that must have been quite anus
ing to my companion.
About an hour after we had sat down,
while we were leisurely partaking of
our dessert and discussing the rights
of women, the butler handed a note to
my vis-avis. After asking me to ex-
cuse him he opened and read.
The look of surprise and consterna-
ton in his face was simply appalling.
Has anything happened to your
auntTS timldly inquired, feeling un-
comfortable under the scritinizlng gaze
Of his dark-gray eyes.
mo, no-that is, nothing of import
ance-but l do not think she will be
back tonight But, Miss Rose-your
name is Miss Rose, is it not?"
put down the orange | was peeling
and looked the amazement felt.
My name is Miss Rose Terry" l re-
piled, with as much dignity as | could
assume.
'Yes-certainly-I beg your pardon
but, Miss Rose-AIiss Terry, l mean
you will make yourself comforta BILE
for the night-until MY aunt returns,
should say"
His confusion seemed very strange,
after his late self-possession, but at
tributing it all to the contents of the
note-alas, l did not then dream of the
information it conveyed.-I endeavored
to make the best of it, and told him not
to be uneasy, as | had no doubt but
that Mrs. Wharton would return early
in the morning.
Books and music formed the principal
subjects of conversa ton during the
few hours l passed with Mrs. Whar-
tons nephew, and so pleasant and
agreeable did he prove that | began to
like him very much, and quite forgot
my embarrassment at remaining so
long alone with a stranger.
At breakfast next morning we chat
ted away like old friends, but when the
meal was over my companion asked me
to walk into the library for a few mo-
mentS.
l complied with his request, made
rather gravely, feeling a sensation pass
through me that something was going
to happen.
please be seated, Miss Terry" he
began. Il regret that l am obliged to
explain a very strange mistake-and l
beg your pardon for keeping you in ig-
norance through last evening, but, be-
lieve me, did so only because wished
you to have a pleasant and comfortable
rest after your long journey.
l could say nothing to this prepara-
tory speech. for my heart was throb-
bing at such furious rate dared not
trust my voice.
oNIr onpt - ha coptipnod ssaxnaotod