The Opelousas courier., 1900-11-03
MARY STANMORE.

had any friendliness toward me-" sa,s
the straightforward Mary, and there
was an awkward silence.
"Did you know Mrs. Mordaunt In
tends issuing cards for @ party?" asked
the widow, rustling her flounces.
I'VE are out Of the world now," sac
Mary, significantly.
"Oh, you must not make q reclusf
Of yourself" cried the other with q
smile. under which Mary read feminine
spite. II have no doubt but she will
invite YOU. In fact, / learned as much
today.
Mary's cheeks Redeemed with anger
but she was prevented from replying
by another thrust. which, with all its
honey and glamor, was intended 70
wound.
"Mr. Henry will be there-now don't
blush. / have 1t from his own lips how
very highly he esteems you. By all
means go, my dear, If you are invited
A red spot burned on the cheek Of the
high-bred grit was succeeded by
a deadly pallor. All the spirit In her
nature aroused to the iercest retort.
do, my dear" she continued. sI'm
sure 1t must be a great trial to you to
give up all society, and an occasional
lift into the old circle will brighten
your spirits wonderfully. 1 said as
much to Mrs. Mordaunt."
Indeed! And advised her to notice
mel mean include me in her inyi-
~tations" retorted Mary.
"Well. l can't say but 1 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.
A 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, 81 hope
you are quite we'll"
Mary laughed and kissed her friend.
"Ah, sunshine and flowers! l knew
you'd have them both if you could get
cried Mrs. Mordaunt. mfr.
Henry s%ays-but, on second thought,
shan't tell you"
Mary's face grew Swallowed; the cold
came back In spite of herself.
1t could not rest there hong, however,
the sweet, gentle nature of her visitor
it.
I've SO much news to tell you. In
the first place, I've adopted O poet.
Whom do you think? Mr.. Henry, of
He has carte blanche to cal
mother, to come to the house when
It suits him; in fact, to make his home
here, IL ne will! In the next place,
hat poor, little graceless widow, Mrs.
Redmond, has fallen madly in love
With him, and"
"She was here this morning" said
Nary, quietly.
"Shew Mrs. Mordaunt lifted both
lands. "That creature! My dear, 1
no, III not counsel rudeness.
Veil, I'm astonished."
"I've made her my mortal enemy, I
'xpect." continued Mary, laughing at
Ter friends look Of comic astonish-
lent.
Il was just going to add that she is
jealous of me, old and q wild
w though / am-Quite old enough to
Henry's mother. But to my pur-
'ose. | am going to give q dance.
viii you Gomez
mo, indeed, dear Mrs. Mordaunt;
low can you ask me?"
Because I want you; and further, 1
Tish to see you independent of the
opinion"
"But I have no desire-it would be
to me. No, / must not; don't
rye me. If you wished for aid, help
! any way, / might, perhaps; but to
o as though it we're just the same,
hat is impossible. you know"
"Why impossible, except that you
ill it so? / confess / have a reason
nat viii not allow me to let you ON
AS Mrs. Mordaunt was thus pleading
FRS. Stanmore entered, and finding
ow matters stood, Joined her entreat-
IS to those of her friend.
II wish she would 60" she said, with
look of anxiety. II think it. would
o her good. / really do not see any
for you to exclude yourself
from society, SO / will insist
lat you go, my dear"
"And / will send my own carriage
" you,n said Mrs. Mordaunt. Thus
Mary at last reluctantly con-
,nted.
But she regretted it to the very hour
her departure.
Miss Stanmore," said a low voice
lat thrilled her, though she repressed
le nervous start that had nearly be-
aged her. She looked up, first catch
g the white CLEAN of the Widow
spiteful eyes. Mr.. Henry
God beside her, and there was ne
istaking the import of his glance.
1t was whispered here and there that
e young author was exceedingly at
ntive to Miss Stanmore, but nobody
canned of what was going on in one
N corner Of the conservatory. Mary
.anmore stood there, with proud eyes
listening through tears but she still
took her head with a decisive motion.
What more can I say to your
eaded the young man. You are con-
need of my sincerity-I have proved
am rich enough for BOTH have
'ur fathers consent. What more.
/ sayg'
She was silent. At her feet the bril-