Evening journal., 1901-03-25
MASOUERADERS.


$50 my cousin is coming from Europe
TO fulfill the conditions Of his fathers
win? Wen, / don't think much Of him,
that's sure. Any man that viii consent
20 marry a girl whom he has never seen
for the sake Of a little money is con
temptible wretchw and here Miss Lilias
Sefton stopped excitedly.
but, Lilias," argued her cousin Mar
ian, "be reasonable. Herbert Marston
hasn't expressed the slightest intention
of complying with his fathers wishes
has said nothing at all about matrimony
and has no need Of the fortune left him
conditionally."
"Well, that only shows him TO be.miser-
ly," was the willful retort "And the
matter just settles itself down to this.
thought over this matter all last night
and have hit upon a splendid plan, If
you'll only consent TO it. You know we
have received permission 20 keep house
down at the old homestead all by our
selves this summer. Well, no one there
knows us, and won't you be Lilias and
let me be your maid? If he can't love
me in one position as well as another, l
don't want anything to do with him."
Both these young girls were beautiful,
wealthy and romantic. They were nat
urally taken with the plan, which. after
little coaXing. her cousin agreed to.
In a few weeks they were located for
the summer in the Sefton homestead.
"Now," said Lilias one glorious sum
mer evening, Il suppose we may be ex-
pecting Herbert Marston daily, as l have
left a note, to be delivered TO him imme-
diately after his arrival, informing him
Of my whereabouts. But look, here
come two strangers. Maybe one Of them
is he. BE on your guard"
She had no time to say more, for both
had approached, and one spoke; SIS Miss
Seton residing hereY
Marian bowed composedly.
"That's my name, sir"
"lndeed," with extended hand. "Allow
me, then, to introduce myself as Herbert
Marston."
After the necessary greetings had been
interchanged, the newcomer glanced in
quiringly at the little, white robed figure
standing modestly apart.
Marian bit her lip amusedly. Lilias
didn't look at all like a menial; still her
character must be kept, and in reply to
his questioning gaze she said:
Maggie, you may go in and help Mrs.
Brown about tea. l presume your walk
from the depot has given you an appe-
tite." And Marian in her turn looked as
though desiring an introduction to Mr..
MarstUn's companion.
"Perhaps," said that gentleman, with
an odd expression, "before your maid at
tends to her part OF the business she will
show my valet the rooms / am to oc-
cupy."
The valet was a handsome, dark mus
tached six footer, whose every expression
belied his position Of servility, but he had
shoudcred the valise and stood waiting
for his guide 20 lead the way, so with a
look which signifed something more than
mere wonder Maggie obeyed the little
imperative nod Of her mistress apd pro-
ceedcd un stairs.
"Phew" said the valet after deposit
ing his burden, looking up with a smile.
'"That's what l call warm work. Well,
Maggie, are you and l going to be
fricndsg"
He spoke rather condescendingly, and
the indignant blood rushed into his COM
panion's cheeks as she replied coolly:
Il am nothing of a prophet and there
fore find it impossible TO answer yonr
question decidedly, but 1 am inclined to
think not"
"That's bad. But our opinions on that
subject differ. Why, If we don't enter
tain each other what the dickens shall we
do with ourselvesY
Il have never been at a loss for amuse-
ment," responded his companion demure-
| ". However, IL you are dependent upon
outside society there are plenty OF serv-
ant girls about, whom / have no doubt
you can readily become acquainted with.
II don't fancy servant as a general
thing" he answered calmly. 81 have
rather high ideas for valet and conse-
quently have but little desire 10 become
acquainted with your friends
"That man." she murmured softly, "is
no more servant than / am. But he
shan't know that / suspect the truth.
And she chuckled amusedy at the
thought OF her own secret, which he was
far from divining.
After tea, while the master and mis-
tress chatted pleasantly on the old fash
ioned porch the two servants by the gate
were sparring away gayly.
( why, Maggie" said the valet, who
answered TO the name of John, 'you are
twice as smart as half the young ladies
OF the present day. What makes 70,
stay in so degrading a position? Dom
you know enough 10 teach school"
''Yes, suppose So" replied Maggie
with a mischievous smile he failed TO de
tect. She had been purposely Showing
Off" "But Pm very much attached e
Miss Lilias, and as long as one is obige,
TO work what does it matter what ont
doesg
"a good DEAL" he answered much NOR
excitedly than the circumstances woul'
seem to indicate. Everything went OF
merrily until the night before their de
parture, when visible sadness Oyershad
owed the whole company.
John drew Maggie down by the gate
They had become very good friends not
withstanding Maggie's ideas upon thei
first meeting.
John cast a quick glance into her down
cast face and then, as though encourages
by what he saw, went on impetuously:
''You must know what TO say-mus
feel that love you better than any on
else in this wide world. And won't 20
tell me whether or not you can ever re
turn my affectionT
Mnouia did nor oncvvor fu xvor1c ft,