The Globe-republican., 1901-04-04
Che.
Caster Giles
oosoosSS99sI9 SESSS9SIS6690S

S1s1sSsG ssTsGsIsGsIsIsGsISssGs9 |
Brunetta Roth burst unceremonious-
Iy into her friends room.
Mary, she cried, lis it possible |
you have refused Christopher Patton? '
Mary Vane, tall pretty girl, who
was adjusting her fur collarette be
fore the mirror, turned quickly, her
soft cheeks flushing scarlet.
why, Brunetta, she exclaimed,
-'how can you expect me to answer
such question:
Brunette, who was small and stout,
and attired in the height OF the pre-
vailing mode, sank down in a chair
and laughed.
Il didn't expect you to answer it.
There is no necessity you should do So
Mr.. Patton told Tom last night that
you had thrown him over. 1 don't see
how your conscience allowed you to
act so. He is such a catch-young and
good-looking. Best of all, he is enor-
mously wealthy
Mary smiled as she speared crown
of her demure little turban with a long
pin. She was thinking of a man who
was no longer young-near forty, per
haps-who was handsomer in her eyes
than all other men, and who was by no
means wealthy
Il really believe. went on Miss Roth,
that you have an absurd fancy for
Charlie Everett do indeed"
Mary's smile became quizZical.
Really" she said.
"Oh, l have no patience with you!'
declared Brunette, wrathfully. you've
known Charlie Everett three four
years. All this time he has been most
devoted to you, but not one of your
friends knows to this day whether you
are engaged not
The smile faded from Mary's lips.
I'VE are not" she answered, and the
gay little cousin fancied her tone was
sad.
And yet you have been more gra-
Of I16r
pursued Miss Roth. relentlessly-
MARY. are you in love with him?"
Isn't that" cOunter-QueStioned
Mary, evasively, what the lawyers
would call a leading question? 1 don
wish to seem rude, or to hurry you,
Brunetta, but 1 have an engagement to
sign some papers this afternoon at the
office of Deal & Burrit. Can't you
come with meg"
Yes. I must see Nine Mireau about
my Easter hat. One must arrange with
her in time, as she is always rushed
with orders. Are those papers con-
nected with your uncle's wi1l?'
He left you everything. What 8
lucky girl you areI suppose now you
feel you can afford to marry whom you
please
The conversation again turned OF
Charlie Everett as the girls rode dowr
town together on the Metropolitan E1e
waited.
He is a mysterious fellow Bru
Meta remarked
-'NIysteriousi" Mary sent her sud
den look of inquiry. What do YOU
mean?''
Well, there really is reason why h
should be considered a good deal of al
enigma While not wealthy like Chris
TOPPER Patton, Tom tells me he has
good salary, and adds to this by writ
iugs But you know he does not spen
money as other men in our class dc
He is not liberal in the matter of thea
tiers or flowers. He lives quietly. H
has no expensive habits. Where, then
does his money go2'
Mary Vane silent.
There is one house in the suburb
where he is known to frequently Wis
it" the other went on Rrunetta a
will be observed, was not above enjoy
ing a gossip. Two women live there
One IS apparently a superior sort c
servant. The other is pretty, del
twenty-five Whereabouts Occasion
ally Mr. Everett takes her drivin
through the parks Has he ever meI
toned her to your"
Mary forced herself to answer
NO
Nor to anyone else But I hav
seen him out with her Who is she7
A feeling of unrest. an undefinabl
fear. thrilled the heart of Mar
Vane. She recalled the night Charli
Everett had told her of his love
cannot now ask you to be my wife
he had said 81 will some day, Go
willing. The time may not be Il
Off but I love you too well to bin
you by a promise you might lats
ind burdensome. And yek-dear, 20