Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1901-02-28
HER ENEMY.
lCoNTINUED FROM 1sT PAGE.

and had cherished among Der especial
treasures ever since-she should stand
and gaze after him, for he was we'll
worth looking at.
Then, when he was fairly out of sight.
Evelyn sat down to face the problem
now presented. That Clyde would
make acquaintance in the circles where
she moved was inevitable, and she
would be likely to meet him constantly
at various social functions. She had
her choice of alternatives if she would
obey her father-either to abandon the
society in which she had hitherto
moved, or to decline to make Clyde's
acquaintance, or at least treat him with
a chilling reserve which would prevent
any intimacy.
And it was with no desire to spare
the feelings of her enemy that Evelyn
arrayed herself for the first ball that
occurred after his return, and which
was really gotten up in his honor. al
though not so publicly announced.
When she was finally introduced to
him, the distant, ceremouious bow she
swept him gave no betrayal OF the thrill
that had surged through all her pulses
10 ,afi q
before-that handsome, klngly man.
towering above his companions, and
carrying himself with grace that
marked him at once as the cynosure of
all eyes. She was fortunately able to
decline his request for dance on the
plea that it was engaged, but just at the
moment that her partner came to claim
her he was called from the room by a
message, and Evelyn, In the somewhat
secluded nook she had been fortunate
in finding, was day. dreaming when a
mellow voice broke in upon her reverle,
but, instead of making her start, seemed
to hold her to the place by the force Of
a fascination she had no inclination to
resist,
Fate has been kind, ny enemy, and
delivered you into my hands. Do you
know that | have been awaiting this
opportunity for years?
YOU know, don't you,' he went OIL
after a moment of silence, that for
every i'll there is cure, if it can be
found? Now, | have made up my mind
that | would find the cure in this case,
and fate has been kind to me already,
for, in refusing to dance with me, you
have afforded me An opportunity to sit
here beside you and say what | have SO
long wanted to. Let me probe little.
Do you know OF any reason why am or
should be your enemyT
What could she say with those dark,
splendid eyes gazing with such straight
forward frankness into hers? For once
her readiness at repartee failed her, and
she could only flush and presently mur-
muir:
MY father
Your father was once my father
dearest friend said Clyde, as she paused
unable to get further. u have never
heard my father speak one word of un-
kindness toward Robert Lysle. Will
you tell me on what your father POUNDS
his enmity? We must get to the root of
this i'll If we would find the cure
which I am determined to discover and
apply
He married the woman my father
loved Evelyn blurted out stupidIy.
But she chose him, my dear little
friend-you see l cannot think of you
in connection with such an ugly word
as enemy. Was he to blame for that?
Your father was not engaged to her
she broke no pledge in giving her hand
where her heart had gone. Now, what
more did my father do?'Tell me-
And, moved By some impulse that she
could not resist, Evelyn told all she
knew-how small and slight and un-
satisfactory it looken in the telling-to
her enemy, who listened to her, grave,
thoughtful, silent, and when she had
finished, said quietly
u thank you, little friend. You have
done me greater service than you are
aware. | believe this will enable my
father to relieve his life. long friend from
the burden of misapprehension he has
carried so long, and which is almost en-
tirely the work OF malicious tongues.
Meantime, until my father has written
and received reply from youls, l will
respect his injunctions so far as not to
intrude my society upon you, but never
again think of me as your enemy.'
And, rising, he made her courteous
bow and left her, while it seemed to
Evelyn as if her whole heart cried out
for him to remain.
Her partner returned, but although
the dance was played again, she did not