The Delta independent., 1901-06-21

earnest. which am pleased to considsf
extremely doubtful. will receive you
for month or two. Mabel" declared
her ladyship. magnihcently. "and in
troduce you to those with whom you
with me to my home. and gain those
advantages that this secluded country
place can never afford"
Your ladyship is wonderfully kind"
returned Mabel. but find this Sc
cluded country place quite good
enough for my tastes. Besides. could
not dream of accepting your invita-
ton"
May ask why not?" demanded her
grand-aunt, majestically.
Because there is nothing in the
world to which should more strenu-
ously object than to spend two months
in your ladyship's society,"" answered
Mabel.
You wicked grill" almost screamed
Lady Eagleton, rising and supporting
herself on her gold-headed stick while
she Quivered with anger. How dare
you presume so to speak to me, Caro-
line. why do you not order her to leave
the room! Am l, at my age, and after
all the sacrifices l have made for my
family. to submit to the impertinence
Of chit Of girl like that"
Poor Lady Caroline was terrified.
Dear Aunt Harriet, she did not
mean It," she said-"she did not, in
deed-did you. Mabel? Speak. darling.
and tell her it was all a mistake"
She shall apologize to me. or will
leave this house. never to enter 1t
again." protested Aunt Harriet, still
raging.
so she will. am sure Mabel, my
dearest. tell your grand-aunt how sorry
you are for having used the language
you did," said Lady Caroline, implor-
ingly-"apologize to her."
Apologize for WHAT" demanded
Mabel. She asked me to pay her
visit. and declined. She then inquired
my reasons. and l gave them. / do not
see that any apology is necessary.
However" she went on, turning to-
ward the old lady, and executing an
impertinent little courtesy. IF 1t will
in any way crafty you. will beg your
pardon, and admit that am extremely
sorry to think was the cause of put
ting you in such dreadful temper"
Lady Caroline, after considerable diff
ficulty. having managed to smooth
down the old lady's ruffled plumage.
she consented to forgive and forget,
and once more peace was restored.
But Mabel, when the terrible last
hour" came the following day. though
she never for a moment doubted Roys-
ton. yet felt somehow shy and con-
strained. remembering vividly that one
little biting question Of Lady Eagle
toms. as to whether he had ever made
her the requisite offer OF marriage.
Meantime Roy's sorrow had swal-
lowed up all nervousness and every
other sentiment. leaving him only able
to hold her hands and entreat that she
would never forget him.
Il shall be back soon" he said-"so
soon that you will scarcely have time
to miss me: and meanwhile shall
write by every post. and you will do
likewise. will you not!'
To which she had returned a sad.
half-reluctant Yes
Had he been less wrapped up in sad
thoughts about the coming parting, he
might perhaps have fancied his love
somewhat cold and cruel: but. as II
was, he saw nothing. Presently he
spoke the words that. had they been
uttered yesterday. would have caused
his queen" to stand in such different
light before her tormentor
shall l write to your father7" he
asked. You know. Mabel. 1t is time
there was some decided understanding
between us. Shall l ask your fathers
consent to a regular engagement, dar-
| ling7"
Yes" Mabel answered. partly COM
forted-"I suppose it will be best: "
then. sadly breaking down. "Oh, Roy,
what shall / do without your"
After this there ensued fond words
and lingering caresses. and warm as
surances of never-dying love: and then
they kissed their last fond kiss and
parted.
ITO be continued)