The sun., 1901-07-08
HER DlSILLUSION.

hand of the woman who sat opposite to him
la his own. He looked into her eyes with
4 steady, longing gaze, and he sighed as he
bent over her hand and pressed 1t TO his
lips. There was a wonderful amount OF
feeling thrown into that kiss, and the de.
spair of his heart was written on his face
His face was pale; it was thin, too, rather
lacking in strength of purpose, and with
certa ain shiftiness of eye which was enhanced
by the weakness of his chin. A look of ten.
derness stole over the woman's features;
and, now that his head was bowed, an ex.
preston OF fondness came into her eyes,
which she had sternly repressed while he
was pleading his cause. She was older-a
good many years older-than the man. AL.
ready silver threads had begun to show In
her hair, and lines were visible ON her face.
She had studied these signs before her look.
ing-glass, and had reasoned with herself
until she was sure of the path that duty
directed her to follow.
Some day you will thank me, dear Har.
ry," she said, gently laying her hand OF
his head and stroking his hair.
II cannot see the logic of your reason, he
replied, almost sullenly, 'nor do think you
are treating me fairly"
Louisa Thrane was 80; she was widow;
she was rich; and her friends were pleased
to think that she intended to marry again
Harry Upton was Iii he was poor, and he
was indolent. He had always received great
kindness from Mrs. Thrane, and it pleased
him to fancy that he loved her with great
devotion. He was fond of her in his own
selfish way; though it was the fear that, as
he had heard suggested, she might marry
again which had been his chief incentive in
asking her to become lis wife. Harry Upton
was worldly, and he did not like to risk los.
ing the many comforts which she had pro-
vided for him, and therefore, though the
marks of age that had begun to appear rath
er appalled, him, he decided to take de-
cisve step. He was also cunning beyond his
years; SO he always contrived to impress
Mrs. Thrane with the genuineness of his ad.
miration, though she had discovered that
he possessed very little depth of character
The idea of refusal had never been en-
tertained, and when it came it was a sore
blow to his self-esteem, which was very
large. Louisa Thrane was honestly fond of
him, and, though she had schooled herself
artfully, the surroundings were acting upon
her to an unpleasant extent. She dsliked
paining him, and she feared that her own
resolutions might give way, therefore she
was anxious to bring the conversation to
on end.
"You must remember, Harry" she said,
after pause, "that / am great many years
older than you are"
What difference does that make?" he
asked. "Age, after all, is a poor thing to
stand in the way. few years, one way or
the other, means nothing.
In some cases you are right, she re-
=. IL - Il Tn,.
ence."
He shook his head. But in his heart he
knew that she was right.
There are younger women than | am in
the world" shs continued. "You would be
happier with one Of them than with one
whose best days are past. In few years
| shall be an old woman, Harry, then you
will cease to love me-"
There was q sad tone in her voice, but il
was lost upon the man, whose only feeling
was annoyance at having been rejected.
"No, no, you are wrong" he replied, with
known you my love has lasted and grown
stronger. Why do you doubt its durabil
VT"
"Ah. Harry, you dear confding being,
do not doubt you or your affection. But
sured him tenderly.
"A queer way to do it," he muttered.
She looked at him in amazement. The
manner in which he had received her refus
al and the almost insulting tone of his voice
had surprised her, and had shown her side
Of his character she had never seen before
But she did not wish to think harshly o.
him, and she closed her eyes to all the short
| f. - txh ha A,,I faa
ings,
"Yet," she replied, with feeble attempt
at d smile, ut is the only way can see
Think, among the large number Of girls il
the place, is there not one to whom youl
heart turns?"
NO" he answered abruptly.
Had he expressed his true feelings on thu
subject he would have added that they hae
not, sufficient money.
"Now, Harry, think" she continued. 81
| your old friend, you know, may sugges
without being thought impertinent."
"As you will" was his ungracious reply.
"There are girls with money! she said
curious smile fitting across her face a
she spoke.
Money does not make the woman" h,
said hotly, his face reddening, for he knew
that she was watching him closely.
"No; perhaps not" she continued med
tatively, to give weight to her words. "Bu
it goes long ways to make the man."
He WINGED beneath what he thought wa
intentional satire.
There is Maggie Nfarshfeld, for in
stance" she added, noting the effect of he
words, which quite satisfied her that her de
duction was correct. "She has, they say
| hnn nf I,
more suitable"
Upon my soul, think you might spar
me this after having refused me yourself,
he said, irritably. Then nothing will in
duee you to change your mind!" he asked.
II am afraid not" she said, firmly.
As he led her back to the crowded room
her last thrust was yet to be given. Sh
asked him te lead her to seat beside whic
Maggie Marshfeld was standing. Then sh
dismissed him, and stood for momen
talking to the girl A strong light fell upo
them, and from little distance Harry III
ton regarded them attentively.
by Jove she is right" he murmured
"She is getting old, and the girl is youn
pretty and rich. Yes, it is worth trying"
Just at that moment he met Mrs. Thrane
eyes. There was an expression of amuse
contempt in them which disconnected him
30 he moved to the further end of the room
snd entered into conversation with friend
there, while he awaited his opportunity.
Mrs. Thrane watched the proceeding
with a strange mixture of sensations in he
heart anger that she had so far cond
seconded to one no unworthy; amusemer
and relief struggling for the supremacy. Sf
saw him attach himself to Maggie Marsl
field: and then amusement conquered.