Gilpin observer., 1901-04-04
...Cbe...
Caster Giles

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Brunetta Roth burst unceremonious-
ly into her friends room.
Mary" she cried, sis 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:"
Brunetta, 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 1t.
There is no necessity you should do SO.
Mr.. Patton told Tom last night that
you had thrown him over. l don't see
how your conscience allowed you to
act 80. He is such catch-young and
good-looking. Best of all, he is enor-
mously wealthy"
Mary smiled as she speared a crown
of her demure little turban with 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'll"
declared Brunetta. wrathfully. you've
known Charlie Everett three or 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 or 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-
cious to him than to any of the others"
pursued Miss Roth, relentlessly.
MARY. are you in love with him?"
Mary, evasively, what the lawyers
would call leading question? l don't
wish to seem rude, or to hurry you,
Brunetta, but have an engagement to
sign some papers this afternoon at the
office of Deal & Burrit. Can't you
come with me?"
Yes. / 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 will?"
He left you everything! What n
lucky girl you are! l suppose now you
feel you can afford to marry whom you
please"
The conversation again turned on
Charlie Everett as the girls rode down
town together on the Metropolitan Ele-
waited.
"He is n mysterious fellow" Bru-
META remarked
"Mysterious!" Mary sent her sud-
den look of inquiry. what do you
mean?"
"well. there really is reason why he
should be considered a good deal OF an
enigma. While not wealthy like Chris
topher Patton, Tom tells me he has a
good salary, and adds to this by writ
ings. But you know he does not spend
money as other men In our class do.
He is not liberal in the matter of thea
ters or flowers. He lives quietly. He
has no expensive habits. Where, then,
does his money go?"
Mary Vane was silent
"There is one house in the suburbs
where he Is known to frequently WIS.,
IT," the other went on. Brunetta, as
will be observed. was not above enjoy
ing a gossip Two women live there.
One is apparently a superior sort OF
n servant. The other is pretty. dell
cate-looking little creature OF about
twenty-five or thereabouts. Occasion
ally Mr.. Everett takes her driving
through the parks. Has he ever men
toned her to you?"
Mary forced herself to answer:
mo"
Nor to anyone else. But I have
seen him out with her Who is she?"
A feeling of unrest, an undefinable
fear. thrilled the heart OF Mary
Vane. She recalled the night Charlie
Everett had told her OF his love. 81
cannot now ask you to be my WIFE.
he had said 81 will some day, God
willing. The time may not be far
OF. but love you too well to bind
you by promise you might later
md burdensome. And yet-dear. you