Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-06-08
The Daily Short STORY
MAsoUERADERS.

IL S0UERADERS. y
b~~G~~r~>NL~~l
$50 my cousin is coming from Europe
to fulfill the conditions OF his fathers
will? Wei, don't think much of him,
that's sure. Any man that will consent
TO marry a girl whom he has never seen
for the sake of little money is a con-
temptible wretch and here Miss Lilias
Seton stopped excitedly.
But, Lilias," argued her cousin Mar
ian. "be reasonable. Herbert Marston
hasn't expressed the slightest intention
of complying with his fathers wishes
has said nothing AT all about matrimony
and has no need of the fortune left him
conditionally."
well. that only shows him to be miser-
ly,' was the willful retort. And the
matter just settles itself down TO this
i thought over this matter all last night
and have hit upon splendid plan, If
you'll only consent to il. You know we
have received permission To keep house
down at the old homestead all by our
selves this summer. Well, no one there
knows us. and won't you be Lilias and
let me be your maid? If he can't love
me in one position as well as another, L
don't want anything to do with him"
Both these young girls were beautiful,
wealthy and romantic. They were nat
urally taken with the plan, which. after
little coaxinG, her cousin agreed TO.
In few weeks they were located for
the summer in the Seton homestead.
Now" said Lilias one glorious sum-
mer evening, Il suppose we may be ex-
pecting Herbert Marston daily, as l have
left a note, to be delivered TO him imme-
diately after his arrival. informing him
Of my whereabouts. But look, here
come two strangers. Maybe one of them
is he. Be on your guard"
She had no time to say more, for both
had approached, and one spoke: "Is Miss
Seton residing here?'
Marian bowed composedly.
That's my name. sir
Indeed" with extended hand. "Allow
me. then, to introduce myself as Herbert
Marston."
After the necessary greetings had been
interchanged, the newcomer glanced in
quirincly at the little, white robed figure
standing modcsty apart.
Marian bit ksr lip amusedly. Lilias
didn't look at all like n mental; still her
character must be kept, and in reply TO
his questioning gaze she said:
Maggie, You may go in and help Mrs.
Brown about tea. presume your walk
from the depot has given You an appe-
lite" And Marian in her turn looked as
though desiring an introduction TO Mr..
Marston's companion.
Perhaps said that gentleman. with
IN odd expression, before your maid at
tends 10 her part OF the business she will
show my valet the rooms ! am TO &C
cupy."
The valet was n handsome. dark mus
tached six footcr, whose every expression
helied his position Of scrvility. but he had
shouldcrcd the valisc ana stood waiting
Tor his guide to lead the way. so with a
took which siGnificd something more than
mere wonder Maggie ohcyed the little
imperative nod of her mistress and pro-
ccedcd up stairs.
"Phew," said the valet after deposit
ing his burden. looking up with smile.
That's what I call warm work. We'll.
Maggie. are you and l going 20 be
friends
He spoke rather condcscendingly, and
the indignant blood rushed into his COM
panion's checks as she replied cooly:
Il am nothing Of Il prophet and there
fore find IL impossible to answer your
question decidedly. but / am inclined to
think not"
That's bad. But our opinions on that
subject differ. Why. if we don't enter
tain each other what the dickens shall wo
do with ourselvesY"
Il have never been at n loss for amuse-
ment." responded his companion demure-
ly. However. il you are dependent upon
outside society there are plenty of serv-
ant girls about. whom / have no doubt
you can readily become acquainted with"
Il don't fancy servant as n general
thing" he answered calmly. 81 have
rather high ideas for valet and conse-
quently have but little desire TO become
acquainted With your friends"
THAT man." she murmured softly, sis
no more a servant than / am. But he
shan't know that I suspect the truth"
And she chuckled amusedly at the
thought OF her own secret, which he was
far from divining-
After tea, while the master and mis-
tress chatted pleasantly on the old fash
toned porch the two servants by the gate
were sparring away gayly.
'Why, Maggie" said the valet. who
answered to the name of John, you are
twice as smart as half the young ladies
OF the present day. What makes you
stay in so degrading a position? Don't
you know enough to teach school?"
"Yes. / suppose So" replied Maggie.
with a mischievous smile he failed to de-
tect. She had been purposely showing
off, "But I'm very much attached TO
Miss Lilias. and as long as one is Obliged
to work what does it matter what one
doesg'
"a good DEAL" he answered much more
excitedIy than the circumstances would
seem to indicate. Everything went on
merrily until the night before their de-
parture. when visible sadness overshad-
owed the whole company.
John drew Maggie down by the gate.
They had become very good friends not
Maggie's ideas upon their |
first meeting.
John cast quick glance into her down |
cast face and then. as though encouraged |
by what he saw. went on impetuously:
"You must know what to say-must |
feel that i love you better than any one |
else in this wide world. And won't you |
tell me whether or not You can ever re- |
turn my affectionP
Maggie did not answer in words. but |
her ehv litfle smile smoke and with n i