The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-03

vanished from his sight.
THAT woman will make a bad enemy"
he said, "but better have her as an enemy
than wife, and it's choice between the
two
Sydney was not slow to tell Veronica of
his good fortune, and on his return to Lon
| don the first letter he opened on reaching
home was note from her congratulating
him on his wonderful luck.
For you" she wrote, 81 am so very
very glad-for myself. perhaps, just a little
sorry. You will seem such a big man
now that 1 shall feel have lost my play
mate He will be always in request, this
| rich DR.. Hungerford, and l shall not dare
send for him at unconventional hours to
ask his advice about all my own silly little
affairs. But anything resembling a grum-
bic at such time, from a friend must
sound like heresy in your ears l want to
congratulate you in person. not with a
| hard steel pen, but hearty handshake!'
He pressed the letter to his lips. How
the sight of the writing thrilled him! With
what joy he read the contentsl
What could she think he wanted with his
money but her happiness? That same even
| ing he would call on her, and if an oppor-
tunity offered the words should be said
that would put all doubt of him forever
out of her mind.
Veronica lived alone with her father-a
studious old man and philosopher. AS
likely not he would be locked in his
study, and in this case what more favora-
| BILE chance.
Sydney did not hesitate long. Hastily
swallowing his dinner and discarding his
usual smoke. he drove to the house in Re
gent Park which held his dearest earthly
treasure.
Truly, the gods seemed on his side Cupid
must have planned the meeting, so abso-
| lutely did actual events tally with his pre-
vious hopes.
Mr.. Tempest was very busy. and had
| given orders no one must disturb him; but
Miss Tempest was practicing in the bou-
doir if Mr.. Hungerford cared to come in
Mr.. Hungerford did care-a good deal
more than he would have acknowledged to
anyone just then. but Veronica herself He
| could hear her singing as he crossed the
hall.
What a sweet, meodious voice." he
thought. $50 exquisitely in tune, so de-
| liciously sympathetic!'
| The boudoir door opened the music alb.
ruptly ceased. His brain was in a whirl.
but he family hear-as if far away-his own
name being announced; then at last-at last
he was in Veronica's presence. How ador-
| able she looked in the simple white even
| ing gown, her blue eyes sparkling with
pleasure, her hand outstretched welcom-
| ingly.
Il never expected to see you tonight"
she said. cit is indeed good of you to come
| so soon.
They stood for moment in silence look
ing at each other, their faces radiant,
! "Good-to please myself?' he replied
lightly. II could not wait till tomorrow,
that was why 1 came"
And you look just the same after all
your astonishing adventures she declared;
mot bit more important, not even a little
taller DO tell me what you did to make
the old lady leave you all that money!"
81 attended her free of charge. She was
a miser, you know. But now 1 have to
scold you first of all for something in your
letter. Perhaps you can guess what offend
ed me?"
"Oh, about not sending for you at all
sorts Of tines You know father used to
| call you my handy man Dou you re-
member the day you put up the pictures?-
it took a whole afternoon
"Remember" he said. why, remem-
Der every day 1 ever spent with you. The
recOnecuons of those happy hours kept me
from feeling terribly homesick abroad. and
your little portrait, that was never absent
from me for a moment"
1.-The portrait you stole" she retorted.
laughingly 4 don't believe ever gave it
| 10 you"
But 1 asked if I might steal it first
| Give me my due"
| ''Wen. daresay you did"
But now" he persisted, If you care for
me, Veronica. as l care for you-if-if-you
could ever love me. there need be no thefts.
darling-darling-
He had strained her TO his heart and
was kissing her passionately She did not
try TO draw away, only an expression of
deep joy and peace came into her eyes
Sydney. have always loved you. Didn't
| you know