The Delta independent., 1901-05-03

Was Dne really as worthless as she
declared hersslf to be? Could those
handsome. cold blue eyes and faultIess
features never soften into tenderness
and w0manly feeling?
He quite forgot how earnestly he was
gazing until Miss Trevanion raised her
eyes, and meeting his steady stare.
blushed warmly-angrily. He recoI-
lected himself then. and the admiration
his look must have conveyed, and col
ored almost as deeply as she had
II beg your pardon" he said, quiet
ly; do not think me rude. but l am
strangely forgetful at times, and was
just then wondering whether you real
ly meant ali you said"
do not wonder any longer then
she retorted, still resenting the express
sion OF his eyes, "as I did perfectly
mean what l said. | detest with all
my heart Doors and ill-bred people,
and parvenus, and want of birth gen.
erally."
And then Lady Caroline made the
usual mysterious sign, and they all
rose to leave the room. and Miss Ire
vanion became conscious that she had
made q cruelty rude speech.
She felt rather guilty and disinclined
for conversation when she had reached
the drawing room; so she sat down
and tried to find excuses for her con-
duct in the remembrance of that last
unwarrantable glance he had be-
slowed upon her. A man should be
taught manners If he did not possess
them: and the idea of his turning de-
liberately to stare at her-Mildred
Trevanion-publicly. was more than
any woman could endure. So she ar
sued, endeavoring to persuade her con-
science-but unsuccessfully-that her
uncourteous remark had been justly
provoked. and then Mabel came over
and sat down beside her.
Il liked your man at dinner very
much" she said: at least what
could see OF him."
He seemed to like you very much,
at all events" Mildred returned; .'he
watched your retreating figure just
now az though he had never before
seen q pretty girl or a white-worked
grenadine.''
He II awfully handsome" went on
Mabel. who always indulged in the
strongest terms of speech.
He il oodlooking"
More than that; he is as rich as
Croesus. / am told"
What good thing for the young
woman who gets him." Miss Trevanion
remarked, and smiled down a yawn
very happily indeed.
Look here, Mildred: you may just
as well begin by being civil to him.
counseled Mabel, wisely. because, as
he Is going to inhabit the same house
as yourself for the next six weeks or
SO. 1t will be better for you to put
up with him quietly. You were look
ing all through dinner as though you
were bored to death-and, after all,
what good can that do?"
Il rather think you will have the
doing OF the civility." observed Miss
TrevaniIG,s as he is evidently greatly
struck by your numerous charms"
Il shouldn't mind it in the least, II
he can talk plenty OF nonsense. and
look as he looked at dinner" Mabel
icluIHtu mere Is Always something
so interesting about a superlatively
rich man, don't you think?''
Not when the rich man owns to
cotton
why not? Cotton is a nice clean
thing, I should fancy: and money is
money. however procured am thor
oughly unbiased person, thank heaven,
and warm admirer of honest indus
try"
you had better marry Mr.. Younge.
then, and you will be able to admire
the fruits Of 1t from this day until
your DEATH" Mildred said
Not at all bad idea" returned
the Queen:" thanks for the sugges-
ton. l shall certainly think about it.
II like him sufficiently well on a
nearer acquaintance. and IL he is good
enough to ask me, will positively go
and help him to squander that cotton
money"
(To be continued.