Smyrna times., 1901-02-13

dren, the girl had not revealed her
secret even to her dearest friend.
The dance-when it came was
success. 1t was always admitted even
| by the most envious of matrons that
whatever might be the entertainment
given. by the Staintons, it always
passed off without the least suspicion
of a hitch
If no girl was more becomingly |
dressed than Miss Purcell in her |
creamy white foulard and scarlet ber-
ries, all the girls looked brighter and
happier. Marion told herself she was
"silly," but that did not alter the fact
that she was disappointed.
Who of us has not experienced one
of those presentments which sometimes
are realized, and sometimes are mis-,
chievons will-o'- wisps to mislead
J us?
Marion had felt presentment that
: she should see Jack Gray standing in
the old careless attitude she new so
well, talking to Mr.. Stanton while his
9 keen eyes noted every arrival. But he
r was not there when she entered the
a room, nor did she hear his name as
one of the guests to be expected. The
? disappointment gave a strangely pitt
: fll glance to her pretty face as she ac-
: cepted a partner for the waltz which
S was just beginning.
i 1t was after supper, and when it was
agreed that Sir Roger de Coverly
}, should be danced in true old English
e fashion, that something happened
e which changed that evening into a
y happy one for Marion Purcell Her
d presentment was proved true. Not
N only was Mr.. Gray there receiving
from Mrs. Stanton the welcome of
D ''better late than never" but he was
IN asking:
Is where's Miss Percell? 1 want her
at for my partner"
lie "She is somewhere or other-let us
As find her" said the hostess, taking his
ly arm.
But she led him away from every
W one and into a quiet corner of the
IN room where supper could pleasantly bC
er served.
I'd Il have known you a long while, anC
n 1 shall take the liberty of being yer!
e. frank. Don't play with that girl
lie Oh, you look surprised, but L am afraiC
Il, l;I-os ,,,,r, too ua1l
ed are really sorry for her. Though sh
ey kepts her secret bravely, we are al
ice quite convinced that Marion's change,
yer face and her melancholy way of sayin!
IRE she has given up all idea of having an
he happier life than her life at hom witt
RS those dreadful boys and tiresome littl
of girls worrying after her from mornin
les till night, may be traced back to th
last visit you paid us. She was brigh
enough before you went away?"
the "Do you really think so? Well,
ion il curious coincidence that 1, wh
of used to consider Purcell as a pleasar
RS, acquaintance and nothing more, haV
the come to reflect on her in another ligh
uld What do you say to a hardene
sed bachelor resolving to become ma
ell, ried man, always supposing he can g
lew the girl whom he believes would e,
he actly suit him as a wife?"
her II congratulate the hardened bacl
/ a elor," said Mrs. Stanton. "AI
of again 1 say what l said to you wh'
ven you walked into my drawing room ju
now, hours, positively hours, after ev
for other guest had arrived-better la
} in than never!"
Tvs, "Well, now am going to ask Marie
the to be my partner in Sir Roger. Aftt
and wards L shall put in my plea
ing another sort partnership. Wish 1
that luck, Mrs. Stanton, and let me go. !"
rion Marion Purcell's happiness came
ntal unexpected that at first it seem
dur hardly possible that Jack Gray rea
into loved her. He did, though; and tn
were married six weeks later, as
anc- was fairly we'll to do, and certain
with old enough, and no other impedime
inch came in the way of their union.
and And both husband and wife resolv
ID a that each succeeding anniversary
d to their marriage should be for them
fam an occasion to make some little hap
ness for others. Especially-so 81
ven. Marion-any depressed, disappoint
rite creatures, whether male or female, {
ance or young, who talked dearly of no
and and Joy being ''given up"
hem --.~---