The Washington times., 1901-12-22

mean by literature" said Mr.. swang. L
was what he always replied to that ques
tfon.
Then Miss Twichel struck in. Taking
literature. in its generally accepted sense
as meaning what we all unanimously be-
lieve 1t to mean. think IL is declining
But it is not the fault of literature, it is
the fault OF ourselves. We are progress
ing; we are sevcrer critics than were
those of the past; in fact. We can all dc
so well If We try. that it is very hard for
any special writer to succeed"
She stopped. and there was a pause.
Conversation would not flourish in that
strained atmosphere.
Yet think there arc some very beau
! tiful books written now" meekly ven
tured Miss Jennie; don't you. Mr..
Bryce?"
But Mr.. bryce was looking at Mrs. Bar
rister and did not hear the question.
Il have always thought" said that lady
quietly. that many of the writers OF the
past are famous chiefly because they lived
in the past That if they lived and wrote
their works today. they would not be con-
sidered at all remarkable
Mr.. Barrister twisted impatiently in
his chair. ~ think you haC better leave
such subjects alone. until you know more
about them" he said.
but. Edwin. you must admit that it
was easier to make an impression then
| than it is now"
at was nothing of the kind 3"
She locked at him pleadingiy. and. fall
tcring, went on: But. Edwin, take any
of those old writer's, Beaumont and
Fletcher, or Ridley and Latimer; to-
day
Her husbond cut her short with an ugly
laugh. Don't be fool" be muttered.
Mr.. Bryce rose from his seat, very
white, and trembling with excitement.
Stop" he cried. I'VE have all sat by
and listened to your dastardly sneers long
enough and 1t Is time you understood that
you must stop them, now and foreyer.'
Mr.. Barrister looked at him coldly.
f'iwho is to make me. should like to
known"
81 am"
All bdt Mr.. Barrister arose es,itedly.
some frightened into silence. some pro-
tesing, all prepared for violence.
g"You are?"
Yes, ami" Mr.. Bryee's voice rang
loud and steady Il will not stand by
longer and see a defenceless woman
treated as you treat your wifel will
defend her against you, against all of
oil
witness:"
Mrs. Barrister looked at him IN terror,
and moved nearer to her husband
Come" said the latter, you had bet
ter not listen to these rawlings" and he
led her to the. door.
Mr. Bryce started forward as IL to stop
them. but was held back. and they went
out.
Poor Mr. Brycei He knew he had a pas
sion within him which would some day
awaken, and now 1t had awakened, violent
and hopeless. The fondest dreams of
many a weak person is to protect, and
this beautiful woman who needed protec-
tion had aroused every power and emotion
in him. And when he had offered his
help she had moved nearer to her hus-
band,
Upstairs. with his hand to the door
knob of tiitir r56Ti. Mr.. Barrister turned
to his wife, and said softly:
Il think we had better go tomorrow"
And his wife answered, Yes
The next morning the train steamed
slowly out of the station. bearing Mr..
and Mrs. Barrister. Mrs. Barrister look
ed carefully around the car, and then
heayed long sigh of relief. She looked
into her. husbands eyes. which were
twinkling merrily; her own danced. and
they both burst into hearty laugh.
Il never knew before that you were an
actress. Meg" he said, his voice choked
with mirth. "You were simply superb,
and L a most ferocious villain"
Mrs. Barrister laughed again.
But weren't we playing with fire. dear
Edwin?'' she said graveiy. 'I was really
frightened last night. Our tangled web
seemed TO have caught ourselves in it."
I'VE will forget all the sad past" he
murmured, bending over her. Poor fell
low!" Then taking her hand tenderly in
his, he said in an ecstasy OF happiness:
We are probably the first two persons,
darling. who have not been found out
nm