Evening star., 1901-05-25

a very pleasant evening. Finally he meant
to have one more word with her on the
matter of her visit before they parted.
His plan was very clear in his head. By
the end of the evening she would have
forgotten the exalted mood which had led
her into absurdity; she would listen to
few wise and weighty words-such he
would have at command. Then the lu-
dicrouS episode would be over and done
with forever
A very pleasant evening it proved; so
that it prolonged itself naturally, as it
were. and without express arrangement.
beyond dinner and the play, and embraced
in it's many hours little supper and a long
drive in a cab to those distant regions
where CecilyS house situated. There
was no more talk of Blent; there was
some of Harry's new life, its features and
its plans; there was a good deal about
nothing in particular; and there was not
much of any sort they drove along in
the cab at l O'Clock in the morning.
But Harry's purpose was not forgotten.
He bade the cabman wait. and followed
Cecily into the house. He looked around
It with lively interest and curiosity.
so this is where you came from?" he
exclaimed. with a compassionate smile.
You do want something to make up for
this"
She laughed as she took off her hat and
sank into chair. Yes, this is-home,"
she said
Have you had a pleasant EVENING"" he
demanded.
You know I have"
Are you feeling friendly to me?"
Now came the attitude; she threw her
self into it and smiled.
That's what 1 wanted he went on.
Now L can say what | have to say.
She sat STILL waiting to hear him. There
was now no sign of uneasiness about her.
She smiled luxuriously and her eyes were
resting on his face with evident pleasure.
They were together again as they had been
in the Long gallery; the same contentment
possessed her; the inner feeling had it's
outward effect: there came on him the
same admiration the same sense that she
commanded his loyalty Harry was amazed
to find himself suddenly at loss look
ing at the girl, hardly knowing how to
speak to her.
"Well?" she said. Where now was the
tremuous excitement? She was magnifi-
Gently at her ease and commanded him to
speak, If he had anything to say. If not,
let him hold his peace.
''If we're to be friends" Harry began, II
must hear no more of what you said this
afternoon. You asked me to be a pension
er. you proposed yourself to be" He
did not finish. The word was not handy or
he wished to spare her.
She showed no signs of receiving mercy.
VERY WE'LL she said, smiling. IF you
knew everything you wouldn't talk like
that. l suppose you've no idea.
81. She broke into a scornful laugh. you
know What 1t really meant-still, you've
only scolding for me! How funny that
you see one-half and not the other! But
yS, you've given me very pleasant evening.
You must leave my life alone" he in
sisted brusquey. q
'oh. yes; for the future. I've nothing
left to offer, have L? I have been-re-
tused!' She seemed to exult in the aban-
donment of her candor =
he looked at her angrily. almost danger
ously. And she began to laugh. ''You look
as II you were going to hit me-" she said.
"Oh. you do talk nonsense he groaned.
But she was too much for him: he laughed,
too She had spoken with such grand Sc
curity II you tell me to walk out of the
door 1 shall co. ? ~
We'll. in five minutes It's very late"
"Oh. we weren't bred in Bayswater," he
reminded her.
II was in Chelsea ~ ;18
o,no you SAY, say; y, think in heaven-no, in
Have you said what you wanted to say,
Cousin Harry?
xo, II suppose seg. YOU hadn't the least idea what
Il was as cool as you were when you
gave me Blent."
you're cool enough now, anyhow" he
admitted In admiration of her parry
"Quite thanks"
The hand behind her head trembled sore
ly. She was not afraid of blow any more
yes, for n moment she had been, and she
had borne him no ill will for the idea false
as it was-but his eyes were on her. and
CONFUSION threatened to overwhelm the
composure of which she boasted.
gave you Blent because it was yours"
What offered you is mine.''
you've lost It."
With an effort to keep her pose, his words
hummed through her head.
D1o you say that to jamie Iver?' she
mustered GOODNESS 20 ask him. mockingly.
he thrust away the taunt with motion