New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-12-19
(Continued-)

tor asked Vixen.
I'm sure of 1t. He is madly in love with you
I think it's pity you encouraged him much.
What will you say II he-proposes?''
4 swift change from gayety to gravity swept over
Vixen's face.
"Oh. he mustn't go far that" she said
"Ive STAYED it off till now. Surely can manage
it q little longer"
THE marvel is that the truth hasn't leaked out
yet" said Gertrude. calmly. "Of course, my hus-
band was all right. he wouldn't give you away
But one OF the others might at any moment"
"Oh. believe in my own luck!' said Vixen light
ly. And really. Paul never appears the
scene. people may be excused for forgetting that
possess husband
But. to you. really fail to what good
you've done by this freak
I've enjoyed myself thoroughly wanted to feel
as if was free, and have kept up the Illusion
wonderfully we'll People should always do what
they want to do. It's bad for them forego their
instincts!'
Gertrude laughed. You were always wiIfuI
imp L can't imagine what made you marry a
plodding. clever like Paul. He was the most
unsuitable Of all your lovers
He loved me-the best said Vixen There was
little thrill OF triumph in her voice and she
looked at her friends beautiful calm face if dar
ing her to deny the fact
And yet-you wanted to play at freedom. You
have treated his love and himself as two non-exist
ent factors in your life. You have ffrted outrage
ousy with another man. YOU
''Oh, please, please stOp!' entreated Vixen. why
this sudden change of tactics. may 1 ask? Why this
pity for my poor. wronged husband, who 7 may
as well state. is not wronged-really. Who if you
could only see him. is probably at this
immersed in jars retorts abomnable odors.
making what he calls the discovery of the age.
When 1 go back
She stopped abruptly How distinctly she saw
the little room. its simple appointments, the tall
figure with that slight stoop and the shabby coat.
Had he missed her at all? Had he been looked
after? Had any reminded him of waiting
meals. of cooling tea, of any of the common yet
necessary needs of humanity. even scientific HUI
mainly?
Two weeks. 1t was not very long time. but
they had never been parted so long before. And
she had not wished him goodby this time not
looked back for that faithful doglike glance which
had always speeded her gongs hitherto. What
kind eyes he had, this tiresome patient Paul. and
how wtstful and perpexed the look she could bring
into them when specially tormenting. Poor
old Paul! Perhaps she a little trying to
him sometimes. But. then she was young and
full OF life and the joy of living. and he
much older and graver and preoccupied. Was
1t any wonder she had grown tired impatient rest
less? Any wonder that, she looked back now.
she emerging slowly from the shadows the first
tragic hint OF that oft played drama. Divided
Lives"
Gertrude. What you thinking about? What
you will say to Godfrey bruce tonight? I'm al
most sure he means to ask He's rich. What a
pityI' she murmured irrelevantly. If he had only
appeared on the scene two years ago"'
That would have made difference" exclaimed
Vixen. Il had made up my mind then
And repent it?'
I'm not that 1 do repent
II confess 1 don't understand you. my dear"
Perhaps not: Perhaps don't quite understand
myself" said Vixen. with one of her enigmatcal
Well. there's not time to pursue the problem"
replied the friend, rising languidly: i must go
ing tonight What a pity the skating is over.
don't know what 10 do with the people after din
Make them dance" suggested Vixen. Can
They'd think your dancing wicked. my dear. and
yourself. too if you fiirt so outrageously- What
'Oh. that black rag answered Vixen indiffer-
emily Godfrey likes those jingly things all over
it and as it's for the last time &C.,,
Shall you tell him the TRUTH" asked Gertrude, |
Not if l help it. There may be some way |
out of it, or-or 1 may be clever enough to stave
nearer l expect you'll have a very mauvais quatre
i'heure. my dear vi. when it comes to expIana- I
Vixen shrugged her. pretty shoulders Tn not !
PauPs ears? You know they were old college |
friends. and-he might find out our address in |
Not rg unlikely It strikes TX vi that there's
fair. I'm almost sorry was persuaded''-
needed OH What's the use Of antici-
oating bothers? 1t will all come right. I'm sure,
,wn nj batfies,' - my
some half hour later Lady vanrennen was speed
ng along the corridor to her friends She |
led open telegram in her hand. She knocked |
eagerly at the door. W. she cried 'Vi let /
There was no answer. She tried the handle. A
maid was tidying the room and replacing articles
n drawers and wardrobe
Mrs Eddison?" questioned Gertrude. breathessly-
She went down. my lady, about five minutes
go. She wanted some flowers from the conserva-
Lady vanrennen turned away and slowly de-
cended the staircase As she reached the hall two
p and saw her. At the same moment the glass
oors Separating the conservatory T4 from the hall
+ the two men standing so quietly by the blazing
5gs one was Geoffrey bruce. the other was~her
usband
For space of seconds the two women and the
wo men looked at one another. and took in the
Then Vixen swept forward Why. Paul This
surprise. You might have let me know
She extended her hand and he took it. You're
OF dressed, she went on rapidly Hadn't you
etter hurry? The gong will be sounding in ten
NY husband only sent your telegram few
anre NM Would you mind using his dressing
scb 2i we wa 70 Come oWn on me neo 50 laughed
ken He doesn't deserve room or dinner /
lrgive YOU hope your studs are ali rightr she
allied after him as he moved toward the staircase
our cousins t6ilet?'' inquired Ceofrey bruce
b he a ONE ON an n those ss goo helpless souls
, whom all the ordinary, affairs Of life, seem
:.
ear hear wheels The first batch of your fogies.
suppose" =
Il must go to the drawing ROOM exclaimed -
ertrude.
She wondered If Godfrey had learned the truth
II? II there had been time for Paul TO say any
ling?
As a matter of fact there had been time, but
auI had said-nothing- vi had not been mentioned
etween the two long parted friends. Only that
orning Paul. in searching for paper on his
ritng table. had discovered the unpoSted letter;
came like a shock to him. A week had passed
Id there lay the warning he had meant to send.
hat might not have happened by now? The mis-
Ike had perhaps never been contradiCted. vi must
I'VE thought he didn't TO write; and Godfrey.
ell, Godfrey would have looked in vain for that
lswer that never came The thought of the con-
rsation at breakfast the morning of his de