The evening Republican., 1902-08-05
MY LOST
DIVINITY,

mot in love-" said my old friend.
Eyes, with lost divinity. II
was near Monte Carlo. She was try
ing to climb rock to view the sea
and slipped. went to her assist
ance."
II understand" said my friend.
And the rest happened. But
don't get into my scrape. I'm about
to marry a wealthy American girl,
and here's first love-a little &C
tress by.the-way-who threatens
me with breach of promise"
Moral" l said: BE careful of
your tongue"
You're Il man of the world, said
my oldest and now despairing friend
"and-pardon my way of putting
it-you've got the gift Of CAB. l
want you to go to her and talk her
out OF it. Draw picture of my be-
ing forced against my will into a
hateful marriage, tell her that I've
only consented 50 that the honor of
the Southbrook name maybe saved.
Appeal to her better nature, any
thing-only get her to promise to
let me off! You can do it, Sketf -
you will do it!' he finished implor-
ingly.
considered the dazzling propo-
sitlOn.
If you will go this afternoon,
Sketf and do this, l shall bo CRATE
full. all my life!" and he gave me Il
letter.
Her address Il rely on you"
l smoothed out the envelope and
read: Miss Et1ie Brennan, No. 5,
Westbury Mansions, Hyle Park, W.
Another quarter of an hour, and
was standing before the door of
No. 5, Westbury Mansions A trim
servant appeared Oh the threshold.
us Miss Brennan disengagedt" |
asked, handing in my card. I've
called on matter OF business, and
if she could spare me few min
utes' conversation, l should feel
grateful"
| was ushered into a prettily fur
nished drawing room.
THE career of a young actress
playing small parts in comedy
would appear to be a profitable one"
| reflected, my gaze resting on the
handsome furniture.
The door opened and q young lady
entered. rose to my feet, and, as
my eyes fell on her face, | dropped
back pace, in amusement. 1t was
absurd, of course-a startling coin
cidencc, what you lke-but there
was no doubt.
She was my lost divinity.
She had recognized ME, too, and
came forward, smiling, with out
stretched hand
so you have actually found us
out at last" she exclaimed. 1You
can't think how sorry mother was
that she forgot to give you our ad-
dress. 1t was unpar;lonnble.'
stood gazing ather namAzemcnt.
She seemed even prettier than any
memory had painted for.
"Ani how did you discover u.s."
she added motioling IN. to IL seat.
lpuIIed myself together with an
effort.
its rather delicate matter. but,
perhaps. i had better begin by cx-
planning that Pm The oldest friend Of
Lord Dennis GorSon" | paused.
"And | came at his request as
we'll, shall We say, Il mediator.
A tiny loDk OF Devil derment cross
cd her face.
"A mediator is one necesslry?"
she said.
1--WE arc hoping So You see, Den
mis- has told me everything, poor boy. j..
How he fell very much in love With
yoI before he went out to the
War.
Ibid he tell you that?" she said
quietly.
"Yes. And, by the way, he gave
me very accurate description Of
you" ! continued, with glance at
her. "IIe said you were Il charming,
refined, talented young actress play
ing comedy parts in high artistic
manner. | did not remember his
words, but they we're doubtless to
this effect. "And | think il very
natural indeed that he should have
fallen in love with you" / sdded in
a tone of conviction.
She gave little low laugh.
His present attitude would seem
to suggest that he has changed his
mindI'
prepared myself for my great
effort on the boys behalf
There is something greater than
Love--and that is Duty," | said
solemrly.
l explained the sacrifice he was
making, pleaded eloquently in his
defence, drew Il touching picture
of his aged parents, to whom this
marriage meant so much. She listen
ed silently, with her face turned
away from me.
And the American girl-tloes he
love herr she asked in Il subdued
voice, at the conclusion.
Love! Think IL girl inclined to |
stoutness, with green eyes, and a
twang you could cut with knife!
Love-after having met you" l
said reproachfully.
He'll marry her, be COOL to her,
/