The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-11-15

now that she broken the news more TACT
fully. She had imagined Miriam would
accept it with delight She turned to her
desk to write the letter to Mr.. Hawley
herself. She sighed while she folded the
sheet and put it lingeringly in the envel-
ope 1t hurt her to think of the breaking
up of the home circle and of Miriam s
grief.
The girl returned from her tramp in
time for luncheon. The bracing fall air
and wind had blown magnificent rool
into her cheeks and whipped the rebellious
strands of her hair into clustering curls,
but there was new thoughtfulness and a
shade of trouble about the glowing face
which the mother felt rather than saw.
She did not speak again of the prospective
wedding, tactfully setting it aside for other
topics. Late in the afternoon Mrs. Old
field drove to the depot to meet her young
sister, who was returning from few days
visit to Boston.
''Do not speak to Miriam of the engage
ment, SAID Mrs Oldfeld, while the horse
logged leisurely homeward.
"Why?'' asked Elizabeth with surprise.
'She feels the breaking of sisterly ties
far more than had any idea she would.
| have seldom seen her give way so COM
pletely as she did today. Let her come to
you and talk it over when she feels like
it. -
That night Miriam came Elizabeth
sat curled up in big chair before a crack
ling wood fire. She was luxurious crea-
ture, who loved warmth and color and
beauty She had tossed few sticks of
driftwood among the glowing embers. Long
tongues of blue and green flames shot up
like weird illumination. Miriam drew a
low chair in front of the hearth and wrapp-
ed her arms about her knees 1t was
another childish pose which had clung to
her. Elizabeth smiled when she noticed
it.
IL suppose you are very happy, Eliza
beth?'' said the girl slowly, 'and | ought
to say all sorts of lovely things to make
you-happy. That is the custom, is it
not?''
eyes, only I want you to feel your con-
gratulations, Miriam. You will, / think,
when you come to know Robin-as well
as do.
'sTell me all about it-where you met
him, when you were engaged and every
thing
Elizabeth smiled happily.
II met Rob two years ago in Switzer
land, when your mother and were coach
ing with the Hamiltons. I went back to
my studies in Paris We corresponded in
friendly sort of way until last spring.
One afternoon when | left Marchesi' he
was waiting for me on the sidewalk. |
had fancied him in America; [ could not
believe for minute it was Robin. That
evening he asked me to marry him. We
agreed to keep it secret. He is asso-
ciated in business with an old uncle who
does not want him to marry, and /"
Elizabeth laughed blithely-swell, | had
talked so idiotically for years about being
welded to my art that well, did not
feel like announcing our engagement i'm
mediately | did not tell even sister
Anna.
"When did Mr.. Hawley go to Paris2'
asked Miriam slowly.
''Early in April said Elizabeth.
at was in March, wasn't it, that the
paper told of your inheriting Grandmother
Weir fortune?'
''Shame on you, Miriamp' cried the
elder girl, angriIy. She jumped from the
chair and drew herself to full slender
height.
Elizabeth, do not be angryP' pleaded
her niece. 81 want to be quite sure the
man who takes you away from our home
is worthy of you.
''He is" said Elizabeth decidedly.
"My money does not come into Rob s
consideration. He will be wealthy man
himself at his uncle death There is no
need for him to marry rich wife. =
''Forgive me!' pleaded the girl by her
side. She laid Elizabeth's white hand
against her cheek and patted it gently.
''I m forgiven, am | not2''
you're an uncomfortably exacting
person" cried Elizabeth; besides, it is SO
unhattering, you know; don't you imagine
a man could find something about myself
to love as well as my money!
EYES, replied Miriam decisively,
''there is SO much about you to love that
l should wish him to quite forget the
money
''Rob does" said Elizabeth.
~ want to tell you something of little
romance of my own
"Oh, I'm so glad Is it Arthur
1t is not Arthur said the younger
girl resolutely. ~ do not think it ever
will be Arthur. 1t was-somebody else
years ago.
''How many years ago?' Elizabeth
laughed gaily.
Years and years and years ago, it seems
to me. Miriam spoke in low voice.
81 was very young then and very cred
ulous and very unwise. The year mother
took you to Europe, when | was Junior
at college, | was left, you remember, at
Uncle Sperry's. At a picnic one day
met young man from Boston He was
4 i:{Foro,..