The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-04-23
(Continued.)
trembled-a faint sigh fiuttered


Her lips tFembled-a faint sigh fiuttered
from them. which she tried vainly to
suppress. Her fingers wavered on the pi-
ano; she struck n false note: confused
herself in trying to set IL right: and drop
ped her hands angrily on her lap. Miss
Halcombe and Mr. Gilmore looked up in
astonishment from the card-table at
which they were playing. Even Mrs. We
sey, doing In her chair. woke at the
sudden cessation OF the music. and inquir-
ed what had happened.
You play at whist, Mr.. Hartright?"
asked Miss Halcombe with her eyes di-
rected significantly at the place / occu-
pied.
knew what she meant; knew she was
right; and ! rose at once to go 10 the
card-table. AS | left the piano. Miss
Fairlie turned page Of the music. and
touched the keys again with a surer hand.
II will play 1t" she said, striking the
notes almost passionately. Il will play II
on the last night" q
Come. Mrs. vesey." said Miss Hal
combe: "Mr. Gilmore and / are tired of
ecarte-come and be Mr.. Hartrights part
ner at whist"
The old lawyer smiled satirically. His
had been the winning hand: and he had
just turned up king. He evidently attrib-
uted Miss Halcombes abrupt change In
the card-table arrangements to a ladys
inability TO play the losing game.
The rest OF the evening passed without
a word or a look from her. She kept her
place at the piano; and / kept mine at
the card-table. She. played unintermitting-
ly-played as IL the music was her only
refuge from herself. Sometimes her fin
gers touched the notes with lingering
fondness. soft, plantive, dying tender
nj mo Al
to hear-sometimes they faltered and
failed her, or hurried over the instrument
mechanically, as IL their task was bur
den TO them. But still, change and waver
as they might In the expression they i'm
parted To the music, their resolution to
play never faltered. She only rose from
the piano when we all rose to say good
night.
Mrs vesey was the nearest to the door
and-th first to shake hands with me.
81 shall not see You again, Mr.. Hart
right" said the old lady. IL am truly
sorry you are going away. You have been
very kind and attentive and an old wom-
an. like me. feels kindness and attention.
I wish you happy. sir-I wish you kind
goodbye"
Mr.. Gilmore came next.
II hope we shall have future oppor-
Hartright You quite understand about
that little matter OF business being safe
in my hands? Yes. yes. OF course. Bless
me, how cold Il is! Don't let me keep you
at the door. Bon voyage. my dear sir
bon voyage. az the French say
Miss Halcombe followed.
Half past seven tomorrow morning."
she said: then added. I'm whisper. Il
have heard and seen more than you think.
Your conduct tonight has made me your
friend for life
Mlss Fairlie came last could not trust
myself 10 look at her. when / took her
hand. and when thought OF the next
morning.
my departure must be a very early
one" said. II shall be gone Miss Fairlle,
before you"
mo. no." she interposed. hastily: mot
before I am out OF my room. | shall be
down 10 breakfast with Marian. am not
so ungrateful, not so forgetful OF the past
three months"
Her voice failed her: her hand closed
gently round mlne-then dropped II sud
denly Before ! could say GOOD night, y
she was gone.
The end comes fast to meet me-comes
inevitably. as the light OF the last morn
ing came az Iimmeridge House.
IL was barely half past seven when l
went down stalrs-but 7 found them both
NJ breakfast-table waiting for me. In the
chill air. m the dim light. In the gloomy
morning silence OF the house, we three
sat down together, ana tried 10 eat, tried
90 talk The struggle 10 preserve appear
ances was hopeless and useless; and
rose 10 end ~.
A I held out my hand. as Miss Hal
ccnbe. who was nearest 10 me, took II,
Miss Fairlio turned away suddenly, and
hurried from the room.
BETTER So" said Miss HalcOmbe. when
the door had closed-"better SO. for YOU
and for her
7 waited a moment before 7 could speak
1T was hard 90 lose her. without a part
ing word. or a parting look. 7 controlled
myself. tried 10 take leave Of Miss Hal