The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-07-23

supernumerary, the latter leant back in
differently, with a strong expression OF
discomfort and WEAKNESS on her pretty
face. She was prettier, perhaps, than
when we last saw her as Fee Alton; but
sadder, more pensive, and her beauty was
enhanced by the magnicence of her jew
ery.
Il am so glad you have Gomez Mrs.
Clayton said, smiling up in Errol's face
and yielding her hand to his gentle pres
sure-"I was so dull. None of my friends
has been up to see me. and Mr.. Clayton
is so fascinated by some lovely creature
on the stage that he has no eyes for any
one else. Francis" she continued, touch
ing her husband-"Francis, Mr.. Hastings
is here"
Mr.. Clayton looked savagely at her.
and then he gave surly recognition to
Mr.. Hastings.
Il hardly expected to see you here this
evening" he said.
You know, Francis, told you 1 asked
Mr.. Hastings to come" said Fee, ma
liciously. Your memory is not usually
so defective"
Madame was not in the best of tempers
constant contact with a man like her
husband had not tended to increase the
amiability of her disposition.
Mr. Clayton turned away to the stage,
and left his wife to an uninterrupted con
versation with her friend. But all the
same he was trying to hear every word
that passed between them; he was far too
small-minded to be free from jealousy and
suspicion. Fee was perfectly aware that
he was listening, so she dropped her
voice to a whisper, and f1irted away in
very animated manner with Mr.. Hast
ings. Francis Clayton was gradually be-
coming furious. At the end of the third
act he arose.
at is time to put on your cloak" he
said in a harsh and unpleasant voice.
why, dear?" asked Fee. looking up
with languid innocence, ARE you afraid
| shall take cold? You are not usually
so solicitous about me-"
Il ordered the carriage early, and l do
not choose my horses to be kept wait
ing" he replied, scarcely deigning to look
at her.
Mr. Clayton moved toward the door,
and his wife resumed her conversation
with more animation than ever.
Are you coming?" he exclaimed, turn
ing impatiently.
'Me-coming?' returned Fee, nonchal-
antly, raising her eyebrows. MY dear
Francis, what could put such an absurd
idea into your head?"
To be treated with Indifference, and,
worse, ridicule, is naturally disagreeable
to any man; but it made Mr.. Clayton,
sulky and ill-tempered as he already was,
perfectly ahame with rage.
Marion, are you comingT"
Certainly not"
'"Then l shall go alone. Henry can
get you fiacre when you feel disposed
to follow me-" And the amiable husband
left the box.
Mrs. Clayton was as bitter and angry
as a high-spirited woman would be under
the circumstances; but she went on talk
ing to her companion very fast, to conceal
her annoyance. She was too proud to
make any allusion to her husbands treat
ment of her; and Mr.. Hastings appeared
not to have noticed it. But he felt for
her keenly. He did not quite justify her,
or think she had behaved wisely, but he
saw what the man was, and felt there
must have been some strong undercurrent
of bitterness to change the bright, good
tempered, sunny, little fairy he had
known formerly to the Indifferent, pro-
volling woman of tonight. Poor little
girlr he thought to himself. Il dare
say she has found out by this time that
money doesn't bring happiness"
Mrs. Clayton remained until the fifth
act was half over, then she asked Enrol
to see if her servant was in the hall. He
left the box. and returned almost immedi-
ately.
my brougham is at your disposal, Mrs.
Clayton, and your servant is just calling
it up"
! She thanked him; and he put her cloak
/ carefully round her, and gave her his
/ arm.
/ Goodnight" she said, when she was
seated in the carriage. Many thanks
for your timely aid. VIII you come and
see us tomorrow at our hotel:"
! He promised; and at parting he held
! her hand longer than is strictly necessary
in wishing good-by.
The day after their meeting at the
| opera Mr. Hastings called on Mrs. Clay
ton; and Mr. Clayton, suspecting the
visit. was purposely at home. Fee bright
ened up when Mr.. Hastings was announc-
ed. She had always liked him; now in
her loneliness and misery she ranked him
as dear old friend Her manner was
ell the more cordial because she wanted
to annoy her husband.
mfr Hastings. | am delighted TO see
you; was just feeling so frightfully Dor
ed and dull. hope you bring a whole
budget of news"
II must ask first after my old friend
Lady Marion" he answered. Il cannot
forgive myself for my remissness in moi
doing so last night"
"Aunt is very well. thank you. I heard