The Minneapolis journal., 1903-03-02

seldom missed the genial house dinner Of
that most Bohemian of institutions.
Without ceremony I threw open the
door of my sitting-room, and entered,
but next instant stood still, for seated
in my chair patiently awaiting me was
the slim, well-dressed figure of Mary:
Courtenay. Her widows weeds became
her well, and as she rose with a rustic OF
silk, a, bright laugh rippled from her lips,
and she said:
4 know I'm an unexpected visitor, doc
tor, but you'll forgive my calling in this
manner. won't your I
"Forgive you? OF course l answered.
and with politeness,. which I confess was
feigned I invited her to be seated. True
to the promise made to- her husband, she
had lost no time in coming to see me, ana
was fortunately well aware of the pur-
port of her errand.
II had no idea you were in London
said, by way of allowing her to explain
the object of her visit, for in the light ot
knowledge had gained on the Meme bank
two nights previously her call was OF con-
siderable interest.
I'm only up for a couple Of days. she
| answered. London has not the charm
| for me that it used to have,' and she
sighed heavily, as though her mind were
crowded by bitter memories. Then rails
ing her veil, and revealing her pale, hand
some face, she said bluntly: "1he reason
|
wynn - - /. f. .' s. =.
| "Well, what of her?" asked, looking
Estraight into her face and noticing for the
first time a curious, shifty look in her
eyes, such as I had never before noticed
in her She tried to remain calm, but by
the nervous twitching of her fingers ana
of her lower lip I knew that within her
was concealed a tempest Of conflicting
emotions. g
"To speak very frankly. Ralph" she
said in a calm, serious voice, Il don't
think you are treating her honorably, poor
girl. You seem to have forsaken her al
together, and the neglect has broken her
heart" .. .. Is r r.....
mo, Mrs. Courtenay; you misunder-
stand the situation.'' I protested. "That
have neglected her slightly I admit;
nevertheless, the neglect was not wilful
but owing to my constant occupation in
my practice .se... 81
talk that you've broken off the engage
n1ent." .-=: ...,. -.
j Gossip does not affect me, therefore
why should she take any heed of it?''
: s"Well, she loves you. That you know
: quite we'll You surely could mot have
been deceived in those days at Kew, for
:. her devotion to you was absolute and com
plete.'' She was pleading her sisters
, cause, just as Courtenay had directed her
! I felt annoyed that she should thus en-
! deavor to impose upon me- yet saw the
! folly of betraying the fact that I knew hel
I secret. My intention to wait anc
watch.
Il called at the Henniker's a couple O.
. days ago. but Ethewynn is no Longer
q there. She's gone into the country i
:, seems" remarked.
''Wllere TOP she asked quickly.
! "She's visiting someone near Here
e ford.''
"Oh!' she exclaimedas though a sudde
{. light dawned upon her. Il know. then
It Why, I wonder, did she not tell me.
y intended to call on her this evening, bu
If it is useless. I'm glad to know, for don
J. care much for Mrs. Henniker She's sue
y a very shallow woman
d ..Ethelwynn seems to have wandere
y about a good deal since the sad affair a
y Kew" I observed.
IF Eyes, and so have L. she Responded
1t Gas you are well aware, the blow wa
1; such a terrible one to me that-some
to howhow feel I shall never get over it
II. neyer!" saw tears, genuine tears, wei
Or ing in her eyes. If she could betray emo
IN tio1l In that manner she was surely a wo1
is derful actress
Thine will efface your SORROW, sal
r in a voice meant to be sympathetic. q
O; a year or two your grief will not be
ut poignant, and the past will gradually fae
H. from your memory It is always so. So
Gs She shook her head mournfully.
ed 40, u she said, for an addition to n