Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1904-12-29

there tomsaRow night, but 1 doubt ii /,
go. | am not much in the society line
Now have told you all. Will you mol
in return give ME some knowledge Of
yourself:' he begged. The girl hest
tated.
IL am a very unimportant person
l am sort of a companion-yes, com
p~anion-to an elderly gentleman, and
n l do not know when | shall bt
married." glancing at the ring. 1T l.
because the gentleman is dining oui
that l am free tonight. SO do let us
enjoy it. All, here comes our dinner
You will have soup?''
The long English twilight was still
lingering when the two issued from
the restaurant. The artist, at her re,
quest for a hanson, drew his breath
sharply.
"And ann l really never to see you
again!" he demanded. The girl lifted
uncertain eyes
rs it not best:" she asked. And aft
Ell a momen he answered to their mute
appeal.
You are right. 1t is best he said
steadily. The girls face cleared.
"And-and YOU will go on and work
make yourself famous she insisted
Attend Sir Anthony Frewell's recep
ton tomorrow night"
IF you wish it. And now goodby
Give the man your own address. l will
not listen. And if ever l do accom-
plish anything remember that it is
first of all due to you. Goodby."
AS Doninthorne next evening entered
Sir Anthony Frewells house the blaze
Of lights and sounds Of music fairly
dazzled him. At the announcement OF
his name the "R. A." shook him warm.
ly by the hand.
II am glad to meet you" exclaimed
the great man cordially. Your work
shows remarkable promise, and l think
it likely-yes. very likely-that yours
may be the prize design in II competi
ton. My little daughter tells ME that
she has already met YOU" he contin.
ued. She is not out yet, but begged
so hard TO be allowed down tonight
that l finally consented. You know,
these motherless girls usually have
their w way" with a smile.
But the artist hardly heard. He was
watching IL girl, the back of whose
head looked oddly familiar. AS if con-
scious of his gaze, she turned, then
came slowly forward. Sir Anthony
patted her hand.
This is my madcap, and she does
not deserve to be here after the
naughty way in which she ran off from
poor Miss Finch yesterday"
The girl, her mouth curling mischiev.,
ously, glanced up at the artist.
81 certainly played truant," she ad.
mitted. Come, Mr.. Doninthorne. can
l moi present you to some of these
pretty girls:
Doninthorne, doggedly persistent,
drew her into the conservatory.
"Why-why did you do it?" he de-
manded. Miss Frewell laughed.
Because l pleased and because-I
knew you all the time and-and want.
ed to see if | would like you.'
".And you notwithstanding danger
ously close. The girls breath quick.
ened. !.
IL haven't decided yet she re
sponded lamely. D%oninthorne, touch
ing the now ringltss hand only half
concealed by its lace mitt, gazed in
quilingly.
"And tlliS?'
She had the grace to flush.
'That was my chaperon. 1t is an en-.
gagement ring, my mothers. which l
always wear, though not always on
that hand"
Doninthorne's clasp frightened.
"Ah, and when you have decided
about me, when the success that seems
about to be achieved shall have def
nitely crowned my work, may 1, dare L,
hope that you will wear another ring
mine?" He vas holding both hands
now unrebuked and bent lower to catch
her answer May l put one on the
proper finger, dear?" The girl, her
lashes tiuttering, dropped her head.
Perhaps some day" she whispered.