The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-08-28

ly, as though irnpelled by some power
outside herself, and their eyes met.
'Avices" he urged; the word was al
most cry IN its note of conflict. He
flung out his hand towards her, and after
moments hesitation she took lit in
both of hers.
Listen" she said, gently "You have
j made me very happy; don't spoil my
little moment"
Tears were in her eyes, but she smiled
as he held her hand for moment.
A carriage drew up below, with a
jingle of harness and clatter of hoofs
Here is Gertrude said Avice. quiet
ly. I'm afraid the tea won't be worth
drinking"
A moment later she came in. her gown
rustling, the bangles on her wrists clink-
ing little as she threw off her cloak.
why, Philip" she exclaimed. in an
annoyed voice, after her greeting to
Avice 'sYou here? Didn't you get the
note I left for you? Didn't Colonel
Ridley come, them" she went on. turn
ing TO Avice.
oh yes; he had come and gone be-
fore Mr.. Wetherby arrived she said.
ooh, that's all right" Gertrude an
.swered. with such sudden abandon
ment of her displeased tone that Avice
smiled in spite Of herself mo tea,
thank you. I really only just ran in to
see you,-late, on purpose" She glanced
at her friend curiouslv Il hoped [
might perhaps congratulate you, DEAR"
he added.
Yes, indeed You may Avice replied.
quickly. Il am offered some work on
the Comet, which pays very well, Pm
told"
+'And you have accepted it:" asked
Mrs. Wetherby, little shril1y.
Certainly" she replied.
There was a moments silence
well, Avice!' said Mrs. Wetherby at
last, in tone of undisguised exaspera-
ton. "You really are But there! [
suppose it's your affair, after ALL
Il think SO" said Avice, gently but
with certain dignity which caused her
friend to change the subject somewhat
abruptly
81 wish you would persuade Philip
to come to Melbourne with me next
month" she said, pettishly Il have to
go over on business, as you know, and
hate going alone | wish to goodness
we could settle there altogether" she
went on. I'm always worrying him
about it. I never really liked London"
Perhaps that will also arrange itself
in time" said Philip breaking silence.
"Also?" repeated his wife.
I've made up my mind to go with
you next month, at any rate" he said.
smiling.
4 never knew such mani" Gertrude
observed, turning to Avice. Hes as
Only yesterday he finally decided not to
GO
Leave me the luxury of a within or
two, kind lady" he urged, in a tone at
which his wife laughed. and Avice win
ced as she turned to the window.
Well, said Mrs. Wetherby, rising,
'good-by, Avice I may not be able to
see you again before we start. am per-
fectly distracted there is SO much to
be done
She kissed her coldly while Avice ut
tered conventional wishes for pleas
ant tourney.
"Good-by," she said. giving her hand
to Philip without raising her eyes.
She stood at the window and watched
the carriage drive off. At the corner of
knew he saw her standing sIere.
The spring twilight was falling. The
in the garden showed clear
against stretch of pale-green sky. One
solitary thrush was still singing; the air
as Avice leant from the window was in
soft and sweet.
She was TREMENDOUSLY, vaguely happy
though in the background of conscious
ness he knew that her exalted mood was
only transient that vain longings, re-
grets. the ceaseless struggle with life,
we're all before her
Nevertheless, as she sat motionless,
the silent coming of the stars,
'he experienced the most intense delight
ife had yet bestowed upon her.
Whatever happens" she thought, Il
hall have had something"