The Somerset reporter., 1904-08-18


ner had been announced. She had
barely time 10 toss aside her furs and
exchange few hurried words with
Mrs. Creighton.
There WIS ole thing certain. she de
cided. after Il glance ut Helen and the
rest. They Lad not heard yet. and she
WAS clad Of an hours respite After
tAe scene With pean lust nJebt. follow
ed by lie solemn ole in the morning
with her mother. and finally the re
proaehes and condolences of four
younger sisters. each with her indi-
vidual opinion on the fitness of the
engagement, it was IA relief to breathe
freely without fear of conversational
dissection Of her ease.
Who is to take me in she asked
at the foot of the stairs. but Helen WAS
already bowling and smiling 10 another
guest rs she answered.
You're always late. dear, aren't
YOU: No EXCUSE. though, please Don't
you see the senator looking helpless
and alone over there: Hes TO take me
in and thinks I'm lost
But Rosemary stopped short
and went upstairs 10 the dressing room
with Il little sudden heartaehe. For Il
whole month one only had had the
right and privilege of claiming her, and
now she WAS free again. She hoped
Helen would not give her TO any one
brilliant and strenuous tonight, who
would bother her by trying to make
an impression. She didn't want to be
impressed. In a measure she blamed
impressionism for her engagement to
Dean. lie was Il royal comrade. clever
and responsive. but not too clever or
too responsive. There was difference.
Looking back on the joyous days of the
month, shI decided that ii had been this
element of chumship, of mindful attini-
ty. which had been responsible for the
whole thing.
As comrade Dean WIS splendid. but
rs a lover in the role of prospective
husband to be welded to for life she
had suddenly discovered that he was
eXacting-most eXactinE.
Any man who was engaged to a girl
and positively forbade any other man
falling in love with her was exacting
Moreover, it was foolish. because, real
ly. it was in the abstract a compliment
to his OWN good taste.
She could not help Jack Stowell tell
ing her that he loved her. OF course
he loved her. He had told her so on an
average of twice n month for over a
year. And he was a dear. dear boy.
She smiled contentedly at the mir
rored image of herself in the dressing
room as she paused to tuck In few
refractory hairpins. Who could help
loving her? Even Dean had called
was sweet to remember that. OF course
he had behaved intolerably about jack,
but when man is In love
She laughed softly and buried her
lips caressingly in the heart Of a
single long stemmed La France rose
that lay lightly on her breast
The last trailing gown was vanish
ing beyond the heavy velvet portieres
of the dining room as she came down
stairs only one lone figure awaited
her coming In the wide hall. and she
wondered who it could be. Not Jack.
Mrs. Creighton did not approve of
Jack. In fact, she had once called
him a cub. Mild, but irritating-to
jack The figure turned suddenly at
the sound of her coming. 1t was Dean
himself Half unconscously she hes
itated. her head lifted trife higher
than usual, her lashes dropping OBJ
stinately over telltale eyes.
He was terribly grave and dlgnlfied.
II am to have the pleasure of talk
ing you in. Mrs. Creighton said. She
evidently does not know"
Il had no idea that you would be
here" She spoke Indignantly. 1t was
almost impertinent of him, when only
last night she had told him she never
wished to even look Mt him again,
Il could hardly help myself, after
accepting the invitation a week ago.
We will probably meet In the same
places for some time, until the break,
ing of the engagement Is announced.
At present people consider us indis-
pensable TO each others happiness
His quiet courteous sarcasm WAS
maddening under the circumstances.
She resolved not to even speak In him
again. Old Mr.. Rathbnrn sat al her
other hand, and she devoted herself To
him with earnest fprVor He WIS in