Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-03

had firmly established nlmSelI, was not quite guiltless of usurping the role of dictator in the effort to patch up truce A few nights before the CO., tillon, when Barbara told him that Herbert filling was to lead, he ex- plosively expressed surprise. Why not Monty Brewster, Babs?" he de manded.
 "Mr. Brewster is not coming" she responded calmly.
 Going to be out of townF'
 I'm sure do not know" stlf1y.
 What's this?'
 "He has not been asked. father" Miss Drew was not in good humor.
 Not askedY' said the colonel In amazement. Its ridiculous, Babs. Send him an invitation at once"
 This is my dance, father, and don't want to ask Mir Brewster
 The colonel sank back in his chair and struggled to overcome his anger. He knew that Barbara had inherited his willfulness and had long since dis covered that it was best to treat her with tact
 q thought you and he were'- But the colonel's supply of tact was ex- hausted
 We were," in a moment or absent mindedness, but it's all over," said Barbara.
 Why, child, there wouldn't have been a cotillon if it hadn't been for But the colonel remembered his prom ise to Monty and checked himself just in time. TT mean there will not be any party if Montgomery Brewster is not asked That is all care to say on the subject" And he stamped out of the room.
 Barbara wept copiously after her fla ther had gone, but she realized that his will was law and that Monty must be invited. T will send an invitation" she said to herself, but if Mir. Brew ster comes after he has read 1t shall be surprised
 Montgomery, however, did not re ceive the note in the spirit in which 1t had been sent. He only saw in it ray of hope that Barbara was relenting and was jubilant at the prospect of reconciliation. The next Sunday he sought an interview with Miss Drew, but she received him with icy reserve. If he had thought to punish her by staying away it was evident that she felt equally responsible for great deal of misery on his part. Both had been more or less unhappy, and both were resentfully obstinate. Brewster felt hurt and insulted, while she felt that he had imposed upon her disgrace fully. He was now ready to cry quits, and it surprised him to find her obdu- rate. If he had expected to dictate the terms of peace he was woefully disap- pointed when she treated his advances with cool contempt
 Barbara, you know I care very much for you" he was pleading, fairly on the road to submission. T am sure you are not quite indifferent to me- This foolish misunderstanding must really be as disagreeable to you as it Is to me-
 'Indeedw she replied, lifting her brows disdainfully. You are assum ing a good deal, Mr. Brewster"
 T am merely recalling the fact that you once told me you cared. You would not promise anything. know, but it meant much that you cared A little difference could not have changed your feeling completely"
 When you are ready to treat me with respect I may listen to your peti- tion,' she said, rising haughtily.
 My petition? He did not like the word. and his tact quite deserted him. Its as much yours as mine. Don't throw the burden of responsibility on me, Miss Drew"
 Have I suggested going back to the old relations? You will pardon me if I remind you of the fact that you came today on your own initiative and cer- tainly without my solicitation"
 Now. look here, Barbara"- he be- gan. dimly realizing that it was going to be hard. very hard, to bring her to reason.
 T am very sorry, Mir. Brewster, but you will have to excuse me. I am go- ing out
 "I regret exceedingly that I should have disturbed you today. Miss Drew," he said, swallowing his pride. Per haps I may have the pleasure of see ing you again"
 As he was leaving the house. deep anger in his soul. he encountered the colonel. There was something about Monty's greeting, cordial as it was, that gave the older man hint as to the situation.
 Won't you stop for dinner. MontyT he asked in the hope that his sus- picion was groundless.
 Thank you. colonel. not tonight" and he was of before the colonel could hold him.
 Barbara was tearfully angry when her father came into the room. but as he began to remonstrste with her the tears disappeared and left her at white heat.
 Frankly. father. you don't under stand matters" she said. with slow em- phasis "I wish you to know now that If Montgomery Brewster calls again shah not see him.
 If that Is your point of view. Barba- "a. wish you to know mine" The colonel rose and stood over her. every thing forgotten but the rage that went so deep thst it left the surface calm.