Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-03-29
of love. and he found her an apt pupil

OF love. and he found her an apt pupil
with the refinement of cruelty. Bur
ton made Marjorie understand he was
welded to his art. and to art alone.
and poor Marjorles love was such that
she thought 1t Il noble thing, and loved
him all the better for it.
And for all these years she had re-.
manned true to her ideal, though Paul
had passed out OF her life completely.
And now there was an invitation from
Bee inviting her to meet him.
How Marjorie lived through the day
which interviewed she never knew Her
nurses found her tritle hard to work
for, and Frank Ashton was severely
snubbed more than once, which did
not. however. prevent him from knock,
Ing at MarjOries door on the eventful
evening with a huge bunch of parma
violets.
She blushed as Frank entered, and,
murmuring thanks, fastened the VIC
lets into the belt of her gown. saying:
You are good boy to remember my
favorite flowers
why. Marjorie" he said. delightful
ly. you look altogether radiant. What
has happened to you
Don't be stupid, Frank; i.s useless
telling woman who has been nurs-
ing all these years she looks radiant
its nonsensew
1T Isn't Marjorie. I've never seen
you look better; ana what jolly
frock."
I'm look in and fetch you If can,
old lady" lie said. as he tucked her
into a hanson; for Frank Ashton knew
the FACETS also.
Arrived at the FACETS. Marjorie
made her way up the large staircase,
and having greeted Bee. passed on
into the crowded room. At the far end
seated on luxurious divan. was PAM
holding small court. When he caught
sight of Marjorie he advanced to meet
her.
marjorie" he whispered "can it be
Marjorie? Come with me away from
these people. | have much to tell
you.'
ly-lighted conservatory.
"Ah. Marjorie" he was beginning to
say, when high-pitched voice was
heard. and a stout, plain woman,
whose personal appearance bore more
evidence of dollars than refinement.
stood before them
Paul" the woman said, ~ have
been looking for You everywhere, as
we were due at the Duchess in ten
minutes"
"All right. Clinda. Allow me-
turning to Marjorie-.'to introduce my
Wife"
For moment Marjore's senses
reeled. Then the long habit of self
control came to her aid But to her
surprise. the pain was not what she
imagined 1t would be-disgust, rather,
that the man who had talked so much
about marriage of soul with soul, and
| of afiinities. should have married the
almighty dollar.
The shallowness of mis- nature came
before her. His small affectatlons and
| tohNCtts. uihotiStN III tliS VII udNS vi
infatuation, impressed themselves on
her; and how Insignificant his appear
ance was, compared with Frank Ash.
toms, for instance.
In the doorway she met Frank Ash
ton. who looked ut her curiously. "Hel-
10, Marjorie" he said: you look lit
tie pale. Can | get you anythlng"
you might get me hansom
Frank; I'm a bit tired. Nursing and
frivolty don't go well together"
Frank complied, and slapped into
the cab after her, when. to his sur
prise. Marjorie, the calm and self-con-
trolled, buried her face in her slim.
white hands and fairly sobbed.
Marjorie. darling" he said, as he
slipped an arm around her unresisting
waist and drew her sunny head on to
his broad shoulder-"my precious dar-
ling. tell me what is wrong"
"Oh, Frank" she sobbed, 81 had
| such beautiful Illusion! loved it
so! made such dear little shrine