Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-12-14
CHAPTER NXXVI.
AT THE RECEPTION.

Miss Aspinwalrs house in the city
was as sumptuous as Miss Rogers WAS
plain. On this afternoon, it was more
than sumptuous; it was fairy-land OF
cxotics and Towering shrubs. In a
room above, amid crowds of richly.
dressed women, stood Miss Rogers with
an undecided look on her downcast
face. She did not seem ready to ad.
vance and mingle with the crowd that
was descending to pay its respects to
the hostess. She faltered and an
swered absently those who felt they
had the liberty to address her, and
only moved on at last when the pres.
sure of the crowd became unbearable.
Arriving in the hall, she hesitated
still. There We're q few gentlemen
standing on tn. staircase and she
seemed to have Il dread of gentlemen,
and to shrink whenever she saw the
head of one turn in her direction.
Withdrawing herself with some diff
Guilty from the throng by which she
was hemmcd in, she slipped into Il
little alcove containing a small table
ON which was pitcher of icc-water
and some glasses. AS she moved to
come out again she heard someone
remark that Degraw was to sail that
night for Rome, where he intended 10
set up a studio.
Everything was black before her for
n moment He had no faith in her.
ln Cd
and hated it, All was forgotten, even
Hilary, but the fact that he was going
away and that the earth was empty
for her.
She worked her way to certain lit.
tie dressing room, where Hilary kept
her dresses. Choosing the one most
like the discarded one at homo, she
put it on. Then she went out and
turned her steps again toward the
crowd. moving toward the stairs. AS
touched. A hand reached through the
mass and thrust roll of paper into
her hand. Frightened. she knew not
why, she unrolled the paper and read,
with staring eyes and hair rising on
her forehead. Il few mysterious words.
Mcrciful heaven. What did they mean?
Where did they come from? How did
they come here? Recoiling for Il sec
ond time from the head Of tho stair
case, she dashed toward that part of
the house into which Il messenger, such
as she imagined herself to have seen.
hn al 10 IL
sought, she inquired. and found, not
one of her own maids, but The Jolly
little French girl who had taken her
hardreSser's place that day.
Did you bring this she asked.
Yes. mademoiSelle."
"And who made you-who gave
you this for mc-your employer
Madame --:'
"Oui, madmoisellc; who else? ! as
sure you l carried it quite ioyfully,
and only regret had to interrupt
mademoselle's pleasure
But mademoisclle had turned HOY
back.
''The Portuguese" she murmurcl,
"the Portuguese" And she grew quite
white and stole away into Hlarys
dressing room for Il second time, and
mechanically took down Il large silk
cloak that she wrapped about her, thus
hiding her gown, and making of her
appearance a mystery, which might
and might not be penetrated by
watchful lovers eye. Thus enshroud-
nI bn lac,onIn1 i,,tn Ia,
dering would he see what her non-com-
initial costume meant!
Miss Aspinwall, meantime, was
awaiting her friends tardy approach
with secret impatience. Contrary to
Mr.. Degraw's suggestions, she had
not been taken into Miss Rogers conf
dence, and knew nothing of the i'm
portance of the hour TO the two hearts
dearest to her. Yet she felt vaguely
uneasy, especially after she saw
Jenny's face and could not prevent a
wondering glance as she noticed that
her friend was wrapped in one of her
own cloaks.
II have had an accident-spilled lem
onade or something all over the front
of my dress" whispered Jenny, as she
observed this look, and her friends
wonder and astonishmept
There was not time for more; dozen
ladies weres behind her. Miss Rogers
passed on, but she felt her heart un-
accountably lightenea. She always
did when she looked in Hlary's pure
face.
She thel sought out place where
She would not be too visible. but where
she could herself see the persons about
her. So finding q vacant spot near
lofty palm, she turned her face slowly
toward the crowd and at last ventured
to lift her eyes. He was there She
saw him but lie was not looking her
way. Nor did he look lc- w.. though
her Whole soul summoneu MN through
her eager glance.
While she was standing in her place,
absorbed in her own reflections con-
corning him, hand was pushed
against her own and would not be
denied. 1t was very fine and courtly
gentleman's hand. She noted that be-
fore she had taken in his face. When
she did she turned scarlet. 1t was Mr..
Byrd who stood before her. and he
Awas looking at her with very searching
kyes.
Il sincerely beg your pardon" said
II am not an invited guest in this
blage. but l have u bit of news