Amador ledger., 1905-01-13

there tomorrow night, but doubt If
go. l am not much in the society line.
Now l have told you all Will you moi
in return give me some knowledge of
yOurself?' he begged. The girl hesi-
tated.
II am very unimportant person
l am sort Of a companion-yes, com.
panion-to an elderly gentleman, and
and l do not know when l shall be
married" glancing at the ring. ''It Is
because the gentleman is dining out
that 1 am free tonight. So do let us
enjoy it. All, here comes our dinner
You will have soupT
The long English twilight was still
lingering when the two issued from
the restaurant The artist, at her re-
quest for hanson, drew his breath
sharply.
"And am 1 really never to see you
uncertain eyes.
''Is it not best?' she asked And aft.
er moment he answered to their mute
appeal.
You are right. 1t is best" he said
steadily. The girls face cleared.
"And-and you will go on and work
make yourself famous" she insisted
ATTEND Sir Anthony Frewell's recep-
tion tomorrow night"
'If you wish it. And now goodby
Give the man your own address. l will
not listen. And if ever 1 do accom-
plish anything remember that it is
first of all due to you. Goodby.'
AS Doninthorne next evening entered
Sir Anthony Frewell's house the blaze
of lights and sounds of music fairly
dazzled him. At the announcement Of
his name the "R. A" shook him warm
ly by the hand.
Il am glad to meet you," exclaimed
the great man cordially. "Your work
shows remarkable promise, and think
it likely-yes, very likely-that yours
may be the prize design in our comped-
ton. My little daughter tells me that
she has already met you," he contin-
ued. "She is not out yet, but begged
so hard to be allowed down tonight
that 1 finally consented. You know,
these motherless girls usually have
their own way" with a smile.
But the artist hardly heard. He was
watching a girl, the back Of whose
head looked oddly familiar. AS If con-
scious of his gaze, she turned, then
came slowly forward. Sir Anthony
patted her hand.
''This is my madcap, and she does
not deserve to be here after the
naughty way in which she ran off from
poor Miss Finch yesterday"
The girl, her mouth curling mischiev
ously, glanced up at the artist.
81 certainly played truant," she ad-
mitted. "Come, Mr.. Doninthorne, can
1 not present you to some Of these
pretty girls?'
Doninthorne, doggedly persistent,
drew her into the conservatory.
"Why-why did you do itT' he de-
manded. Miss Frewell laughed.
Because 1 pleased and because-I
knew you all the time and-and want
ed to see if would like you"
"And you decided" ed"-coming danger
ously close. The girls breath quick
ened.
IL haven't decided yet" she re-
sponded lamely. Doninthorne, touch
ing the now ringless hand only half
concealed by its lace mitt, gazed in
quiringly.
"And this?'
She had the grace to flush.
'That was my chaperon. 1t is an en-
gagement ring, my mothers, which l
always wear, though not always on
that hand"
Doninthorne's clasp tightened.
"Ah, and when you have decided
about me, when the success that seems
about to be achieved shall have def
nitely crowned my work, may 1, dare l,
hope that you will wear another ring
miner" He was holding both hands
now unrebuked and bent lower to catch
her answer. MAY I put one on the
proper finger, dearT The girl, her
lashes fiuttering, dropped her head.
Perhaps some day." she whispered.