The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1905-01-05

there tomorrow night, but | doubt if
go. am not much in the society line
Now l have told you all. Will you not
in return give me some knowledge of
yourselfY' he begged. The girl hest
tated.
II am very uninlpOrtant person.
l am sort of Il companion-yes, COM
paniOn-tO an elderly gentleman. and
and | do not know when l shall be
married" CHANGING ut the ring 1T is
because the gentleman is dining out
that l am free tonight. So do let us
enjoy it, Ali. here comes our dinner
You will have soup?"
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 | really never to see you
againT he demanded. The girl lifted
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 Frewelrs recep-
ton tomorrow night"
IF you wish it. And now goodby.
Give the man your own address. l will
not listen. And if ever | 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 aud sounds of music fairly
dazzled him. At the announcement Of
his name the "R. A." shook him warm
ly by the hand.
81 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 competi-
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 l finally consented. You know,
these motherless girls usually have
their own way" with a smile.
But the artist hardly heard. lie was
watching Il 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 mIdcap, 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 ut the artist.
Il certainly played truant,' she adj
mitted. Come Mr.. Doninthorne, can
l not present you 10 some Of these
pretty sirls:"
Doninthorne, doggedly persistent
drew her into the conservatory.
"Why why did you do it?' he de
manded. Miss Frewell laughed.
Because l pleased and because
knew you all the time and and want
ed to see if | would like you"
"And you decided danger
ously close The girls breath quick,
ened.
IL haven't decided vet she re
sponded lamely. Doninthorne. touch
ing the now ringless hand only hall
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 ling, my mothers, which
always wear, though not always OF
that hand"
Doninthorues clasp frightened.
'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 l, dare
hope that you will wear another ring
mine?' He was holding both hands
now unrebuked and bent lower to catcl
her answer. May | put one on the
proper finger, DEAR" The girl, hel
lashes fiuttering, dropped her head.
perhaps some day. she whispered