Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1905-04-20

tN mOniOusly into her friends room.
~ Mary" she cried, is it posi-
BE you have refused Christopher Pat
ton?'
Mary Vane, tall, pretty girl who
was adjusting her fur collarette before
the mirror, turned quickly, her soft
cheeks flushing scarlet.
why, Brunetta," she exclaimed,
show can you expect me to answer such
a question:"
Brunetta, who was small and stout.
and attired in the height Of the prevail
ing mode, sank down in a chair and
laughed.
Il didn't expect you to answer 1t.
There is no necessity you should do so.
Mr.. Patton told Tom last night that
you had thrown him over. l don't see
how your conscience allowed you to act
so. He is such catch-yOung and good
looking. Best of all, he is enormously
wealthy"
Mary smiled as she speared a crown
of her demure little turban with a long
pin. She was thinking of q man who
was no longer young-near forty, per-
haps-whO was handsOmer in her eyes
than all other men, and who was by no
means wealthy.
81 really believe" went on Miss Roth,
that you have an absurd fancy for
Charlie Everett do, indeed
Mary's smile became quizzical.
Really" she said.
''Oh, l have no patience with you
declared Brunetta. wrathfully. You've
known Charlie Everett three or four
years All this time he has been most
devoted to you, but not one of your
friends knows to this day whether you
are engaged or not"
The smile faded from Mary's lips
1--WE are not" she answered. and the
gay little cousin fancied her tone was
sad.
"And yet you have been more gra-
cious to him than to any of the Others"
pursued Miss Roth. relentlessly. ''Mary,
are you in love with him."
Isn't that" counter-questioned Mary,
eyastively, what the lawyers would call
a leading question? l don't wish to seem
rude, or to hurry you, Brunette, but I
have an engagement to sign some papers
this afternoon at the office of Deal &
Burrit Can't you come with me?"
Eyes. I must see Nine. Bireau about
my Easter hat. One must arrange with
her in time, as she is always rushed
with orders. Are those papers connected
with your uncles will?'
'He left you everything! What a
lucky girl you are. 1 suppose now you
feel you can afford to marry whom you
please"
The conversation again turned on
Charlie Everett as the girls rode down
town together on the Metropolitan Ele-
waited.
He Is amysterous fellow" Brunette
remarked.
"Mysterious" Mary sent her a sud
den look of inquiry. What do you
mean?'
"Wel, there really is reason why he
should be considered a good deal Of IN
enigma While not wealthy like Chris
TOPPER Patton, Tom tells me he has 4
good salary. and adds to this by writings
But you know he does not spend money
as other men in our class do. He Is not
liberal in the matter Of theaters or flow
ers. He lives quietly. He has no expen-
sive habits. Where, then. does his money
go?'
Mary Nane was silent.
There is one house in the suburbs
where he is known to frequently visit"
the other went on. Brunette. as will be
observed, was not above enjoying a Cos
sip 1.-Two women live there. One is
apparently a superior sort of servant.
The other is a pretty, delicate-looking
little creature of about twenty-five or
Whereabouts. Occasionally Mr.. Everett
takes her driving through the parks. Has
he ever mentioned her to yOu?"
Mary forced herself to answer: NO"
Nor to anyone else. But have seen
him out with her. Who is she?''
A feeling of unrest, an undefnable
fear, thrilled the heart of Mary Vane
She recalled the night Charlie Everett
had told her Of his love. 81 cannot now
ask you to be my WIFE" he had said.
II will some day, God willing The time
may not be far off, but love you too
we'll to bind You by a promise you might
later find burdensome. And yet-dear
you viii trust me and waltz