Perth Amboy evening news., 1906-01-15

no refusal. This gave her time to re-
fleet that fight would be cowardice.
Berthe was quite within his rights.
lhough hasty. And she was fortunate
10 have got rid Of a man who could
soc anything ia that horsy Noreham
creature.
Her partner. a cheerful young man,
said- Have you heard the news about
Maude Noreham?"
Her heart sank in spite Of all her
determination. About her engage
meui?' She asked, family.
Yes said her partner. Lucky
beggar isn't hep
She didn't know what reply she
made, nor what they talked about for
he rest Of that dance. She only knew
that iu order to do this SO suddenly,
Berthe and that-that person must
have had an understanding for months
yetore-must have simply been wait
ing for the opportunity-oh, the vii.
lainous ~treachsry Of it all! And with
her riugl
AT last the music stopped, and the
dance ended. Would you mind fnd-
ing my mother for me?" she said, with
difficulty keeping back the tears.
Her partner VAS very sorry, and
hoped she wasn't feeling faint. She
thought it must be the heat. But her
mo- her was nowhere to be seen. After
wandering about in a vain search, her
eye fell on a familiar figure. BERTHE
standing beside the table. Though
munching a sandwich, he looked the
picture of hopeless misery and despair.
He came slowly toward her. mourn
fully rubbing crumbs off his gloves.
Il think the next is our dance, Miss
Rowen,' he said, Offering his arm.
What was she to do? She took IL,
and they walked toward the conserva-
tory.
"oh, for a little sympathy" he
moaned.
Il should have thought you expected
congratulations" She spoke with a
touch Of bitterness.
Congratulations" he exclaimed.
savages. Congratulations? Listen.
Did l tell you how l loved Maude?"
Yes" she said.
Yes" he went on, 81 thought l had
mentioned it to somebody. Well" he
said, raising his head YEARLY, II
asked her if she would marry me-" He
paused. Was there anything unrea-
sonable in that?" he exclaimed, fierce
ly.
What did she say?" faltered Eva.
say he replied. "She said: TIA,
dear boy, but I'm suited; didn't / tell
you before?' just as if l were an err
rand boy applying for a situation"
What did she mean by Didn't | tell
you before?'"
Il don't know" he said, gloomily.
'Oh, l believe she had said something
earlier in the evening about just hay-
ing become engaged to Lord Daren.
If she had, l had forgotten all about
it,"
Then she wasn't engaged In you2"-
said Eva, with some excitement.
Not when | last heard of the mat
he said. Have you any later
news?"
Eva was tanning herself vigorously.
Il really believe you're pleased to
hear about it," he said, reproachfully.
No, I'm not" she said. I'm very
sorry for you"
That's the way with sisters; they
object to people their brothers
choose"
You al choose anybody you like"
she said.
It's worse than choosing a motor
ear, he sighed. why can't one hire
an expert to choose a wife?" He
shook his head. And yet must,
must
Why in such a hurry?" asked Eva.
Il should take a day or two to look
around
But it's so uncomfortable to feel
ones self hanging about loose and liza
bic to be snapped up at any moment.
Besides. I'm o like other men who
when they meet some sudden and ter
rible disaster fly to drink. Drink is
so vulgar; fly to matrimony."
Ana nave you q a dlSaSter? she
asked, with sisterly interest, still fam
ming herself.
Disaster" he said. dolefully.
Listen. For three months I had been
engaged to the beautifullest. sweetest
darling in the whole world-er-you-
you don't mind my coniding to you my
personal affairs like this?"
She said nothing, but felt warm and
comfortable and happy for the first
time that evening.
ALLOW me to fan you" he said,
taking her fan. We'll, it's a sad story.
| was saying she was the perfectest-
and SO on, don't you know"
Did she die?" said Eva. with SYM
PATTY. Please don't brush my nose
with the feathers"
No. she didn't exactly die. She
drew herself erect. with a flashing eye.
looking Neutrality-suspicious. an un-
happy mans "reminiscences, won't you?
and she said: Go! Out into blank,
dismal, dreary darkness Now why?
Because l was a murderer? Not a Bit