The Carlisle independent., 1906-11-08


 alone-oh, it seems so dull to be mar ried!" Her eyes grew wistful.
 She leaned forward, gazing intent ly into the leaping flames, but it was no longer the white-tiled hearth and polished brass that met her view; she was far away.
 Oh, to be back there just for once, with sunburnt hands and an old frock, gay and careless with the home crowd-but she paused. What would Owen think? Had he not furnished the fiat as daintily and beautifully as possible to be fitting background for her, and how disappointed he would be if he knew how wickedly discontented she was.
 At that instant there sounded 8 sharp rat-tat at the door, and Turn CT, the maid, appeared with an or ange envelope and a silver salVer.
 "A telegram" Her mistress spir it's rose. "Oh, I hope it's something exciting, something delightful tone feli No answer" she said, de- jectedly, and, as the maid withdrew, she tossed the crumpled missiye into the glowing fire.
 Detained. don't wait dinner, Owen A whole day alone, and now the whole evening, too" She pouted, and her lips trembled like a child's.
 And then suddenly, as the sun bursts out from rain-cloud, soft radiance overspread her face. She drew a long breath, clasped her hands, and in ecstasy whispered: "Fll do it!"
 She ran to the clock-one of the wedding presents, pretty, fragile toy, Cupid swinging in a wreath of brilliants, and peered anxiously at the dial
 "Only five! By superhuman efforts l can catch the $40, reach Woodcote at seven, and be with them all by eight. What an inspiration, what a stroke of geniusi" She laughed joy susly, all trace of boredom vanished. sTn be back tomorrow. and if Owen is dining out he won't miss me for a few hours. Oh, how astonished they'll be when l just walk in upon them!"
 She rushed to the writing table with an impatient swish of her skirts. Now, must leave note behind me on the mantelpiece, just as they do in plays and novels" and with a tri- umphant little laugh she dashed of hurried one.
 Dearest must not think his wife has deserted him; she has only run home, and will be back early to- morrow; her love as always"
 "Therei" She closed and sealed the letter, propping it up against the Cupid clock
 The grim Turner was considerably surprised to see her usually immac ulate mistress leave the house twenty minutes later clad in a shabby serge skirt and much worn rusty tam O shanter.
 Later that evening MT. Vansttart opened the door with his latch-key; le was tired after a long days work, and the light and warmth of the flat struck an agreeable contrast to the gloomy drizzle without.
 His cheerful call of Peggy, where are you?" brought Turner from the regions of the kitchen.
 Mrs. Vansittart thought you would be dining out, sir" she in formed him, and has gone away There's a note for you on the mantel- piece What orders shall I give cook about your dinner?"
 "A note-gone away, by Jovei" said Vansittart to himself. Whats up now?"
 He tore open the envelope, and smiled as he read. Turner watching furtively, summed up his conduct in one word: "Heartless."
 "What?" said her master, absent ly. "Oh, no, I'll dine at the club" but as the door closed behind the maid he strolled to the window. No, I'm hanged if I will" he decided. I'm not in the mood to turn out again, or to dress, either. I've good mind to spend bachelor evening here. A bachelor evening"" he repeated; mot bad idea. They were good old days, after all-ease before elegance" he cast a disappearing eye about the room Strange what an amount of frippery women surround themselves with"
 So he arrayed himself in his old smoking -jacket-relic of bygone days piled coal on the fire, drew forward the most comfortable chair, and pre- pared for enjoyment
 Soon clouds of smoke filled the room, wreathing about the delicate hangings and damask curtains, as he puffed away in placid content the silk cushions in mangied heap proppirs his head. He had arranged a syphon