Middletown transcript., 1906-12-01

the house party and she was
glad, because she was 10 q rest,
less mood and had an intense
desire to be alone.
He looked very despoadent as
he came in, He had also made 9
hasty toilet, hoping to have .
little more time to himself, and
he started when be saw there
was someone else in the room
but his countenance frightened
visibly when he recognized who
it was.
Apparently she had not seen
him come in, for not movement
not 4 sign did she make Only
the frail structure of cards fell
the trembling Of her hand and
collapsed suddenly in a disas'
trous ruin.
She began to build another.
He came forward somewhat
abruptly and sat down IN the
chair opposite her.
Where is every body else he
asked, just to break the silence,
not because he wanted to know.
She shrugged her pretty shonl-
ders nonchalantly, but would not
look at him.
I imagine they are all dressing
for dinner, she answered.
He was piqued at her indiffer-
ent attitude. They hadquarrelled
yesterday, and this was the first
time they had spoken since. He
had asked her to marry him, and
she had said neither yeanor nay,
and all through the interview
had skillfuily evaded any direct
answer. And he had lost his
temper and said q great many
things he did not mean.
His brows met in deep frown,
and he looked very cross. She
glanced at him quickly, and then
Yentnn with her house Of cards
me one told me you are going
y tomorrow, she said, as she
deftly balanced one card on an
other. The success of the build
ing appeared to be Of far more
Importance than the knowledge
of his movements.
He looked away into space
with his chin a little raised.
For a wonder, the some one is
right, he said shortly.
The card building again col
lapsed, and she made a little
gesture Of impotence.
Then you are really going to
lbreak up the partyg ? she said
With elaborate cheerfulness.
Idon't think my absence will
make much difference to anyone.
he said with mirthless laugh.
And where are yon going =
The Belvoirs have asked me
I shall stay with them for week.
She paused with card in each
hand, and the light died out of
her eyes.
Your presence will make a good,
deal of difference there she said
slowly.
Will it ? indifferently I have
not the slightest idea Of whom
the party consists.
But Miss Relvoir is at home ?
Her words came sharply, and
almost as If against her will.
/ daresay-I hope SO, he an
sWered. Miss Belvolr and I al
ways get on well together.
There is not much doubt about
that, she replied hastily, and.
then could have bitten her tolgue
out for having spoken in such q
way.
She had taken up the cards.
again and begun her architec-
tural designs once more. He
tried not to look at her, but the
lamp above caught a CLEAN of
her hair, and his Wayward eyes.
turned to the sweet face in spite
Of himself,
What are you doing he asked
somewhat abruptly.
/ am building houses Of cards,
she said with a faint smile. She
noticed that the frown had left
bis face. aud she was inconse-
quently glad.
Building castles in the air? he
said thoughtfully All | won
der what companion you take
with you into those castles.
Why can't I be by myself and.
inhabit them alone ?
He shook his head. u y en- a
toasjours IN autre. he answered !;
adding impatiently, It is stupid!
form Of amusement, anyh5w-ln
occupation only tit for lunatics.
Do yon mean, with mock indig
nation, building castles in the