Evening star., 1907-09-01
THE IMPERSONATOR


| herself with Harriet Cheever. 1t was the
! hour when Harriet was likely to be at home
| and Fred away. She leaned forward and
| touching the bell, ordered the carriage to
the Cheevers'.
Little Archie was out of danger but the
house still had the half-masted look of
serious Illness, and Mary had again to wait
quite a while before a belated footn1an ap-
ment how to give her name; the man knew
her Miss Hadding and she was only
Mary Haddtngs ghost, she reflected bitter
ly. She ended by leaving 1t to him to an
nounce her, and he showed her into the IL
brary with the confidence of a servant who
is we'll instructed in the intimates of the
house.
One of the Airdale terriers was lying on
the rug before the empty hearth, and he
rose to greet Mary with friendliness
which touched her aching heart. Thank
heaven, you're not in society," she mur
INJURED as she caressed the dogs rough
! head; ''it isn't smart to recognize me,
Micky I'm only a ghost" but Micky con-
tnued to wag his abbreviated tail, looking
at her with mute canine sympathy in his
soft eyes.
The room was full of memories; across
the hearth she seemed to see Ryland's tall,
spare figure and clear-cut face. Every
her with exquisite pain. Was it easy to
believe in her now2 Or would he desert
her with the others?
She was almost startled when she heard
coming toward her, already dressed for
dinner; she wore a low-cut house gown.
with her famous collar of pearls around
her slender white throat. Mary stood up,
cooring deeply; something in Harriets face
told her that she, too, knew the story,
which seemed to have Travelled on the
wings of the wind, and that it mad not
been without it's effect upon her. There
was just the suggestion Of estrangement
shade less of cordiality in her manner,
though she held out her hand as she en-
tered.
MY dear girl" she said easily. I'm glad
to see you'll have been so wrapped up in
Archie that l haven't had time to thank
you properly for your sympathy that aw-
full night
The quiet conventionalty of her tone hurt
Mary keenly. Il am going away" she said
simply, "in two three days; 1 came to
say goodbye"
Harriet sat down and motioned her to
seat beside her. Il know" she replied;
Christine came here, straight from Mrs
Whitng's I am very sorry
Mary's lip qulvered and she did not speak
for moment. fearing that her voice would
betray her emotion. Her tone, however,
was only little hard and cold when she
replied Il have only been playing a part,
you see, and like an unsuccessful actor
am leaving the stage door shorn Of all my
glory"
But I don't think you We're unsuccess-
full" Harriet observed; Il am sure you sue.
ceeded in fooling US ALL
MARY DluSH was pdlnIul. lHaI is
little cruel" she said rising; at is finer,
but think it hurts more than Mrs. Whit
ings anxiety for her spoons"
Maryi-I didn't intend to hurt you like
that" Harriet exclaimed, genuinely moved;
'it was a tactless thing to say-I only
meant that you were perfect Mary Had
dng-I wouldn't be guilty of such dis
courtesy"
shouldn't care for the discourtesy if you
were your old self Harriet" she said
quietly, "but you have changed-and l love
you'll can't bear to have you believe the
you must think-but it isn't true. I meant
to ask you to help poor Mr.. Apple and you
sent Mr.. Cheever with some violets 1
should have told You, Harriet, if Archie
hadn't been so ill.,
1t was Harriet's turn to blush, and she
did painfully Mary had, depre
eating little smile fiickering across her face.
Il know" she said gently, Il understand
just how it happened; Fred will do any
thing for pretty woman-if he isn't mar
ried to her; that makes all the difference
in the world to men, as you will find some
time to your sorrow But don't ask him
again. my dear; 1t isn't you l mind, it's the
talk. There-Ive said more than /
meant" she stopped her lips quiverng
pitifully and two large tears rolling down
her cheeks.
Mary turned impulsively and kissed her.
Il was so stupid-can you forgive me, Har-
riet?" she cried
After a moment Mrs. CheeVer wiped away
her tears with an April smile. I'D like to
ask you to dinner, Mary" she said
hesit9ting, 'Ryland is coming-but-'
Mafy's face Whitened. Il couldn't pos
sibly,' she said, and then added, "all my
clothes are packed, Harriet, and I'm no
body now, you know
Mrs Cheever regarded her tentatively.
Christine said something about the am
bassador, Mary she observed, ''and you
know Christine is not altogether a good
MEMBERSHIPS "a little
Fast supplied Mary; yes, I know. but
she's kind to me. Mrs. Lane and Mrs.
Kennett cut me my way here. Don't
be afraid, Harriet I've had my lesson, and
no cares for me now
Harriet laid her hand over hers Il do
she affirmed, conscience-stricken; don't
feel like that, Mary, 1 know Lawrence will
will want to YOU
Mary again, this time with resolu-
ton. II must co. she said firmly; per
haps l shan't see you again-good-bye,
dear
Harriet hesitated a moment, Tor she was
a woman; then she let the bitterness of
the last few hours slip away from her like
a mantle; Mary was no longer a rival, but
another woman in distress; she held out her
arms. "Oh, Mary!" she said with sincerity,
Il m so sorry-if there was only something
that l could do