Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-04-30
met him at the club. lie naG neen drinking heavily"
 


 Immediately, am thankful to say"
 Are you thirsty, too?"
 No; I'm longing for you to go away. Here's Jane at last"
 When we were alone again I re- sumed: Well, Lydia, I was going to tell you about the fellow met at the club"
 ! Pray don't trouble yourself"
 "The calls he had been making were farewell ones, because he is going away also. He mentioned that he had asked you to go with him. He seems to have got a decent appointment in Canada"
 T never thought that Freddy Brown would have breathed-"
 His voice was trifle husky, but perhaps it was the tea. Another piece of sugar, please. Thanks. We'll, Brown didn't blame you, Lydia
 Poor bcy!"
 "He only said you were heartless little flirt, and"
 T can assure you, Paul, that he never had any encouragement from me- I couldn't bear him."
 Somehow, I always had an idea that you liked him-not so well, per haps, as Murray or Anderson, or Mer- edith, or"
 You're awfully mean! Have you finished you- tea?"
 Yes, thank you. Just ready for my second cup, Lydia. But about Brown"
 If you say another word about Brown. or anybody else, I'll leave you. Indeed, will! What right have you to discuss-a-these sort of things?"
 Three Jumps. Lydia. What right, did you say? The right-ahem! of a rejected lover!"
 "Fiddlesticks! Take your tea, and be quick"
 Here's hospitality" said I, taking the cup from her. Do you treat all your male friends like this, Lydia?"
 No; treat them as gentlemen" she retorted.
 You mean?" I asked, stung by her tone.
 T mean that none of my male friends, as you call them, would talk as you have done."
 No; each would talk about himself. suppose. You have an unfortunate way of making men conceited for a week or two, Lydia"
 "Oh!"
 And I'm getting rather tired of meeting fellows whom you bave lifted into the seventh heaven and then dropped. Please let me go on-rve nearly finished. If I'm not speaking the truth you can contradict me after wards. I've had this bottled up for months, and I can keep 1t go longer I can't stand hearing men calling you a fiirt. It's horrible to me who have known you and been f-friendly with you nearly all your life. wish to goodness you had brother. or a-a husband. You" She interrupted me by rising sud. denly and facing me. Her eyes were very bright, but her face was pale. Hadn't you better go now?" she said. coldly.
 put down my cup and rose. You won't listen to me, Lydia? said. sadly.
 My patience is rather limited, and your--er-conversatio is rather dull" And your conscience"
 "Is none of your business"
 We looked at one another, and at last her eyes dropped.
 I'll go. Lydia" I said. with an eff. fort. And I won't interfere again. In fact, won't meet you again, if 1 can help it."
 !. "very well." she murmured.
 I turned from her without even a formal farewell; but at the door queer idea occurred to me, and I re- traced my steps. She was standing by the hearth. looking into the fire, as I detached something from the end of my watch-chain and slipped it into her hand.
 Whats this?" she exclaimed.
 "A relic of your first filtration" I replied. As you can see. the gilt is oif it. Put it in the fire. I've often intended to do so. but always lacked the courage"
 For a moment she bent over the little brass ring with it's glass and tinsel ruby. Tt used to be too big for me-" she whispered, as If to her. self.
 Yes; I remember 1t came oil very easily" l muttered. and somehow I sighed
 She glanced up at me. and looked down again
 Put 1t in the fire and I'll get away" said l.
 She gave a queer little laugh. It slipped on to my finger just nox-so silly of it,-and I can't get it o1--
 Let me see It.
 She held up her left hand. and I saw the glass ruby vinkins freely on the third finger.
 Let me try. Lydia I whispered softly. in spite of myssif And she laughed again. and gave me her hand pst tAs ring - tght cd could noe