Los Angeles herald., 1907-05-26

laughed the same curious, shy laugh
1--WE must not let our engagement disturb orr
friendship, anyhow" she said Shall we 90 and
sng?"
So we went and sang. I had never heard her sing
like it; and when she sang "Solveig's Song" If
seemed to hurt She had the daintiest voice and
it seemed just the dainty way she would sing ber
love- if she loved anybody
saw the tears in her eyes. 1 thought merriam.
there was somebody else in her own position. but
when asked her, she said mo, no, no!o quickly.
and Lady Parbury came in, and she ran away.
told Lady Parbury, and she said she was glad
1 suppose she was, in way; and anyhow couId
see she meant to play the game with me. and he
friendly and not just tolerate me- like some peonle
in her position would.
The others seemed really pleased, especially LADY
Evelyn. She rushed in when was talking to her
sister, and whirled round till we came under the
mistletoe and then she looked up and laughed. and
1 kissed her. Lady Mary trembled when I did IT.
and when Evelyn ran out she turned very red but
l pretended not to notice.
There was uncomfortable pause whenever
out to reassure her.
81 quite understand your feelings, Lady Mary"
1 said. Believe me- will respect them"
you don't quite understand them' she said in a
whisper "because-if tried-I think I ought to
try-and-and-"
NO." said firmly. 'T do not wish you to per
suade yourself that you for me- shall never
be satisfied with a make-believe however kind Do
not try dear Lady Mary. Let it come if it will
God grant it may"
"But think should-like to try" she said. 81
ought to- because"
She looked at me, and felt fire for moment
FOR that she felt it her duty to let act as
her lover if chose; but steadied myself and only
touched her arm.
"When you love, Lady Mary said. there is no
question of trying and you Loyalty doing all
that you ought to in giving me your company. Will
you come for a walk yith me, if you do not mind?"
81 do not mind" she said. "IS shall like to. l.
have something to tell YOU"
She laughed the shy, awkward laugh again she
away It must be awkward for her, knew,
and felt sorry for her.
She was upstairs putting her hat when the
postman came l had just read the letter and had
walked into the drawingroom, where they all were
when she came down She looked pink and smiling,
and felt couldn't say what had to say till
turned away from her. AS it was 1 couldn't begin
for few moments.
"The lady waits, Sir Lazybones" said Pigtail.
EFVa HFo1 she
She turned me round by the shoulders to look
at her again.
Lady Mary looks-herself," l said. "And-I have
something to say to all of you. This letter is from
my lawyers. My Aunt's will left her money between
her nephews and neces equally. They thought
was the only one but they have found another
family, large one. There are twelve of us al 4
together. This, of course, alters everything You
WILL perhaps. excuse my departing this evening.
thought for once had put it like gentleman.
hadn't understood how real gentlemen and iadieS
felt, found, because thought they would protest
politely, and then let me go; but they didn't 90
anything of the kind The earl took hold of my arm
and said Don't be such an ass. You'll stop here
if tie you up" And Charlie wanted to know II
thought they were all bounders and P1gtall Caught
hold of my hand and squeezed it furiously.
"Oh, Tommy" she cried. "And we're 1rlenos'
Lady Parbury startled me most of all; Tor sne
Just went on with her embroidery if nothing had
happened, and glanced up at me-
"You are keeping Molly waiting" she said calmly J
Then at last turned and looked at her; and sne
reminded me- Of being in church more than ever
81 am quite ready-Tom!" she said She smiled Z
at me- and blushed at using my name Tor tne nrse
time; and she seemed just as much the great iaoy'
only more woman looked at her for long time;
and she held out her hand and took it.