The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1907-03-15

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II should have agreed with you week
ago, but now, well, now 1 am not so sure,"
said Robert, meditatively.
"Go ahead, old fellow, | know what
this means. What is her name?' and Jack
settled back with the air of martyr
"Phyllis Cunningham.
Jack started and gave low whistle.
Robert did not seem to notice, but con-
tinued
II fell down a ravine in the country one
day, and a red-headed boy fshed me out
and took me home with him. 1t was just
the ideal sort of place 1 had been look
ing for, and, after some persuasion, they
took me to board. -
''But about the girl, said Jack
81 am coming to that, she lived there
with her mother and brother, by jove, but
she is beauty, never saw such eyes!'
exclaimed Robert, growing animated.
"Of course said Jack calmly.
''It isn't, of course, at all, - said Rob-
ert sit is tragic. Can't you see that [
love her, and that | have had to come
away and leave her p
''But why? | should think Phyllis
Cunningham was a good enough name for
any man, said Jack "Only | thought
she was en-"
1.-THE name is good enough Robert in
terrupted, ''but don't you understand that
a man can t bring country girl into our
set p
Jack started to his feet. "Robert,
he said, ''either you are fool Or | am on
the wrong track. Are you going to Mrs.
James Ashton ball tonight?'
81 suppose l must, but what is the
matter, [ don't understand you?' asked
Robert in surprise.
II dom understand either, said Jack,
''but I'll see you tonight and things may
clear up"
81 hope so, said Robert, tersely.
''By the way, have you seen Roger
Clifton, he's in great luck. -
GLOW so p asked Robert.
'He has sold one of his pictures for a
fabulous price, and is engaged to the richest
and handsomest girl of the season. They
will be at the ball tonight. She has just re-
turned from spending a few weeks with
some cousins. She lived in Europe until
this spring. Roger met her there
''He was always luck dog" said Rob-
ert enviously.
"Well, goodbye, glad to have seen you.
Hope we will meet tonight said Jack,
shaking his friend's hand and as he went
out he muttered to himself, "Can there
be two Phyllis CunninghamsY'
$50 kind in you to remember me, ;"
murmured Raymond, as he bowed low over
Mrs. Ashton's hand.
''You know you are always very well
come,' she replied, cordially, and then he
was swept along, as throng of new
arrivals crowded in to pay their repsects to
the charming hostess.
A few months ago so cordial welcome
from such a wonderful woman as Mrs.
James Ashton, would have accorded him
great satisfaction, for he would have felt
assured of his social success for the winter
But tonight he did not feel the old pride
N his surroundings. They did not seem
so vital to him.
He received many warm greetings as he
passed through the rooms, but at last he
paused at the door of conservatory and
idly watched the people pass to and fro.
Suddenly, one face stood out from all the
rest:
"Phyllis, he cried, with quick emo
ton. She turned and reached out her
hand to him.
'How do you do, Mr.. Raymond she
said, sweetly, 'I am glad to meet you
again.
"But Phyllis, Miss Cunningham, what
does it all mean p ne exclaimed.
cit means that am not so unacquainted
with your world as you supposed she
said, and once again he heard that low
laugh that thrilled and satisfied him.
"Why did you not tell me p he asked
eagerly. "Oh, | am so happy to find you
here. I have been 50 miserable this past
week.
Indeed" " she said, archly.
eyes, dear, l have found that, after
all, love is the real thing in the world, and
| love-
''Roger, dear, you know Mr.. Ray
mond, don't you?' she interrupted, as a
tall, handsome man approached them.
"Why yes, Rob, old boy, glad to see
you. Why haven't you been around to
offer congratulations p said Mr.. Clinton,
heartily.
'I just heard about the picture today, !"
Robert began in confusion.
"Oh, bother the picture. 1t is the
winning of Phyllis that I would be con-
graduated on, said Roger, and he drew
her hand through his arm as only a lover
can.
Robert never knew whathe said, or how
he found his way out of the house, though
he remembered afterward having seen Jack
Norman in one of the doorways.
The next mornings papers announced
that Robert Raymond had gone abroad for
an indefinite stay, and that he would de-
vote himself exclusively to Art.
''How will you have your hair cut, sir?'