Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1907-10-23
"ALL'S WELL
THAT.
ENDS WELL. I"


N4CIhOu lOohco DeHblbclg INTO III
champagne. watching the tiny bub-
bles come on the surface. Re was
thinking OF Amy--Amy, with her
great distraciing gray eyes and be-
wiIdering dimpleg. And always when
he dreamed OF her, a little, hurt ex-
preston creDt into bis eyes and his
Jaw set squarely. Two years ago she
had refused him and gone 20 Europe
and since that time all ambition, ali
interest n life had deserted him.
Tonight he was giving a little din
ner ia his rooms. His Beighb0r vas
an actress who had made an enyl-
able name for herself, but CroftOn
had known her IN the obscure days
when she was member Of the Choir
US. She had been an infatnation Of
his college days.
Just now she was telling a story
and making everyone laugh. Croft
ton reused himself and forced a
e.0ilc 70 bis lips, az became the host.
Then The waiter bent over him. =
note ~ special messenger, sir, Wait
H.. for an answer"
CrOftOn glanced down 1T the daiD-
y lite missiye and Il was only 81
q tge aendons effort that he checked
tie exclamation that rose 70 his Iips
% ne recognized the handwriting.
he excused himself and tore open
the envelope with trembling fingers,
Are you surprised ! reached
New York yesterday, and, BObbie,
DO want % see you. 50 come ~
to-nlght--I'm staying at the HoI-
land House and ask for Lady Whea-
ton. DO come, Bobbie. Sincerely,
ANY"
Crofton put the letter IN Iis pocket
mechanically. Lady wheaton, 80
she had married q title. Well, be
had been expecting this blow, and Jet
IL stunBed him. He went over 20 the
writing-tabls and hastily penned
brief note, telling her 20 expect him
late that evening.
Then be went back to his guests
ind devoted himself 70 the girl De-
side him and 70 HIS champagne. He
made a great many foolish pups and
talked even more foollshly 70 the act
resg. He had decided that she was
rayiehingly pretty--and wasn't the
woman he loved lost 10 him forever
At 1890 he stood on the steps Of
the Holland House, calling himself
many unGattering names. He Was
engaged TO a woman who inspired
him with neither love nor respect.
Among his unhappy thoughts that
stood out distinctly and irrevocably,
he had made a fool Of himself and
now he must pay the penalty.
He went slowly into the hotel and
sent his card up 70 Lady Wheaton.
There were quite few people cali
ing on Amy, but she broke away
from the group which surrounded her
and came across the room TO meet
crofton with outstrecthed hands.
I'm glad TO zee you, Bobbie. Were
you puzzled? ! didn't have time TO
explain In the note. I'm staying here
with Lady Wheaton"
Crofton stared at her duly for
moment. Then he said unsteadily,
And you're not married."
She laughed merrily. Il couldn't
20 back on my friends like that,
Bob"
The call was a nightmare to Croft
ton. He realized, intutively, that
II was on his account that Amy had
returned unwed. She had al last
come TO a realization Of her love for
him-and now he belonged TO an
other woman.
She was cruelty gay and happy and
girlish. She did not understand.
She made him promise to come and
see her the next day. He consented.
but he was only letting himself drift.
I'm so glad to be home again,
Bobbie," she said, looking at him
with cool sweet eyes. We are go
ing TO be very happy together, I'm
sure"
He rose TO his feet abruptly. Il
must go, Amy. Ill see you 20
morrow"
He passed a miserable night, plan
| ming over and over how he should
| ask for his release. He would go to
the other girl and explain-tell her
that he did not love her-had never
loved her. She would probably break
down and break her heart after
wards. That was the way with wo-
men. II was not comforting to think
upon.
Then, just as the gray dawn was
| creeping through his window-shades,
| his man brought him a second note
| which had come by messenger. And
| this time a wave OF repulsion swept
| over Crofton as he looked at the
| handwriting big, angular. bold. He
| stifed a groan as he remembered
| that she was now his promised wife.
He tore open the envelope mechan-
| ically.
pear boy" It ran, what foolish
| children we were last night. OF
course absolve you from all the
rash promises you made. II was the
| effects OF the champagne, combined
with my fetching new gown. I Inn