Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-28

MT. blrney GateS. On, QOnC DOtner about protesting, dear. Let us at least be truthful with each other You can't abide him, and you love-the one who gave you that little ruby ring" "Cynthia" calculated Frances sharp ly.
 Now, if Mir. Gates would only set you free and take me in your stead" went on Cynthia evenly, pushing back wavy lock of copper colored hair, it would keep the money in the family just the same and give you your chance for happiness. Yes, and me, too," she added, with a slight blush, flor, Fran ces, you may not believe it, could really learn to be fond of Birney Gates. It wouldn't all be merely mer- cenary ambition"
 The incipient smile about the corners of the elder girls delicate mouth gave way to an expression difficult to fath- on as her eyts rested critically upon the slight fgurs in the pale gray dress ing gown. Then slowly she shook her head
 MT. Gates has loved me for three years-not me, but my beauty. You are not even pretty, dear. Forgive me if l speak plainly, but you asked for truth between us"
 "Uh-huh" acquiesced Cynthia, biting her scarlet under lip and tugging slight ly at the lace of her rolling collar You took all the beauty there was in the family, Frances, but if you give me permission to try maybe I can take him from you"
 "Try, by all means" granted Frances indulgently.
 The next night at the opera Frances made remark to her fiance that was more than usually caustic From their box she had seen a face in one of the orchestra chairs-a vigorous, hand, some, youthful face-which had recall ed some one long absent. Just as the recollection was shooting through her with exquisite pain Gates chanced to lay his hand on her bare arm to call her attention to a bit of stage busi- ness.
 "Don'tw she cried. shrinking. For heavens sake. don't"
 "Oh, Frances, Frances!' Cyntha's s low. rich voice shook with emotion. Birney Gates turned his head in her direction and met her eyes. Curious gold green eyes they were. shadowed by long black lashes, langourous and enticing. For one moment he gazed as if under a spell. Later the girl drop ped her fan, and he stopped to pick 1t up for her. As he handed it back his fingers touched her. and the contact thrilled him strangely. As Frances manner grew more and more mocking, Cynthia's grew more and more tender until Gates found himself turning to her for comfort after every rebuff from his promised bride.
 'Of course know she doesn't love me-" Gates explained to Cynthia one day. How could she? I am growing old I am homely. But I am rich. and want the best for my money, and so I want her-and I'm going to have her"
 Cynthia's little hand on his arm quieted him.
 And is beauty the best?" she ques- tioned softly.
 He looked at the delicate face. alight with childish eagerness. The mutinous red mouth was quivering, the mysteri- ous eyes were ablaze.
 Cynthia, not you"' he cried. his heart leaping Then he opened his arms to her. Sweetheart. you little witch. I don't know how it has come about, but it is you who are filling my days and nights-not Frances. Come
 "Oh. no," she warned. gliding away from him; mot until Frances has writ. ten giving you your freedom. But I'll tell her tonight, and then you can come openly to father and claim my hand"
 
 On the day Of Cynthia's wedding the guests. seeing the adoration in thu eyes of Mir Birney Gates. could moi doubt the verity of her conquest. and she beamed with I pretty importance Frances, robbed in soft. shimmerine white, was radiant. Her dark eyes were suffused with a mysterious soft ness, as of a joy new heralded.
 And on her left hand once more she wore her little ruby ring.