The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-22

asked Hester sharply.
 Why not all of a sudden7 These hastily made-up plans are always the pleasantest."
 But I have heard people say that Pau is so relaxing" objected Hester.
 Relaxing! What nonsense! At any rate, we shall only be away for a week. so do come.'
 Mrs. Britten was thinking of Sir Pe- ter; Hester. on the other hand. had Paul de Sarazin in her mind as she replied:
 No thank you, I prefer to remain in Biaritz; 1t suits me-" And 1t never occurs to you that 1t may not suit me-" cried the other
 selfish you are!''
 Possibly 1 am selfish" rejoine1 the girl composedly; but 1t Is the first
 time l have ever been told so. If you
 want so very much to see Pau, why
 not go alone?"
 Perhaps you will tell me what is
 to become of you? Pray. where is ten angrily. It was evident that this girl had recently contracted an off, fAnsive habit of self-assertion.
 "Oh. I can manage all right: and l
 really think at my age may stay for few days alone at an hotel. without outraging Mrs. Grundy--f Mrs. Grun- dv lives at Biarritz." Mrs. Grundy does live at Biarritz. I can assure you--and Mrs. Grundy' s grandmother and Mrs. Grundy's daughters and sisters a>e all here too as I know to my cost.' cried the oth- CT viciously. You cannot take tea | with a man alone at Mirabont's with out setting the whole place talking! And as for a walk round the Cote des u .kx AA recollection was too painful for utter ance; presently she resumed. But if l do go. what about my room here?' You can keep it on If you wish.' Mrs. Britten looked fxedly at the floor, and seemed to mediate before sue replied,
 Very well, then, if you are sure that YOU don't want to see Pau. I will ask Mrs. Cox to accompany me-" "Is any one else to be of the party" inquired Hester.
 "No-certainly not. Do you take me for a Cooks tourist?" Then you are not going with Ad- miral Potts. who told Mrs. Tudor that he wished to spend a week there, and was starting tomorrow?
 "oh. dear. mo-" becoming rather red; what could have put such a rtdicu- lous idea into your head? have been longing to go over to Pau ever since came out. My great friends, the Beau fort-Dobsons, are staying there at present. Well, then 1t Is all settled" rising as she spoke; T shall be away for the inside of week-perhaps a day or two longer. Take care of your self; mind you don't get into mischief. Why. there goes the first gong. and J must fiyr'
 When Mrs. Britten had flown, with much rustling of her fine feathers. Hes- ter rose and deliberately locked the door. Once more she removed her dress ing-jacket. and contemplated herself In a looking glass. Her neck certain ly was white! She had never worn 8 low dressin her life; now she thought she would like to possess one. Pres- ently she unfastened her great piaits, and began to pile her hair on her head. after the prevailing fashion of the hour. It effected an extraordinary change: her beautiful hair and neck-- not to mention the necklace-complet te- ly transformed Miss Forde
 "Oh, if Jane and Eliza were to see mel" she murmured, and she smiled at her own reflection, perhaps something could be done with me after all. Who knows but may be an ugly ducklingi Duckling, Indeed" she repeated, still looking at herself; you are nothing more or less than a big white goose.a Having made this declaration. she rose and locked up her treasure and &C., tually entered the dreaded salle-a-man- ager alone.
 T began to think you were not go- ing to have any dinner" said Mrs. Britten in a querulous key, as she slipped into her place beside her; q waited for you outside the door for five minutes; do detest waiting at door before meals, 1t makes one look such a fool"
 T am sure you could never look like fool" was the girls imperturbable reply: T am sorry you had to wait for me-"
 But what kept you? Something very interesting, eh?'
 (COntinued TOmOrrOvv.l