Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1908-10-28


low. And how easy the thing had
been, how perilously easy and safe
so far! He had sold it to one Of the
most eminent firms of publishers for
thousand pounds. But his name
did not appear on the title page. It
was to be published edanonymously, and
later on, if circumstances warranted,
name might be given to the public.
Thus Hugh Belton salyed his con-
science; the name of Ambrose Vernon
could always be disclosed = or the
man might be totally forgotten.
| 1t was just when the book was
about to appear that Hugh ran down
to the country village in Hampshire.
near which Phyllis Mason lived. He
had long wished and intended to go,
but until fortune began to smile upon
him he put it off. 1t was glorious
May day, and the country lay bathedl
in sunshine, and the mans spirits
rose perceptihly as he stepped briskly'
along the quiet road which led to the
manor house.
| The manor house loomed in sight
soon, and his heart beat faster at
sight of it. 1t was some months now
since he had seen Phyllis. They cor
responded in a friendly, desultory
sort of fashion, but to the man-lead-
ing a somewhat lonely life-her let
tiers were epochs. Round her fair
image he built all his fairy castles;
she was the central figure in all his
dreams Of future success and happi-
ness, and he was only waiting for a
time-surely not far distant now
when he might venture to tell her
what was in his heart.
Mrs. Mason, he was told, was at
home, and he followed the footman
across the pleasant hall to a room
looking oNt on a garden starred with
| flowers and con- handing a delightful
view Of the distant pine clad heights.
There were signs of Phyllis all over
the room. An opsn book lay face
downward on a sofa near the win
dow; piece of work, with the needle
stuck in it, was on a table near by,
and litter of silks. But when the
door opened and Hugh swung round
with eyes aiight with happiness it
was not Phyllis who came toward
him, but Mrs. Mason.
This is kind of you, Mr.. Belton,"
she said, cordially. 1--WE thought you
had forgotten US. You will stay to
lunch, of course? And now tell me
how are you getting ono. We read
with such interest those charming ar
ticles of yours on Ancient Spain
My husband -as delighted with
them; he has travelled so much in
Spain, you know. You are always
busy, SUPPOSE"
"TEcs-I're-" He hesitated mo-
ment, then brought out the words
quickly. I've published book, and
sold it rather well. It'll make all the
difference to my future"
II am so glad: congratulate .you
heartily. Phyllis will be most inter
ested to hear this. I am sorry she is
away for few days, but we hope to
have her back soon, and she will not
come alone, L fancy" !.
"Alone?" he echoed, and Mrs. Ma
son laughed. It was a laugh of min
gled happiness and pride.
You have not heard our news,
then? And yet know Phyllis wrote
to you herself yesterday-no doubt
the letter was only posted this morn
ing. She is going to be married"
Married."
"yes-we are all so pleased. Sir
Geoffry Lester is such a charming
man, and he and Phyllis have been
devoted to one another for some time
now. The engagement was only for
mally announced few days ago, and
Phyllis is staying with some of her
future relatives. There is the lunch
con gong. Come along, Mr.. Belton-
T. am sure you ought to be hungry af-
ter Journey and such long walk"
Hugh followed his loquacious hos
tess across the pleasant hall into the
dining room, where the table, set for
luncheon. glittered with silver and
dainty linen and spring flowers. He
was barely conscious Of what he said,
or what was said to him. The blow
had struck him almost dumb.
Phyllis about to be married! Mar
ried-not to him; that dream was
over for ever-but this other man,
whatever his name was. It was un-
thinkable, unbelievable-but he sup
posed DULY that 1t must be the truth.
And-Phyllis had never cared for
him. He awoke to the fact that Mrs.
Mason was speaking to him.
You got Phyllis letter, of course
she was saying. II know she wrote
to tell you the news at once. You
were always such friends"
II got no letter." he answered.
duly, wincing little.
Then the silly girl must have for
gotten to post it; or, perhaps, she
posted it late. and SO you will find it
waiting for you when you get back
surprise for you!"
.Yes-a SURPRISE" he echoed, and
wondered how he was to get through
| that endless meal
He never knew how he escaped
back to the station or how he reached
his lonely chambers when the spring
day was drawing to close. He felt
numbed with the overwhelming
shock, dazed with the irony of the
thing. Just when fortune was within