The broad ax., 1908-12-17

made MN btuSuGf and coiQ- She had
visions OF bearded check aud chin ana
perhaps glasses Horrors! Had II
really come to thats Wen, she would
i've in the old days and pay no atten-
don to externals.
When az last Lois announced that
Mr.. AinswOrth was IN the drawins
room she swept to her mirror and sur
veyed the graceful figure reflected
there. Her gown Of sea green fen In
shimmering folds. Her hair was done
beautifully, and some Of the violets
were clasped 10 the silver girdle at her
waist She could not fail to be salts
fed.
This consciousness helped her to en-
ter the drawing room with the perfect
self possession Of a woman of the
world. With outsretched hand she
greeted him as If they had parted but
yesterday.
Jack! How good Of you to some to
see me on my birthday and to send
me these lovely fowersF' turning TO a
center table where the violets were
displayed.
Jack Ainsworth gasped Could this
elegant woman, with her perfect hair
and silvery voice, be bis old friend?
Lillian" he said, sti1 grasping her
hand, lis it really youy"
She smiled, and It was her old smile.
"Yes, Jack. It is !. You see, 1 am
going the way Of the world"
'Nonsensel You are perfectr he
cried vehemently.
She was no less charmed. There was
no evidence Of beard or glasses, though
the boy had grown into the man-tan,
athletic. clean shaver, with strong jaw
and deep voice. His honest gray eyes
Toasted on her beauty. She flushed.
"Ten me what you have been doing
all these years, Jack" she said finally.
"Oh. working hard and following
your careerT
yes" she said, you have done well
for yourself. and I am proud Of you.
As for my career. It has not amounted
to much"
Lillian" Ainsworth said, leaning
forward eagerly, do you know that
you have not written line have not
readi You ceased to write to me, but
I did not forget. dear"
Miss Treadwen had forgotten the
rain and the unfeeling publisher.
TEL me, Jack, what brings you 70
New York; she asked.
81 have been elected vice president
Of the road and must live here" he re-
piled
Then I suppose you win marry and
keep up an establishments with q
pretense Of lightness.
At don't know" he said obviously.
There never was but one girl for me.
and she-she has achieved fame. She
would not think Of giving up glory 60
become the wife Of a railroad man."
A feeling long dead woke In the wo-
man. But she might be willing, Jack,
II you asked her." she said almost
wistfully. 'She might gladly give mp
al her false glory to find real happi-
ness"
IF I thought that" said Ainsworth
breathlessly, I'D ask her In minute. "
She thought Of the novel, Of the
hack work, Of the loneliness Of her
life which this friend Of the past
brought sharply before her.
Jack" she said, I've decided
she paused, then went on rapidly,
lingering the violets In her belt-"to
give mp literature for good"
Ainsworth started forward. do you
, really mean It, LilianT'
"Yes, do" she replied bravely.
But whyT be inquired, doubling.
puzzled
She looked up at him. and be read II
In her shining eyes
he leaped forward and folded her In
his arms, crushing the violets In his
eagerness MY darlingT was all be
!, could say In trembling tones.
As for Miss Treadwell, with that
embrace came the realization that wo-
man was not made to live on mind
! alone.
Lois" she called after a little,
bring me the manuscript Of my
: nOvelF' She took IT from the wonder.
ing maid and turned 10 Jack, with &
radiant smile Come" she cried gay
ly-~eome to my study fire and helI
: me make dust and ashes Of my lit
erary pretensions."