The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1909-05-29
A. { OCTOBER HOUR

II
the autumnal foliage.
The woman's face was full OF happy
expectation. IL was no longer very
young or fresh, but II was still of
charm and tenderness Under her hat
the glossy waves OF her hair were
scarcely touched with a gray thread.
Mrs. Chesney was conscious that In
taste and education she belonged TO
different epoch. from that OF the lively
guests round her. They were absolute
ly modern. and she had very little in
common with them. Since her hus-
bands death she had lived quietly
and almost alone In a country house.
gardening. studying, working for the
poor. When at last she had made up
her mind 10 accept the invitation Of a
cousin OF her husbands the effort had
been painful and depressing. She had
grown shier and more silent in those
years OF quietude. Even In her new
fashioned clothes she somehow looked
of different world from that OF Miss
Vincent and Lady Norledge. who were
The beauties OF the party.
my dear, she is essentially early
victorlan!" was the verdict OF the live
ly Lady Noredge as she discussed
Mrs. Chesney with a friend. But now
on this October afternoon. standing
alone in the fieeting sunshine and
among the falling leaves. Mrs. Ches-
ney felt young triumphant and abso-
lutely Indifferent TO the opinions of
every living soul excepting those OF the
| person whose advent she was await
ing.
/ She had felt as II she were In
dream when her host few days ago
had announced the approaching ar
rival OF a new and distinguished guest.
The name OF General Trebovir was I'm
everybody's mouth.
Some ten years ago Hilary had part
ed from this man with an anguish that
/ was no less unbearable because she
had known that his love for her was
as strong as her own and perhaps even
the motive for much that was noblest
/ and best I'm his life. During those
years. which had seemed m eternity.
these two had held no communication
with one another.
This had been her wish alone, for he
had strongly maintained that, uDhap-
| PLY married ms she was. a friendship
so pure and devoted as his for her
must at least make IL easier for her
10 exist under what was too heavy n
load for a solitary woman. But she
had remained firm. and no had gone
1 In .f 20
day she felt sure he was coming here
for her. and her alone. and she was
joyfully waiting.
Then. though she could not help no
ticing how gorgeous the chrysanthe-
NUNS seemed as the sunlight fell In
n long streak across their faces. she
knew that he was coming down the
steps at the corner and straight TO.
ward her. Her knees were shaking.
and there was n curious singing I'm her
ears, through which she heard his
pleasant voice speaking. Half me-
chemically she put out both her hands.
"My dear Mrs. Chesney. this Is I'm
/ deed n pleasurel I had not the remot-
est idea when Franklin told me that
| should End n charming party that
/ his words were 10 be so truly fulfilled
Hilary had let one hand drop and
looked at him. still half smiling. His
/ words and his manner had hurt her.
but she was emphatlcally brave. and
her tremulous expression had sudden.
| ~ given way 20 one that was calm
and friendly.
81. too. was delighted" she said,
"when they told me you were com.
ing" Then. with sudden impulse,
she added. But my stay here Is very
/ short, for am afraid ! must 90 to-
morrow or the next day"
"Oh what a pity! Can't you put OF
duty engagements-for am sure that
Is what they are-and stay on just
little longerT
He spoke kindly and as n he wished
her TO remain. but without n trace OF
emotion.
The general took out his watch.
ut was very good OF you TO want me
20 come and see you out here. but
must. fear. 10 IN and write some
thing rather important for the post
wish I could have stayed on longer
now aud chatted about old tines"
Eyes: wish you could"
A streak Of light fell on his face.
Yes. he was not much altered. and his
gray hair became him.
"Well. we will go on with our talk
later" said he.
lie raised his hat and turned away
10 mount the steps.
ON the topmost terrace another fig-
IRE now caught her eye. II was that
Of a young woman, very graceful and
alert ana dressed In an exquisite gown
OF crimson and fur This person paus-
ed and held n hand MP TO her eyes.
Then Hilary saw her start or. walking
very quickly down the gravel path
that led toward the FIRST flight OF
steps. The sight OF her Jared upon
Mrs. Chcsney. she represented the In
carnation 81 al the qualities that Hill