Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1909-10-02
1 SAD OCTOBER HOUR

one elbow against the stone edge OF
the balustrade and wistfuily regarding
the autumnal foliage.
The woman's face was full Of happy
expectation. 1t was no longer very
young or fresh, but It 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 a
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 to 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 a different world from that of Miss
Vincent and Lady Norledge who were
the beauties OF the party.
MY dear, she IL essentially early
Victorian was the verdict Of the live
~ Lady Norledge as she discussed
Mrs. Chesney with a friend. But now
on this October afternoon, standing
alone in the Heeting 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 q
dream when her host a few days ago
had announced the approaching ar.
rival OF a new and distinguished guest
The name OF General Trebovir was In
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 IN his life. During those
years, which had seemed an eternity,
these two had held no communication
with one another.
This had been her wish alone, for he
had strongly maintained that, unhap-
PLY married as she was, q friendship
90 pure and devoted as his for her
must at least make IL easier for her
70 exist under what was too heavy a
load for solitary woman. But she
had remained firm, and he had gone
away In bitterness Of spirit Now, to-
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.
tictng how gorgeous the chrysanthe.
NUNS seemed az the sunlight fell in
a 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 a curious singing In 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 in.
deed pleasure! had not the remot-
est idea when Franklin told me that
| should find q charming party that
his words were to 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 to one that was calm
and friendly.
II, too. was delighted" she said,
"when they told me you were CON-
ing" Then. with a sudden Impulse.
she added. "But my stay here is very
short, for ! am afraid IAmust 20 to-
morrow or the next day"
"oh, what a pity! Can't you put on
duty engagements-for 1 am sure that
is what they are-and stay on just a
little longerT
He spoke kindly and as If he wished
her to remain. but without trace OF
emotion.
The general took ont his watch.
ut was very good OF you to want me
~ NNeAV anu so JOu oub mere, DuI
must, fear, 20 In and write some
thing rather important for the post. I
wish l could have stayed on longer
now and chatted about old times"
Yes; l 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 win 80 on with our talk
later" said he.
He raised his hat ana turned away
to mount the steps.
On the topmost terrace another ng-
ure now caught her eye. It was that
OF young woman. very graceful ana
alert and dressed in an exquisite gown
OF crimson and fur This person paus.
ed aud held hand mp 70 her eyss.
Then Hilary saw her start OF, walking
very quickly down the gravel path
that led toward the 0rat aight Of
steps. The sight OF her Jared upon
Mrs. Chesney. She represented the In.
caRnatlOn OF all the 0uaflRt@a that mn