The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1909-12-17
CHAPTER XIV.

OI1A1 LII AlV.
Mrs. Saville had invited some friends
VINO were passing through Paris to
dine with her that day, so Hope felt
no conjunction about leaving her
alone, though she was by no means
anxious to accompany Miss Dacre,
whose constant condolences about Lum-
ley made her feel uncomfortable; for
during his visit to Dresden she had
perceived what was the real attrac-
ton which brought him there, and she
had sense Of guilt towards Miss Da-
ere which oppressed her.
However, she will be going away
soon," was her reflection as she Cress-
ed, always in black. but not now in
such mourning-black lace over black
sat1n, her snowy neck and arms show
Ing through their transparent cover
Ing, and a jet comb shining among the
abundant coils of her rich, dark-chest-
nut hair.
l am so glad you could comet"
cried Miss Dacre, when she got into
the carriage. Il cannot go quite by
myself, and there is no one else in
Paris care to have. Do you know.
my father says he thinks he saw
George Lumley on the Boulevards this
morning."
Indeed! Well. we have seen moth
ing of him"
The house was crowded with a bril-
liant audience. The music was light
and sparkling. Many glasses were
turned to the box occupied by the two
Notwithstanding Englishwomen.
Hope Desmond had had budget from
her faithful friend Miss Rawson that
evening. and something In the con-
tents had sent her forth with a bright
color and smiling face. Even Miss
Dacre. self-absorbed as she usually
was, thought, How handsome Hope is
looking!"
That young lady, who had been
sweeping the house with her opera
glass, suddenly started, and exclaim-
ed. why, there is George Lumley in
the balcony opposite! He is with Lord
Everton. Is it not extraordinary?-as
soon as come to Paris he appears.
Stay! he sees us; they are coming
over. ! don't know how it Is, but I
felt l should meet him here"
In a few minutes the door of the box
opened to admit Lord Everton and his
young nephew.
We'll. Miss Dacre, this Is an unex.
pected pleasure, said the gallant old
peer. Il met Castleton. a couple Of
hours ago. and he told me you were
coming here tonight Then this young
scapegrace called at my au quatrieme,
and we agreed to look you up"
II saw Richard Saville in town the
day before yesterday" said Captain
Lumley as he shook hands with Miss
Desmond. HE told me you were in
Paris; and-here am"
ut Is the best time for Paris, every
thing looks so bright and gay" she re-
turned, with some slight embarrass-
ment. Rather different from Dres-
den."
II hope there may be change from
the Dresden Tone" he replied, with
some significance. Then he turned to
greet Miss Dacre with great cordial
ity, and while they talked with much
animation Lord Everton addressed
Miss Desmond.
e Delighted to see you! So glad you
have not deserted my distinguished
sister-in-law. You remind me of Una
and the Lion, or might say the tt
ger. The softening power you have
exercised is amazing. I only wish the
process extended in widening circles
to embrace few more than your IA
vored self"
81 wish I possessed the power you
credit mo with" returned Hope, smil-
ing, as she made room for him beside
her. She was always amused with the
boyish old peer. who showed her de-
gree of kindly attention which touch
ed her.
And how are you getting on?" he
continued, in a confidential tone II
know that good fellow Rawson count
ed on you as an ally in the cause of
Madame's prodigal son.
II do not get on at all. I have had
but one chance of pleading for him,
and l am afraid I made little. or no
impression. Mrs. Saville has been
profoundly offended. Naturally, she
will find it hard to forgive"
"She is somewhat adamantine. II
you succeed with her l shall say you
are a deucedly clever young woman.
Still, / am inclined to back you.
must tell Hugh what a first-rate adj
vocate he has. I had letter from
him few days ago. His ship will be
out of commission-letsm me see, In less
than i've months. The present First
Lord Is an old schoolfellow of mine.
and he wants lift with him. He must
keep up, you know, now he Is q mar
ried man-poor beggar! Then. In q
way. am responsible for his sins"
"Oh, indeed" said Hope. looking ct