Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-25

pared them for just such climax; but the realization
of it the less exciting. The altar of the dear
old church, where many of and pleasure
had been enacted was transformed into veritabe
bower OF roses The bridal trousseau gilt from Lady
Gainseigh, simply perfect, all admiring friends
had declared And there to be bridal tour,
despite Gwenths protestations and arguments to the
contrary For she had already begun to plan for the
future, with economical as we'll practical view,
and this last luxury she had deemed beyond the purse
sisted in fact it was he who had planned and managed
the whole affair and on most extravagant scale.
Lady Gainsleigh had met Leigh Dalhearst the first
night after her arrival in America, and had at
formed strong liking for the future husband of her
favorte niece Notwithstanding the fact that his stock
of worldly possessions known to be exceedingly
SMALL she expressed her entire approval of the match;
but way did her Ladyshp suspect that the fraiest
link existed between her unhappy past and this hand
some, clean cut young man.
Il want you to wear your loveliest gown tonight,
Aunty dear the girl had said early evening" they
sat discussing the future. am expecting Leigh, in
company with very close friend of his, who is be
best at wedding, and want this gentleman to
see what really beautiful aunty have
"Gwenith, am very much afraid you have acquired
the art of attery, Lady Ganseigh replied, pinchng
the pink cheek but it was simply to please you that
came all the way that awful ocean, and while
here shall do Just as you say providing it isn't some
thing very dreadful so you may send Navette to my
room, and will 60 and start the transformation"
WHEN the doorbell rang an hour LATER Gwenith
Judge Cheston and Leigh Dalhearst. The two men
ushered into the library, which separated
from the drawing by heavy draperies of tapestry
Directly after they were seated, the younger man
cused himself and left the roo closing the door behind
him. Gwenith turned to Judge Cheston.
her hand his and looking up into his face, which
seemed to have grown haggd since she had last behed
it. HAS Leigh explained, and will you do as
quested? she asked entreatingly, and with of
doubt in her voice.
Judge CheSton hesitated before replying slowly re-
ing down the slight figure and the pleading gray eyes,
Il am afraid that you have been overzeaous in this
matter for my sake, he said in low tone, placing his
gloves the table nearby and that your reward will
be disappointment"
But we can try" the girl said bravey though her
voice trif1e unsteady. Il want you to hear from
her own lips how very, very unhappy she is. All ask
of you remain here concealed behind these curtains
After having heard should you still consider best 60
further in the matter shall accept your decision and
you may withdraw But anxious for the sake of
you both, and for Leighs we'll my own! She
dreams that you so We have been extremely
careful not to mention your NAME"
The mans handsome face darkened. "And in
way Aatter myself that she will to hear it now he
said ironically Moreover, the role of eavesdropper
has always been in estimation, despicable one, and
most unfair to the unconscious actor"
The girl her air castles beginning to tOtter and
ready burst into tears. Them with an effort she
1t the only resource left her. she had fully in
tended never to 1t her last card; but she
played it. The stakes she considered to be well worth
the hazard
Judge Cheston' she said, touch of hauteur in her
now perfectly calm voice. "a few weeks ago you told
consider you at my service. The need of just such