The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-03
THE CLUB
by CAROLYN WELLS
Copyright, 1909. by J. B. Lippincott Company

seat, at some distance from her own, and Carleton's chair remained empty at Madeleines side.
 At first this was uncomfortably evident, but Madeleine was in gay spirits, and soon the whole party fol- lowed her lead, and the conversation was general and in a merry key.
 The young hostess had never look hair, piled high on her head, was adorned with a dainty ornament which, though only twisted ribbon, was shaped like a crown, and gave her the effect of an imperious queen. Her low cut gown of pale yellow sa tin was severe of line and accented her stately bearing, while her ex- ouisitely modelled neck and should CTS were as white and pute as those of a marble statue. Save for dou- ble row of pearls around her throat, she wore no ornaments, but on the morrow Car!eton's gift of magnificent diamonds would grace her bridal cos tune. The combination of naughty imperial beauty and dazzling witch cry of mood was irresistible, and the men and girls alike realized that never before had Madeleine seemed so wonderful.
 After the dessert was placed on the table. Willard could stand it nn louger. and leaving his own place. he calmly appropriated Carleton's va cant chair.
 Madeleine did not reprove him, and Kitty French took occasion to whisper to her neighbor: "T were better by far to have matched our fair cousin to brave I.ocninvar.''
 Mrs. Markham overheard the quo- tation, and q look of pain came into her eyes. But it was all too late now, and tomorrow Madeleine would bs irrevocably Schuyler Carleton,s wife.
 1 After dinner coffee was served in the cozy library, Madeleine preferred this room to the more elaborately furnished drawing-room, and tonight her word was law.
 | But suddenly her mood changed. For no apparent reason her gay spirits vanished. her smile faded away, and pathetic droop curved the corners of her beautiful mouth | At about ten o'clock she said ab- ruptly, though gently. .'I wish you'd all go to bed. Unless you girls get | some beauty sleep, you won't look | pretty at my wedding tomorrow
 'Tm quite ready to go,'' declared Kitty French with some tact, for she saw that Madeleine was nervous and strung up to high tension.
 'I, too," exclaimed Molly Gardner and the two girls said goodnight and went upstairs.
 | Two or three young men had beer
 dinner guests also made their adieux
 and Tom Willard said, Well, I may
 as we'll toddle to my comforts o1 home, as understood by a country
 innkeeper."
 Madeleine said goodnight to hin kindly enough, but without jest ol gaiety. Tom looked at her curiousiy i for a moment, and then, gently kiss
 ing her hand, he went away. \ | Mo
 Morton comfortably installed in whar
 had been Toms room, returned te
 the library to, offer her services ts
 Madeleine.
 But the girl only thanked her, say
 ing, There is nothing you can d.
 tonight. I want to be alone for al
 hour or two. I will stay here in tn,
 library for a time, and I'd like te
 have you send Cicely to me-" A few moments later Cicely Depu.
 came in, bringing some letters .ant
 papers. She was Miss Van Norman
 private secretary, and admirably dit
 she fill the post. Quick-w witted, clev
 CT, delft of hand and brain, she an
 swered notes, kept accounts, and il many ways made herself invaluab bl to her employer.
 Moreover, Madeleine liked heI
 Cicely was of charming personality
 Small, fair, with big, childish blu eyes and a rose-leaf skin, she was pretty picture to look at. , "Sit down." said Madeleine, "an, . make little list of some final mat 1 ters I want you to attend to tomor
 row."
 | Cicely sat down, and, taking pen cil and tablet from the library table made the lists as Madeleine directed } This occupied but a short time, am then Miss Van Norman said wearily
 "You may go now, Cicely. Go t bed at once, dear. You will hay 5 much to do tomorrow. And pleas tell Marie I shall not need her ser
 vices tonight. She may go to he room. I shall sit here for an hou or more, and I will answer thes notes I wish to be alone.' !, "Very well, Miss Van Norman,
 said Cicely, and, taking the lists sh had made, she went softly from tn . room.