The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-09

from. and galloped on.

from, and galloped on.
 Some of us did not look for you al all' said Peggy, her heart filled with rage and a thirst for vengeance upon both Vane and Mabel. What, Ernest did not tell you?' "No he told us that this dinner was in honor of a lady's first visit to this house-but none of us ima- gined the lady to be his wife" Vane underwent tortures for the sarcasm and cruel wit of his guests, especially from the shafts aimed at him by Peggy But all that was said conveyed no intimation of the true state of affairs to Mabel she was a little puzzled, that was all. Let us introduce ourselves to you, ma dam," said Woffington-and she pointed out each guest, giving each some name out of play and calling herself Lady Betty Moodish, until she came to Sir Charles, whom she called by his right full appellation. "Oh," cried Mrs. Vane, The is the good gentleman who helped me out of slough near Huntingdon | It was not very merry dinner, and soon MT. Vane pressed his guests to a little music in the garden. Mrs. Vane however, was told by her husband that she had better not join them, as she must be fatigued after her journey Left alone In the deserted banquet hall, Ma bel Vane sat trying to collect her thoughts and puzzle out things. Some l thing was wrong, she could not guess what. AS she sat there in deep thought there came to the door one Triplet, a writer of bad plays and worse poetry, a painter of pictures as bad-a poverty stricken wretch with large family Master Is not at home,' said the ser want who answered the knock at the l door l-
 But Mabel In her country way ran into the hall and said: How can you? If the gentleman wants to see MT. Vane, show him in. MT. Vane is in the garden with some friends and I will send for him. Walk in, sir.' And she ushered the poor scribbler into the deserted ban quet hall and bade the servant tell his master that gentleman wished to see him. The servant, being a London one l and devoted to the cause of sin, besides having a hearty. contempt for poets and "sich pussons,'' went his way oblvious | to the order.
 1 By this time they had reached the ban qnet room, and Mabel saw the prepara- | tions for the feast "Oh, he has invited some friends to make my acquaintance!' she cried, with pleasure. Then, looking with some trepidation at her travelling l room where there was a looking glass and water. Master Is in the garden with a power of fine friends" said James; and he showed Mrs. Vane to her husband s room, where she began to efface the marks of her travel as best she could. Sir Charles servant hurriedly brought him word that Mrs. Vane was in the house. How happy he was when the haunch of venison was on the table and the party | in the garden walked into the banquet hall!-happier than the serpent when he saw Eyes white teeth really strike the apple Mrs. Wellington sat beside MT. Vane at the oval table. All was jollity and merriment when, suddenly. the door opened and Mrs vane walked in No bodys back was toward her but MT. vane's; every eye but his was spellbound upon her; a sudden silence fell upon the company.
 Seeing the direction of all eyes vane turned himself around and saw-his wife! She put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Mrs: Wellington, too ason- ished for her emotion to take a definite shape-said in what seemed an ordinary tone, "Who is the lady?" ''I am his wife madam replied Mabel, in skylarl voice, and smiled in a friendly way upon the questioner. Tt is my wife, said vane, in voice of a talking machine In twinkling servant placed chair and a plate for Mrs. vane at her hus- bands right. Sir Charles wore a dernure l look, beled by his glittering eyes: the others were simply, astonished. But soon significant looks passed between the guests. You are angry with me-, said Mabel, flor this silly trick, but I am only two hours before my time. I wrote you that should be here at 4. dearest
 Sir Charles made known his return to town, visited the green room and was invited to make one of the party at dinner His servant whom he sent in quest of the fair unknown of the foundered coach reported to him thai the lady was Mrs. Vane; she was going to meet her husband. and would arrive that afternoon, so much advantage o1