Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-06-09

The maid Withdrew. Kitty and the other
woman, who was very tall and very aristo
cratic looking, stood silent for a moment
Then Mrs. Fessenden said:
"You are Miss Ziegler?"
dyes, replied Kitty hesitatingly; though
why she should hesitate was a mystery. She
had been known as Miss Ziegler for sometime
now. Perhaps it was the fact that she was
playing a double role and was a little
ashamed. Mrs. Fessenden held out her
hand, which she took mechanically and sank
into seat on the sofa beside her, wondering
what was coming next. She could feel Mrs.
Fessenden's searching glance, and was glad
that she had on her thickest veil. At last she
was addressed.
"Nliss Ziegler," said Mrs. Fessenden, al
want to thank you very much for granting
me this interview. | did not quite"
ooh, that's all right said Kitty. II
wasn't busy"
Nevertheless, l shall try to make it as
short as possible" continued Mrs. Fessen-
den, @and come to the matter that interests
me at once. Doubtless you can guess why
| asked you to meet rne?'
"I-er-well, of course" Kitty knew
that she ought to say that she was aware
Mrs. Fessenden wished to see her about
walter; but somehow or other she could
not get the name out. She was relieved of
the necessity by the other woman, who con
tinued
at is about my son, of course
3Of course assented Kitty.
at has recently come to my knowledge
that Walter has formed very, very strong
attachment for you. He has toldfme SO him
self. And it is concerning that attachment
that wish to speak. Miss Ziegler, think
that can understand my sons affection for
you. You are a very pretty young woman
Kitty started, and wondered if Mrs. Fes-
sender could see through her veil and if she
was making sport of her. But there was
nothing of that in Mrs. Fessenden's voice as
she went on:
Il have seen your photographs, those YOU
gave Walter. | have seen you on the stage
you and your sister. You are exceedingly
pretty, and, have not the slightest doubt,
an estimable girl
II guess you won't hear bad reports about
the Ziegler Sisters, on or off, said Kitty,
bristling up.
Il am sure of that If it was not so, my
task would be easier; for l have disagree
able task to perform. Miss Ziegler, am 60
ing to ask you to discourage any further adj
vances on my sons part. | am not asking
this on the score that he is too young to
marry: he is of age and, believe, able to
take care of a wife. | am not asking it on
account of the anger his father would feel if
he knew OF the existing state OF AFFAIRS and
the rage into which he would fly if this in
fatuation should result in marriage | am
asking it for a reason that may appear con-
temptible to you, and may cause you to
grow very bitter; but | am honest, at all
events. In short, Miss Ziegler, | am asking
you to refuse to marry my son, if he should
ask you to be his wife, on account of the diff
ference in station between you, and on ac-
count of your family
TIP to this point Kitty Blandon had listen
ed with increasing respect for Mrs.
Fessendens manner of talking. As the arts
tocratio woman had gone on, speaking can
didly, earnestly, Kitty had come to sympa-
thize with her. Furthermore, the fact that
Mrs. Fessenden was against the marriage OF
her son and Fanny delighted her; for she
foresaw a way out of the danger, and the
reason for the other woman's desire to break
it off did not occur to her. She had almost
been on the point of raising her veil, disclos-
ing her real identity, and exclaiming:
Break it off! Say, your ideas and mine
mix fine! The question is, How are You 60
ing to do it? | leave it all to you. Just go
ahead and smash the engagement"
But now, with Mrs Fessenden's reflection
on her family, a change came over her. She
sat up stiff and defiant, forgetting that her
face was hidden by the veil forgetting every