The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1914-01-16


ham had counted upon for an &C
quaintance with the great judge who
! might hold a future career in his
power, he could not but wish that he
might follow them to the other room.
He felt entire confidence in his new
friends ability to play her part to
the end, but he wanted to watch her,
to study her and understand her, II
perchance he might solve the mystery
that was ever growing more intense
about her.
AS she left the room his eyes fol
lowed her. His hostess, in passing
behind his chair, had whispered:
Il don't wonder you feel so about
her. She is lovely But please don't
begrudge her to us for a few minutes.
| promise you that you shall have
your innings afterwards"
Then, without any warning and ut
terry against his will this young man
of much experience and self-control
blushed furiously, and was glad enough
when the door closed behind Mrs
Bowman
Miss Remington walked into the
drawing room with a steady step but
with a r2 9idly beating heart. Her real
ordeal had now come She cast about
IN her mind for subjects of conversa-
ton which should forestall unsafe
topics, and intuitively sought the pro-
lection Of the judges wife. But imme-
diately she saw her hostess making
straight for the little Chippendale
chair beside her.
My dear. it is 100 lovely" she be-
gan. Sc opportuHe! Do tell me how
long YOU have known Trycn?"
The girl caught her breath and gath
cred her wits together. She looked up
shyly into the pleasant curious eyes
Of Mrs. Bowman, and faint CLEAN
of mischief came into her face
Why" Her hesitation seemed
only natural, and Mrs Bowman de-
cided that there must be something
very special between these two. Why
not so very long, Mrs. Bowmau-not
as long as you have known him" She
finished With a smile which Mrs Bow
man decided was charming
oh. you sly child" she exclaimed.
playfully tapping the round cheek with
her fan. Did you meet him when he
was abroad this summer"
"Oh, no, indeed" said the girl,
laughing now in spite of herself "Oh.
no; it was after his return"
Then it Il have been in the
Adirondacks, went on the determined
interlocutor. Were you at" But
the girl interrupted her. She could not
afford to discuss the Adirondacks, and
the sight of the grand piano across
the room had given her an idea
MIR. Durham told me that you
would like me TO play something for
you. as your musician friend has failed
you. ! shall be very glad to, II it will
help you any. What do you care for?
Something serious or something gay?
Are you fond OF Chopin. or Beethoven.
or something more modern? ,"
Seeming a possible musical prodigy.
and desiring most earnestly 10 give
her guests a treat. Mrs. Bowman ex-
claimed in enthusiasm;
ooh, how lovely Of YOU ! hardly
dared to ask, as Tryoa Was uncertain
whether you would be willing. Sup
pose YOU give us something serious
row. and later. when the men come in.
We'll have tho gay music Make your
own choice, though I'm very fond of
Chopin. of course"
Without another word. the girl
moved quietly over to the piano and
took her seat. For just moment her
fingers wandered caressingly over the
keys, as if they were old friends ard
she were having an understanding
with them then she began a Chopin
Nocturne Her touch was firm and vel
vety, and she brought out bcll-like
tone from the instrument that made
the little company of women realize
that the player was mistress of her
art Her graceful fingers and lovely
head. with its simple ripplcs and
waves OF hair, were more noticeable
than ever as she sat there, controlling
the exquisite harmonies. Even Mrs
Blackwell stopped tanning and looked
interested. Then she whispered to
Mrs, Bowman: "A very sweet young
girl. That's pretty piece she's play
ing" Mrs. Blackwell was sweet and
commonplace and old-fashioned
Mrs. Parker Bowman sat up with
pink glow in her cheeks and light In
her eyes. She began to plan how she
might keep this acquisition and ex.
plot her among her friends 1t was
her delight to bring out new features
! in her entertainments.
ITO RE-. Cn\TINt-rnA