Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1916-05-03

sne oeatn or his fathers second wtfo
anu because he had promised TO caro-
ior Euphemia. who was quite without
means or her own. he had p,acad bor
at the head OF his modest bachelor
nousehoid. But the arrangement was
not entirely satisfactory to BENJAMIN
ior little by little his stepsister be-
came the mistress OF his house-ruled
MIN with rod Of iron. dictated to him
when she dared and made home so I'M.
comfortable that he was perforce com.
PEELED to seek comfort in his club.
Ana atterly since Annabel Moore
mad come into his life Euphemia had
been almost uncomfortable. She sus-
pected that Benjamin was in love with
the lovely girl. who was years younger
than herself. But Benjamin was well
TO do. and one could never tell. argued
Euphemia to herself. If Annabel seized
an opportunity and married BENJAMIN
where would Euphemia Fleming be?
certainly not at the head Of the Dacey
household, although Benjamin would
undoubtedly provide for her.
Il must look out for myself" said
Euphemia grimly as she went upstairs
to take her afternoon nap.
About 4 o'clock that same day Miss
Euphemia Fleming called upon Anna.
bel Moore. As she paused in the door
way while the maid announced her
Euphemia was not at all surprised to
witness little scene Swallowed in a
mirror that reflected the interior of the
adjoining library
Annabel was standing near the FIRE
place. and on his knees at her feet was
Willie Buddington.
Euphemia smiled 1t was going to
be easier than she had thought. The
girl was In love with young Budding
ton. and Benjamin had never had a
chance with the girl.
When she entered the drawing room
the scene had magically changed. Will
lie Buddington was standing detected
ly by while Annabel came forward to
greet Euphemla with pleasant cor
diaIlty
After Willie had taken his depar.
ture and while Annabel and Euphemia
drank tea together the older woman
sought for way to assure herself that
young Buddington had indeed proposed
to the girl and that she had accepted.
II AnnabeIs pensiveness was any In
dlcation Euphemia had every reason
to believe that Benjamin was safe
from an indiscreet marriage. while at
the same time her own future was
assured. She was positive that Benja.
min would never love another. This
was his first love affair. and she felt
positive that 1t would be his last p
II happened that Euphemia was
right II was Benjamin's Dacey's last
love affair.
Annabel blushed and looked con.
scious when Euphemia praised Willie
Buddington: she became intensely EN-
barrassed when Euphemia overstep
ped the bounds Of her slight acquaint-
ance and limited at possible romance.
Annabel assumed an air Of dignity
and changed the subject. Euphemia
gritted her store teeth and talked
about Benjamin.
Annabel did not blush here. On the
contrary. she became cold and con-
strained. Euphemia became nettled
and resolved to sting the girl into some
revelation OF her attitude toward Ben
jamin.
"My brother is soon to be married"
said Euphemia at last but perhaps
you have heard" She glanced sharp
" at the girl over the edge Of her tea
cup.
Annabel started violently, and her
blue eyes widened.
"Why-yes-no-I haven't heard" she
said little breathlessly.
II shah be very lonely" went on
Euphemia deliberately. II suppose l
shall have to go away and make a
home for myself"
II am sure that Mr.. Dacey will not
want you to do that" said Annabel
quietly. HE seems very fond Of you
THAT Is all very WE'LL" interrupted
Euphemia harshly, but when an old
man falls In love he makes fool OF
himself and sees nothing save the OBJ
ject of his alteration"
Annabels eyes flashed.
II should not describe Mr.. Dacey as
old" she said quietly.
''He Is forty-five." argued Euphemia.
He must seem-like father to you
almost a grandfather"
Hardly" laughed Annabel suddenly
"You must not make me believe that
your brother is very aged, Miss Euphe-
mia," she said archly. "for he told me
one day that he was five years older
than you. and you are not old by any
means"
Euphemia bridled and tossed her
head. She was secretly pleased
We'll" she gasped. but you are
mere child. Miss Annabel."
"a mere child of-thirty." admitted
Annabel.