The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1917-11-16

4talrSE
"But-I have merely a message
"Yes, my dear, know but do let me
consider 1t in comfort-upstairs."
Under the soft glow Of the electric
dome Mrs. Ellsworthy's smile and the
gracious inclination of her head that
invited Lydia anew to ascend the STAIR
way were alike quite irresistible. Lydia
found no excuse for refusing; so sub
dued her impotence, assented with
murmur, and preceded her hostess up
the staircase.
I'm really delighted to know you,
Miss Craven. Yes-straight ahead, II
you please. But do need more light
to see you BY"
Entering the designated room, Mrs.
Ellsworthy touched wall switch, add
ing the illumination of an electroller to
the subdued glow of the reading lamp
on desk, and paused to review the
girl with her kindly and engaging
glance.
1--WE known your father for many
years." she affirmed, nodding; land
you've much Of his charm, my dear,
though you don't resemble him IN the
least-rather, / fancy. your mother" >
"You knew my mother?" Lydia asked
eagerly.
mo. Won't you sit down? No; Tad
Craven has always been confirmed
bachelor in everybody's esteem since
I've known him. Is it true he means to
marry again?"
eyes," said Lydia; and opening her
wrist bag produced Craven's note.
"No-please don't rise" interrupted
Mrs. Ellsworthy, crossing to her. "Mr.
Craven mentioned this over the wire.
Pardon"
Taking a chair beside the reading
lamp. she opened and scanned the mes
sage with careless interest. A nod con-
firmed evident foreknowledge OF its
contents Folding the note distracted
w, Mrs. Ellsworthy seemed for some
moments preoccupied.
But Peter Trait had claims not long
to be disregarded, and presently Lydia
stirred restlessly, with an inquirlng
look ready for the eyes that her hostess
then lifted from the carpet.
"You've met this-ah-Mrs. Merr1-
lees, no doubtY Mrs. Ellsworthy
uueried unexpectedly. lis she tnen
such a beauty as they sayT"
"She's very beautiful" Lydia re-
turned, land I'm very fond Of her. But,
if YOU don't mind, Mrs. Ellsworthy, l
have another. appointment; In fact'
with Mrs. Merrilees and my father
"Oh, beg your pardon, my dear"
Mrs. Ellsworthy assumed convincing
look of contrition. $50 thoughtless OF
me. / quite forgot to tell you: Mf.
Craven wants you to wait for him mere,
rather t4lan keep the appointment at
the Margrave."
The Margrave again!
''The Plaza" Lydia corrected absent
ly; then in breath remembered. I'm
sorry" she said, rising, "but l cant
wait. If daddy's coming here, hell
get the answer from you personally;
so there's no need" here Mrs. Ellswor-
thy rose in her turn. "And-I left
friend waiting in the taxi"
"A friend?"
1t was none Of Mrs. Ellsworthy's af'
fair, but quite automatically Lydia an
swered, "Mr. Trait"
"But really hadn't you better waltz
I'm sure Mr.. Craven won't be long
now"
Mrs. Ellsworthy was moving slowly
toward the door, as if she didn't really
expect her objection to avail, an effect
heightened by her manner, which con-
tinued to be perfect, lacking anything
but gracious interest.
Lydia, however, was quite settled IN
her determination to wait no longer
Craven could lose nothing by being
obliged to follow her to the Plaza ana
anyway, in all fairness, she owed ms
wishes little consideration-he VINO
was little enough considerable to her
and below in the taxi all earthly hap
piness waited.
"Tm sorry" she repeated mechanic
ally. you're very kind; but really
don't think"
At this point she was interrupted by
a shrill-tongued electric bell down.
stairs. Mrs. Ellsworthy started nerv-
ously, eyed the girl fugitively with
what seemed a trace Of doubt, and
darted toward the door.
1.-THE telephone!" she said indisdnct-
". "Forgive me IL L"
Her hand caught the knob as II
thoughtlessly; but the slam of the door
cut short her words emphadcally
enough to have wakened her to appre-
citation. had her act been really
thoughtless.
To- an instant lydia paused In