The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1918-04-13

/
''1es, my dear, know but do let me
consider it 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 We're alike quite irresistible. Lydia
/ found no excuse for refusing; so sub
dued her Impotence, assented with a
murmur, and preceded her hostess up
| the staircase.
I'm really delighted to know you,
Miss Craven. Yes-straight ahead, if
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 electrOlier to
the subdued glow of the reading lamp
on a desk, and paused to review the
girl with her kindly and engaging
glance.
"rve 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 1t true he means to
marry again?"
"Yes," 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
ly, Mrs. Ellsworthy seemed for some
moments preOccupied.
But Peter Trait had claims not long
to be disregarded, and presently Lydia
stirred restlessly, with an tnquiring
look ready for the eyes that her hostess
then lifted from the carpet.
you've met this-ah-Mrs. Merri-
lees, no doubt?" Mrs. Ellsworthy
queried Unexpectedly. us she then
such a beauty as they say?''
"She's very beautiful" Lydia re-
turned, "and 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: Mr..
Craven wants you to wait for him here,
rather than keep the appointment at
the Margrave."
The Margrave againl
1.-THE Plaza" Lydia corrected absent
ly; then in a breath remembered. I'm
sorry" she said, rising, "but ! can't
wait II daddy's coming here. he'll
get the answer from you personally: :.
so there's no need" here Mrs. Ellswor-
thy rose in her turn. "And-I left q
friend waiting In the taxi"
"A friend?"
It 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."S
Mrs. Ellsworthy was moving slowly
toward the door, as II 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; and
anyway, In all fairness. she owed his
wishes little consideration-he who
was little enough considerate to her
and below in the taxi all earthly hap
piness waited.
I'm 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 indistinct-
". "Forgive me IL L"
Her hand caught the knob as II
thoughtlessly; but the slam Of the door
cut short her words emphatically
enough to have wakened her to appre-
citation, had her act been really
thoughtless.
For an instant Lydia paused In
amazement. The thing was incredible.
preposterous, outrageous!
w. Abc 1occ no da0F PoY1n0 fno6 oh