The Monmouth inquirer., 1922-09-07
MMM
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ing in anticipation Of one OF the most
brilliant dances of the season. She
lay ON wicker lounging chair, euvel.
oped in a loose white robe presently
to be replaced by the dress which had
j been especially fashioned for the oc-
casion
Her window was wide open, and the
| May evening was beginning to dsrken
as the sun set behind bank of glori-
fed, crimson mist.
I had visitor this afternoon said
Amabel Bernard came she added
in casual tone,
why have you been SO mysterious
about is9 asked Pauline
You know that mother would have
been sure to make a fuss said Am
abel And it really wasn't my fault
| cOuldR't prevent his coming
I suppose you did not want to pre-
vent it,
oh, Bernie is dear boy--and he
passes the timeI'
Pauline looked at Amabel rather
intently
OOlu0tA1ANp WVbNSA WhSoASA
quite heartless or whether it's only
a pose she said. think it is
pose
And / think, cried Amabel, It's an
immense pity Mrs. Venables doesn't
marry again.
No woman ought to marry more
than once said Pauline sententiously.
by the by Amabel continued,
Gilbert was here when Bernard ar
rived, Poor dear Gilbert! Don't you
really pity him, Pauline?'
Very sincerely said Pauline, and
she turned her face towards the open
window. gazing out at the crimsoning
sky
Now, wonder exclaimed Amabel,
whether yours is the pity that's akin
to love-
Pauline slowly shook her head.
Il don't--I don't know she said.
You don't know whether you love
a man or not!'
Whether love him well enough to
marry him. imagine that is what
you mean answered Pauline quietly
Gilbert seems anxious concerning
the strength OF your memory, said
Amabel
What abeutT
'Well-abeut Mr.. Waterhouse,' said
Amabel. You see,' she added, he
wants to &c to Horsemere; he thinks
it's everybedy's duty to live in viii
lage and milk COW: that sort OF
thing!'
Pauline smiled 0olerantly- q
What Gilbert really thinks
oh, know, dear, know! lis
tened to quite an grafton Ii you can
find an Interest,"
1 centainly do
Then am sure you must like Gil
bert, cried Amabel
IL have always liked him. said
Pauline.
Well, that's all the poor dear man
requires He is not in the least ex-
acting. am certain he would be
perfectly contented with that
/, 4 should not. answered Pauline
oh, you're such an exacting per-
son,' said Amabel. You not only in
sist on having everything just right
you must know why it's right. You
must always travel first class
Naturally
Well, my dear, it may be natural
to you, but we don't when you're not
with us. Poor Gilbert is ridiculously
infatuated she exclaimed
IT seems odd that he should ap-
peal TO you-of all persons-for con-
solaAion,' said Pauline.
I was afraid to give him much,
was the answer. But promised to
find 0sFt how the land lay. and he is
coming on Mondoy to hear the result
Now If were you, I'd just risk it,
Pauline, I would really! ! wish you
could see your way
so do Almost said Pauline,
staring at the sky again
Then, cried Amabel. what more
do you wantg
4 want to go away, said Pauline.
Then the discussion stands ad-
journed'
Indefinitely
You may as well face it, urged
Amabel; you will have to face it
sooner or later
Face it!' exclaimed Pauline; I
have been facing 1t the last three
months
Amabel went away, and Pauline
completed her toilette She presently
set forth with Mrs. Cathcart, and no
further reference was made to Gilbert
until the following Monday morning
Then Amabel broke In upon her In
hight spirits, which. after all, went
far to make the life and light of the
house.
Now, Pauline she cried. to be or
not to be; chat is the question. A
very important question too,
Gilbert scarcely expected you to
put it to mel said Pauline
You know, Amabal continued, you
are haunted by a sort OF ghost
I wish you would try to be reas-
onable,' cried Pauline
Amabel assumed a melodramatic