The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-20
NOW co ON WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER XxXIII

NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 CHAPTER XXXIII
 There was great stir in the house. The smell of pine, of long -stemmed roses, of magnolia blossoms from far away hothouses filled the air.
 Maids rushed to and from with caps slightly awry. The library was given over to wedding gifts. They made brave array. Silver and rock crystal, Ming and hand fooled leather, carved jade and thinest porcelain.
 The center of all this confusion n was Liane who sat pale as a. dove, in a big chair in her rose-tinted room.
 Give was at the club. He had gone there the week before to live His mother thought it proper. Liane had begged to return to her shabby little apartment and to be married from there. But the dow ager, as usual, had overridden her objections.
 Nonsense" Mrs Cleespau ugh had said. And that ruling went unchal- lenged.
 So now Liane's wedding day had arrived. Her gown was waiting on it's scented hanger. Her cobwebby underthings with their traceries of priceless lace. Her frail. exquis- ite vail and shining, narrow slip peru
 Her pearls, the ones she had of- fered as ransom that night in the fetid house on the shore, lay in their satin case. Her stockings which had cost twice q shopgirrs weekly salary were folded in a pale blue box. All was ready and waiting.
 cass fluttered back and forth between the two rooms, youthful and smart in her biscuit colored frock.
 "1ime to dress now. sweet" she said after a final nervous glance at the clock. Its d quarter past three" The wedding was set for four.
 Liane rose obediently. Nora and Eileen who had been waiting for this very moment appeared from the hall and begged to be allowed to assist. Among them all, they
 
 Liane submitted docilely to their ministrations.
 Darling, your hands are cold as ice," Cass murmured.
 "Ah, she's nervous" Nora broke in volubly. "Al girls are nervous on their wedding day. My sister
 Liane listened to their chatter, laughed with them. They were so gay. They helped her to forget herself. Mademoiselle who had fitted the gown at Christine's ar rived 10 see to the train. Made moiselle intended personally to su- pervise this wedding.
 It was like dream through which some strange girl moved automatically. Liane stood, docile and quiescent, for the draping of her veil. Dimly in the glass she saw her own reflection.
 At last they left her alone with her mother.
 You're not nervous, darling" Cass whispered You're wonder ful. So calm and poised"
 Liane smiled back. She did not trust herself 10 speak
 A tap sounded a, the door and Cags, opening II, found Mrs Cleespaugh standing there with q white fur wrs J over her arm. "A wedding present for you, child, ' the old lady beamed. They folded it around her. They led her down. stairs.
 Were few minutes early" :" Cass murm mured She let' Llans alone in the small sitting room. She had forgotten her gloves.
 Tressa came in. She wore dove gray dress that fitted as though she had been poured into !t She said, "I should have left for the church ages ago but l wanted TO see you"
 Liane regarded her calmly.
 "I have a message for you, Tressa said. She held out her hand. Liane's fingers closed over thick envelope.
 "You were to read it before you left" Tresaa said. Her voice had strange, compelling urgency. "Quick, before anybody comes!' She darted to the door and stood her back to Liane, guarding her.
 Liane tore open the envelope with terembling fingers.
 q shall wait for you always" she read. Wait for me. am free. Muriel has eloped with Des- mond."
 Liane crumpled the note. With steady steps she walked to the fire