VELLA VERNELL: OR, AN AMAZING MARRIAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 121, 30 May 1885, Page 3

VELLA VERNELL: OR, AN AMAZING MARRIAGE.

Bir Mrs Sum.ek Hayden, , "Little Goldie," "The Midnight

CHAPTER LXI. A COUNCIL. ~ivmaiand talked until the night. ________ tilled the littlo room. WsccndlnK. Lonc.i'E-LOw. „ Tm - house is rented," repeated Miss utliy, "and Letitia is going to Paris," Once 'again wore gathered round the Costello'scosy hearth the group who hud w „ so merry a few short weeks ago. Miss Vornell seemed liko one of tho .^-indeed, a strauger would take hor 'be tho mother of the two pretty girls, dm tho fact that all woro tho some soft,

jeep mourning. ii Thon the property is not lo be sold?'' fl oestioned the captain. I q MiM Dorothy shook hor head. -tfo* nothing is to bo sold, i_roui ' i«nas's'various possessions-just in what ___, bulk of his monoy is invested, I don t low unless it bo that horrid Colondrinas Sck-Letitia is to draw an income yearly _are. or dividend, or interest—l'm Jteaed if I know. They've talked of all MVhat do you think of doing about your Aim Voyle?" tho captain asked that young gov, "Shall you put it in? [f you're ntagto, now is the time." iif know that, sir, but wo aro rather dillitat of assorting moro than wo can support, taj Judge Oman thinks thero is one link nisi-g in our otherwiso strong chain." They all talked quite frcoly now about *j mammoth swindlo of the "lucky colonel," and woro vory much interested in its outcome. i'What is that ?' ".laflin's evidence." "Can't you possibly secure it.-" put in Oven, "I might cook my hare if I could catch it!" replied Voyle, laughing. "To save jj soul, I can't" get tale or tidings of the ____, We'll have to lot things rest for ifbile. I sometimes think that he nnd jliro Tracy have exterminated each othor Bruthlessly as tho famed Kilkenny cats, so difficult is it to discover trace of either of tea" Jfits Dorothy's placid brows knit injioa.ly. "Then you have not heard of Marc yet. "No. By tho way, I have a letter from Vella."

Sho eagerly extended her hand for it. legaveitto her. She broke the seal; thon recollecting heralf, turned to the others. "If you will excuso me?" she said. They assented. Sho oponed it. Then began a desperate Art at perusal. She could hardly read itrithout her glasses. And do you think Aa would put those on with that comical old Terry Costollo over thero watching her ? Hot she, if she had to swallow the sheot to itUt its contents. By dint of holding it quito noar, and thon it aim's length, by casually turning it to tie right ond carelessly regarding it at the Ut, by narrowing her blue eyes and rcsoMdy compressing her lips, she mastered it it list.

IhOD, when tho others chattered on totrod hor, she sat silont and vory thoughtill

For in the letiter Vella had told hor tether of the only time she had seen her brer since before he had started for Now Ink last summer.

A great longing came into Miss Dorothy's tag heart to see again "Will's little lighter," as sho had for many years tenily called her. Pleasant as these kind Saids might make it for her in Philadelp, it wns not the same : sho was sure she -id not be so happy as here, with Voylo jlhcr. A scheme took swift shape in her iA, She would have her como home— ti thoro sho hesitated. Home ! Where nit? Well, never mind, they would is one —a dear, cozy little nest, all for a own threo solves. Yes, yes, that rid be the best of plane.'

i suddenly shs spoke out her thoughts Eitartlod those around.

"She must como back, Voyle. We can't towithout her any longer."

"Vella?" he exclaimed,

"Yes. Why not ? there is nothing now Sleep her in Philadelphia."

Ihe Costellos listened interestedly. "But, Aunt Dolly, dear!" he cried. "Yon forget—there's Clatlin ! Everyone Saalooked on Vella as his wife. Tho general hpression is that Clatlin and his bride are "liing a tour cf Europe." Captain Costello and his children were m aware of the strange circumstances nnmected with that most marvellous umage. Miss Dorothy was rather taken aback. . "That is so !" she said, slowly. And bere Captain CosteOo broke in dwery and decisive.

"1 don't see why that fact should exile Hiis Vella from Chicago," he doclared. "Sapposing she did come back, you would -doubtlessly live so quietly you would •wt bot few of your old acquaintances. "Win is, as we suppose, searching for iff. he would probably hear of her being in tlicago—she could hardly escape all eyes — ud would seek her out. If he were to do Mou'd have your hand on the very inWual you need to help you out in your •_ t for your monety. By treating him feteroualy, explaining to him the necessity «tthsdeception of the wedding, and soon, "-rare you could persuade him of the W_ of your assertion, and get him to back jotupin your suit besides. How's that » a plan? By Capulet, I'm beginning to ™ I ought to bo a detective, a—a fiploinat, a—anything remarkably bril-

And he.rubbed his big shining head and l*jjiied round on thorn complacently. Tney all laughed. "That you ought!" emphatically agreed JaDorothy. "It's a first-rate plan. Isn't Moyle? Isn't it; Owen ?" ujoyoun^men smiled and nodded. Not half a bad one !" said Owen. couldn't Vella come and stay with •1 aeked Kitty, eagerly. "Of course, ••Would not rob you of her altogethor, -»«- a while at least—till you decide on '-me,"

How thoughtless of us," avowed Bessie's *»Xt voice, hurriedly, and before Kitty g-ÜBWSred, "not to have asked Miss 7*-% nor plans. Tho house on Prairie J'ttne is already rented, and her sister-in-«»leaves next week" Oh, I had my plans '." Miss Vernoll *™M brightly. "I am going to stay 2»tt old lady on Polk-street. She has a •Jfiry room to rent-" Aunt Dolly!" j^rgay confidence quite wilted at sound «WW_ indignant voice. „%dear!" You mean to go there to live—to that J*whed little cottage Oh. I know you're up to, Aunt Dolly, / know your Jecolourod guiltily. ____"?' v°yl ."sho began, but here her 2 W interrupted her, his disrespect Jjjwg absolution because of its earnest-

U feally fiddlesticks! I'll tell you how - _ , *"*a otncrs' "There's a certain £W of hers over on Polk-street-a »o»!-* yn _ who was once well off', but is '.-_ n **eec- circumstances. All her *W__ l-* 00i Part o£ -*•" \^>S himself, "Aunt Dolly has been etcT I ?r—doni' tmg herdollars, groceries, mi au° ff Bhe wants t0 ca P all with mS'it__** wants to go over there and '«s__. B'uffy little house, where the W fi-TTi. room' lo°ks out on an alley, %__- « Bake of Paying Mrs Mayne, ,a3 n ~eD ue- boai'd. I won't hear of £_ Uo% i 4»Tl___. y' bat in vain, had she en-C_-i 0i toPhimNE_s**, Corrßc% road her thoughts, '""eddmit her ' waa evident in her con*Wd___ Bnaace8naace- They laughed merrily "Co yW, «vere' Miß3 Dorothy!" urged *w*__ rfJu* s-tm hav«aneye tothe Y«__i ,»the mcc airy room." -.coTiffi Pleaded Bessie, with gentle i,^! hospitality. *$•«_• dears, IJ. %&3g*J*»wil. Dolly!" cried Cap*k°t __? pefsurbe<l little face flamed up S -»e __!__ U¥ _ aye -Bessie's own. _ftou__?♦ both her chubby hands «IjaidahYp. Stem tlie ingulfing tide of -W'w'ii 01-- I couldn't think of it! S*"*» _T ev,er B0 much for wanting _W» _-Uch- Bul I couldn't think _Wi, _. _?" -_ * Bhan'fc PO to Mrs _jMh, t _ -de-*eeoms to afflict \ oyle ™-Jttwwontm ont know what I will do j "6-u wait to decide till Volla

comes. Now, pleaso don't ask mo, my dears. But Ido thank you so heartily !" And as it was evident she was in earnest, thoy pressed hor no further.

" When does tho new tenant take posses sion on Prairio Avenuo?" Owen asked,

" Tho week after next."

" Woll, ono thing is certain -Vella is coming back !" said Bossio.

Aunt Dolly nodded

"I do so hoj-sol" softly. "I'll write to hor to-morrow," said Voyle,

For a fow minuto. there was silonco,

" Oh !" cried Bossic, suddenly. Thoy all turnod to hor in surprise. She clapped hor hands, thon blushed bowildoringly as she encountered five pairs of curious eyes.

"I'vo an idea !

" Perish it!" suggested Owen. " I won't! I'll give you tho benolit of it, Mr Owen," camo tho saucy rejoinder. " \ ou know tho Cosmos Club want you to r_ro to Philadelphia next week to sco about that Rubens reported for salo thoro. You didn't caro much about going. We'll spare you if you promise to bring back Volla." " Done !" he ciiod.

And thon, whon tho captain and Kitty had said what a splondid plan it would bo, and Miss Vcrnc'l and Voylo had feared it might be too far inconvoniencing Owen, and Owen had shaken his head and declared it would bo an immense pleasure for him, the Vornolls roso to say good-night. As they all stood talking in the hall, something curious about Voyle's boyish faco attractod Miss Dorothy's attontion, as tho light from tho suspended lamp fell upon it.

Sho started, bent forward, put both hor hand? on his shoulders, her face closo to his, gazed at him a few minutes steadily and in silence.

Over his brow tided ;i red wave of cm barrassmont.

" Great—patience !" she ejaculated, and dropped her hands. Then, in a sepulchral whisper, " Voylo, is it a moustache'!" The Costollos burst out in peals of irrepressible laughter at her amazement and his discomfiture

"Yes, Aunt Dolly.''

And he, too, laughed

It really wat .' if ono looked intently one could sco it distinctly, a slim, fair lino of silken down.

"Pity the sorrows of a poor young mustacho !" ho cried, gaily, to cover his very natural confusion. "It is poor and aspiring, struggling but virtuous. Goodnight, captain I"

But once in the carriage und rolling south ward ho grew quite tragic.

" Aunt Dolly," ho vowed, " I'm acliiuy to shake you !"

" Me, my dear?"

" Yes, you, you innocent little sinnor !" " Why, what—'' Though right well did this shy small body know !

"Tho idea," ho fumed on, laughing in spite of himsolf, " of giving a fellow doud away liko that before his girl " " About what ? I never "

" About my mustache."

"Say it again," sho petitioned, meokly. "I'm afraid he didn't exactly understand."

" My moustache."

" Laddie," gravely, " aren't you giving to a hairy nothing a local habitation and a name." "Silence."

Thon from the dark opposite seat sounded an awful voice,

'- Wait—just wait, Miss Vernoll," camo a tremendous threat, "till somebody comes a-courting you .'"

CHAPTER LXII

_ COSTlt't-NCE. •• And I, iv a strange land far away, Was loving him always, night and day." A SON

On entering the library at home, Miss Dorothy started back in amazement.

Before the blazing prate-fire stood Mrs Vernell and her maid, both clad for a journey. On the tabio near them lay several satchels, also straps containing shay. Is.

" Oh, Dorothy, you've come at last!" cried the widow-, advancing toward her sister-in-law. " We're going to tako the I__!.,_7 train for Now Voik. Yes, T know the idea is sudden, but it' does seem as though I cannot remain hero any longer, Tho strain is too much for mo."

" Dear mc !" exclaimed Miss Dorothy, faintly.

" Such a fit of nervous prostration as took possession of me when you had gono out this afternoon !" Mrs Vernoll continued. "You can't imagine the feeling, Dorothy, your nerves are so strong !" Just as socn as I rocovored a little. I said to Hilaria : •We must get away from hero at once. Every room reminds mc of him—the loneliness is unendurable.' So as rapidly as possible we packed, sent Roberts for our tickets, and have only been waiting to Bay good-bye to you l?' "It's so sudden .'" gasped Miss Dorothy. " And you too, Hilaria ! won't the house be desolate, though !" And then the carriage drove round, they all heard it. Fioberts came in and gathered up the straps and satchels. Adieus were said, and five minutes later Mrs Colonel Vernell was en route to Paris.

And loft alone, Miss Dorothy sighed, snuggled down in a big chair, and shook her small head ruefully as sho glancod around the room.

" All gone! every soul ot them. 'Friend after friend departs. Who hath not lost a friend ."'

as Mrs Homans says. And thoro wasn't a living thing about— not as much as a kitten, to agreo in tho sentiment or deny the authorship. Uneasily in the big chair she lidgoted. "If I had known Lotitia was going,'l would have made Voyle remain to-night. How large the room looks ! the gas doesn't half light it either. 1 never thought it was half so long bofore. I wonder if the servants are in bed. They may bo from all the evidence there is to the contrary. I'll ring the boll just to find out. What excuse can I have though ? Oh, yes, I'll ask If Lainont sent up that celery which came this morning." She touched tho kuob bosido the mantel. Roberts appeared. " Ask cook if Lamont sent up that celery." He vanished. " There's one beside me uu in tlio houso 1 she exclaimed with a sigh of relief. Soon Roberts returned. " She says it came this morning, miss." " Very well." And when ho had gope : "There's two beside rao up in the houso, thank goodness !" And sho quito brightened. Three minutes passed. "I wonder whether it's lonesomor Bitting up or going to bed !" sho ponderod with a sublime contempt for Lindley Murray. Savo the ticking of the clock not a sound was there, "Gracious, Dorothy Vernoll, can't you sit still ?" In sudden o.xasperation to her own black merino self, wriggling round liko a little fat eel. " I never knew you co nervous before. You want tweiaty-two drop 3of iron before meals for a, while. Ho-00-" '. what's that ?" with a repressed but blood-curdling shriek. And what do you suppose it was ? only a a few icy drops of rain dashing aguflnst the window.

She rose disgustedly. ' "I'm ashamed of you !" again address- j ing herself. "Go to bed, you foolish old dame I" sho went to stir tho lire. "I do wish though," a triflo wistfully, "I haa some of the Costellos to talk to—Kitty. Yes, I should love to have Kitty !" How the bright blaze did redden the old cheeks in the brief moine-nt in which she bent above it! " I thiuk I'll drink a glass of port neg us and go to bed !" she decided. And this sbe did. The very next day Owen Costello left for Philadelphia. Over Philidelphia, that fair, quaint, conservative old Quaker City, lay the ccld and mellow light of an afternoon in early December. Under foot the frozen snow crackled. Overhead waa a pearl-grey sky. All around tho air waa clear and crisp, and exhilarating as wine. Down the steps of John Gage's magnificent brown-stone residence camo two girlish figures, one tall and slender, with a certain queenhnesa in her auiet bearing, the othor a little less lofty ol stature, a shade less dignified of carriage. She was all in black, soft, dull, unostentatious black, from the high-crowned felt hat sat well forward on the sun-bright curls to her slim, arched, Spanish boots. Her companion waa a picture, and a daintily charming one too - all golden brown seal skin and ruby velvet, which set off to perfection the pure pal or of her skin, the dusk of her hair, the lips as velvety and warm in hue as tho petals of a i_segTndU BO Owen Costello thought, as cap ped, overcoatcd, fur gloved, he came "WW down tho square, the embodiment of r.oyal health and dashing spirits. "What delicious colouring! he odui mented, aa he neared them, all hie art st c i soul alert. And then,«' If that isn t 1 Hwb

Vernoll with hor! Mc must be Evolvn Gage!"

110 was luce to face with thorn now. Vella gave a little cry, "Mr Costollo!" For instantly had she recognised the handsomo, bronzed faco of her travelling companion. Ho lifted his hat with a bow and smilo. " Miss Vernoll! Collisions nro not as strong as fate, you soo, aud so we meet again." Vella turned to her friend. "Evolyn, you havo heard me Bpenk of the gentleman who, with his sisters, was so kind to mo tho evening I left Chicago. Lot mo introduce him now—Mr Costello, Mies Gage !"; Miss Gage bent graciously her protty, swan-like throat, Mr Costollo again dotted his cap and bowed low. " I have interrupted you, ladies !" ho said. "When may I call? I bring you, Miss Verticil, a message from your brother," "From Voylo ! Ah, ho has told mo how good you all aro to him, how generously you make him welcome at your pleasant home." " We aro always delighted to have him '" with a light laugh to turn aside hor words of grateful acknowledgment " Won't you como in, Mr Costello ':" asked Evelyn, turning toward the stops they had just descended. " Thanks, no ! I will not keep you from your walk. 1 shall call again." "Como with us thon !" interposed Vella cordially. "Wo were just going as far us Wannamakor's." "Thank you! I will." He turned with thorn, anil tho three walkod oastward. " Miss Gage is going to select a balldross!" went on Vella, with a goycty sho was vory fnr from fooling—sho was novor naturally vory gay of lato, poor child ! " Do you wonder we aro oxcitod ovor our mission ? If your tasto is good, wo may allow you to express an opinion." " For such a reward I wish it wore !" "Now, toll mo something about Voylo— you know I haven't seen him for agos !" "Let mo seo'." ho dobated. "What shall I toll you ! Oh, yes, ho is raising a moustache.'1 ••Vogkl" "Voylo." " Gracious ! how funny ho must look !' Owen and Evolyn laughed at her astonishment. " Ho wouldn't thank you for that speech, Miss Vernoll. Ho looks vory woll—at least ho will in n month or two." "To think ho is succeeding at last! Evelyn, you know how torribly his strong resomlbanco to mo usod to hritnto him bocause of tbe attontion it drew upon us. But his moustache wouldn't como forth into an unfeeling world. Through sheer mischief I kept my hair cut short, and so thoro seemed to remain no way in which to destroy our striking likeness unless by staining tho skin, or something of that sort, and tolthat, of course, ho would not havo resort. What else wonderful, Mr Costollo?" " Well, only that I am commissioned by him ond your aunt to take you buck with me to Chicago." Sho almost stopped in hor brisk walk while a littlo exclamation of protest broke from Evelyn. " To take me .'" 1 1 Yes—even that. Don't quito annihilate me, Miss Gage I" Evolvn laughed and shook her hoad. "I proclaim mysolf a robol. 1 refuso to give up my prisoner. 1 can't go without Vella !" " But why do thoy want mo now '! the girl hersol' burst in broathlessly. " I cannot go back to Prairio Avenuo— a stranger is mistress thore," Ho dissented quickly. " No. I heard tho vory day 1 was loavthat Mrs Vornell had left tho provious night. Sho is on her way to Paris." " What ! So soon aftor uncle's death '!" " I understand the shock quite shattered her hoalth,-' ho answered. " A sojourn abroad was insisted upon by her doctor. Chicagoans sympathise deeply In her atlliction. It was sad !to bo made a widow, having been but a wool, a wife !" " Indoed it was !" Evelyn said, softly. Sho was thinking of her own happiness, her own sweet unshared socret. If anything should take Marc from her ! Oh, the bare thought was unendurable ! " And Aunt Dolly—where is sho !" " Still on Prairie" Avenuo. is waiting to decide on her futuro residonee tili you return. Then she has rosy dreams, 1 believe, of a home-nest in which shall be just three blissful individuals." Tho girls laughed. "Dear Aunt Dolly !" said Vella, and her smile of recollection was very fond and tender.

" And then Owen told thorn of tho object of his visit to Philadelphia. Tho timo of his stay, ho said, was indefinite. It certainly would not be longer than a week. And then they found themsolves boforo the yawning Chestnut-street entrance to Wannamakcr's, and paused. "We shall see you at dinner this evening, Mr Costollo ?" Evolyn asked, as they were about to separate. "Thunk you," ho answered. I shall bo happy to go." "At sevon then."

" Whero aro you staying ?" asked Vella. "At tho Continental. But how about that ball-dress ?"

Vella moditated gravely. "On second thoughts wo will havo none of you. Should you chanco to sco Kvolyn later bouitchingly arrayed in it, your former acquaintance with tho material would ruin the effect for you. Good afternoon !" ...

" You aro heartless!" ho criod, laughing. " Good afternoon !"

And bowing, ho turned away, his last glance on Evolyn Cage's fair, proud face. Both girls dressed early that evening and came down to tho softly lighted drawingroom, whero in the wido brass grate a royal firo glowed and sparkled. If Marc Tracy had grown loss loyal to the ownor of tho littlo tan riding-glove folded next his heart, and could have piorcod with his vision soace and .walls—as saith tho children's story-book did of old those favoured by tho mighty Genii—it would have beon rather hard to say which was tho fairer of the two fair womon.

Volla wore a dross of soft, sweeping, lustroloss black stuff fashioned with charming simplicity, and unadorned by a single ornament or bit of ribbon. According to a picturesque old-new fushlon, the sleeves were puffed from the shoulder almost to tho elbow, and from thore tapered tightly into tho delicate wrists. Through the pointed corsage, softened at the edges by rutlies of black crepe lisse, gleamed hor bosom, a triangle of snowy velvet. Above tho soft sable dress rose her round white throat, her exquisite brown-eyed, May-bloom face, from which the curls, longer than they used to be, were drawn back and knotted on the neck in a coil of crinky gold. Few women could dress as daringly and with such unfailingly harmonious effect as did Evelyn Gage. Much license in this line were hers because of her peculiar combination of milk-white skin, blue eyes, and raven hair. Just now she was all in silvery greythick, unrustling Surah. At her bosom was a huge cluster of roses, yellow as gold. " Well, Vella, of what are you think-

For the girl was leaning against tho bnck of a chair, and staring dreamily into the lire, her thoughts evidently miles away. She started and laughed. " I can't toll you, dear. I will some other timo. I was scheming, and in my plots you wore the central figure." "I?"

And just then John Gage came in, pompous, gonial, and gentlemanly as usual, kissed Evelyn, shook hands with Vella, sat down before the fire, and stretched out his hands to the blaze with appreciation of the warmth. " Been a delightful day, hasn't it ? Any news, Evvie ?" " Not a word, papa —unless that a gentleman is coming to dinner this evening." He clroppedhia hands, swung: round. "You don't mean—" he began. Vella noticed with astonishment how a xed Hush dyed Evelyn's colourless cheek, and how hastily she replied : " No, no ; I don't mean him. A friend of Vella and Voyle's who called this afternmon, commissioned to take Vella back to Chicago. Just think of it, papa !" "Sh-" hehadcried. And then promptly in response to her suggestion, turning firewards again as he spoke: "I wont, my e*6h, but 1 must go-indeed, I must!" decVired Vella. "They are alone now,_ and they want me— Voyle and Aunt Dolly. •__ "Do they, really?" John Gage queried, dryly, but with a great deal of sly mirth in his twinkling eyes. "And no one else : How sad! Out with it, my dear. What s bis name? I know it isn't either . oyle or Just then tho door oponed to admit Owen Costello, , , - , , -v. Remarkably well ho was looking, too, hi_ fcall, broad shouldered figure clad iv con^ ventional dinner-dress, his blondo head well carried, hia grey eyea earnest and shining.

Swiftly and blithely tho evening passed. Young for its years was tho heart of John Gnge, and over many a subject of mutual interest thoy warmed and brightened. Much in common had tho connoisseur and tho artist; many incidents of modern work and personal anecdotes of painters had Owen to toll: many reminisonces of Rome and tales of tho manner in which he secured his treasures had the host to relate.

And moro than once during his pleasant talk young Costelio told himself that not one woman in fifty could wear such a gown as that misty groy with the pale-gold roses and grace it as did Evolyn Gage. Thoro wore just tho shades ono sees so often abovo the ruddier glow at sunset. He would like to paint hor. As he bade good-night to Vella, he said, suddenly :

" The likeness between you and your brother is not now as striking ns it must have been. He is. very much stronger and stouter than you aro." Velhi's soueitivo faco crimsoned. She had grown miserably thin and wan of lato Well, sho knew it. But how could she look woll and happy when all lifo was changed for her, and God's very sunshino dimmed ? " I am glad ho is so well," sho answered And beyond tho simplo barrier of tho words friendly anxioty dare not press.

"By the way," ho laughed, "you ladies did not toll mo about tho success of your shopping. Dooply, I know, did you later regret your treatment of mo. TSow confess you missed my critical aid." " Indoed wo did not," assorted Vella, emphatically, " Fifty Mr (,'ostellos couldn't have choson a prettier dress," Owon lookod crest-fallen. " "I'was over thus—insult to injury," ho murmured. " Wo wore so fortunately disappointed, too," sho wont on, trying to talk lightly, and on any subject, to hido her real sadness of hourt. "We found Evelyn's dress maker so submerged in orders she could not promise to have the work done in timo for tho ball noxt weok. !So wo went on a 'ready made' expedition and socured a beauty straight— straight," in impressive repetition, "from Worth," Owon expressed astonishmont and elation in faco and gesture. -'No! Toll mo about it," ho urged, with solemnity so profound as lo arouso suspicion. "Don't!" cautioned Evelyn, (raL'ically. "Don't do it, Vella I Ho's laughing at us." "1 won't !" And tightly shut sho her rosebud of a mouth, only to open it in A moment to any: " Oh, you traitor !" Several days passed. At tho Gage mansion Owon Coslello was a frequent visitor. Every day, he told himself, ho was getting beyond his depth, and resolved to stay away : but ho invariably proved tho frailty of his purposo by going directly to (Inge's. And to-day was Vella _ last in Philadelphia. To-morrow Owon was to return to Chicago, and sho with him. A cheerless day it was—cold, brooding, steel-skycd—a day pressaging snow. As tho afternoon waned tho girls went up to Evelyn's own quaint, pretty room, and sat down for thoir last chat alone. " It is too bad,-' Evelyn said, "that tho Hazcltino's ball happens to be to-night." " Or too bad that I must go to-morrow— which ?" " Eithoi—both, ' declared her friend. " I liato to go, Vella—our last ovoning together for goodness knows how long! 1 would not, but that 1 know my absonco would oil'ond thorn. On an occasion, lately, I unintentionally slighted thorn, und I must go. if only to make amends for tho discourtesy. Besides, they are very intimate old friends of papa's. But I would a thousand times rather sit here and talk with you." "1 know it, dear,'' Vellti answered, softly. And thon silenco fell Npon them. A pretty picture they mado as thoy sat there batheil in the rosy tiroshino- Evolyn in hor favourite curiously-carved old chair ; Volla on a low stool at her feet, her bright head on her friend's knee. Dimmer and dimmer grew tho daylight, higher leaped tho flame, brighter grow tho room. " Evolyn," Vella said at last, and without turning her head, " shall I toll you now my thoughts of tho other evening. I would not then when you questioned mo. Shall I now ?" "Do, sweetheart!" cried Evolyn, guyly, " Well," with hor brown eyes still on tho rollicking blaze, "I was thinking thon I hut Owon would fall in love with you—and ho has!" Evelyn started. "Hush!" sho cried, softly, her clear voico trembling a littlo. " You must not say that—indeed you must not, doar .'" Volla laughed. " Of course 1 knew you would deny it— had probably not oven boon aware of the fact, you door, foolish old bat, you ! But he has ; and I don't >ec," with charming earnostnoss, " how he could have helped it." And again all was still in tho tiro-lit room. "Volla!" "Woll? " " Aron't you too warm so closo to tho liro?" That was tho last thing in the world sho had intondod to say, but at tho moment ol conlidoneo eourago and words had fiiilod her. " Oh, no ; 1 liko the bout. ' And for tivo minutes moro neither spoko. Sho wanted to tell Volla; she longod tor hor congratulations and loving wishes, but tho shyness of hor heart sealed hor lips. This was hor lust chance. Sho would soo her friond no moro in private. Tell it now, if at all, sho must. But how ? A thought caino to hor. Goully sho lifted tho guidon head ou her knee, rose, wont ovor to tho old, spindle-legged piano, opened it, sat down, and playod a lilting proludo Sho hogan to sing. Through tho dusky room hor voice floated, full, and true, and sweet, in that littlo old ballad of lovo and loyalty, " Maggie's Secret." Vella sat with her head bent a trillo forward, hor hand clnspod around her knees, the warm light full on hor lovoly, listoning face.

" And 1 toll thcin they nocdn'l tome wooiuß to mc. l-'or my heart, my lioart is ovor the sea

Tho last bar sung, she came back to the hoorth, resumed hor seat, drow down again her friend's faco on her lap. "Now," shis askod, in a low voico, "do you understand?" Volla sat erect -turned swiftly. " Oh, Evolyn !" Evelyn bowed her happy face on her fiiond's fair hoad. . ,_ "Oh, my beautiful cußtle in Spam I cried Volla. "And poor Owon Costollo, too ! -all gone to kingdom come ! So no one need come wooing to you, Evelyn ? Not ovon a handsome artist?" I am so glad, Evelyn—so glad-so very glad, doar 1 I congratulate you with all my heart. I don't see how any man could know you and uot love you. And I hope you'll bo happy, darling. You will bo, it my loving prayers can mako you 30, as happy as the blessed day is long." And she put up hor arms about Evelyn a neck, drew tho proud, radiant face down to her own, kissod it over und over. "Thank you, Volla," and thero was an odd little break in the usually calm voice. "But who is tho conqueror, Evvie?" turning again her luminous eyes on the tire. "Is ho handsome ? Of course he is young. Equally of course you are all tho world to him, and you love him dearly."

"Dearly!" with a soft, joyous laugh: " you can have no idea how dearly, little one, till your own prince comes to you. So dearly, my love is beyond all utterance—l simply cannot speak of it at all." Yella nodded slowly. "I understand," sho whispered. "I don't know how I lived before he came," she went on, dreamily, in that strange moved tone so new to her. "If anything were to take him from me now, I should die!" Die ! Ah, easy indeed waa it to see that she with Grief had never held communion. They who so lightly speak of death, believe me, are far from that dreamless sleep. First they must learn how much " the heart can suffer and not break." But well, indeed, and truly, had the heart of the child at her feet learnt the sad lesson. «' Ah, you must not say that !'' she cried, "It is not right to say to Heaven 'I must!' and ' 1 will!' We do not know our own strength. By fire arc we proven," Evelyn laughed as she bent and kissed the smooth white forehead. My dear little moralist! But I uiould ,'" Suddenly grave again, and speaking with a passion that was almost recklessness : "I could not live without bun. Some day, whon you love, yourself, you will remember and understand. Of course, you cannot now, sweetheart- you are such a baby yet." Vella smiled aud sighed. All that both meant, her friend could not ever ao faintly } dream,

" But you have not told me yet, Evelyn, whether he is handsome '!"

Sho laughed, and began tugging at a slender gold chain round her throat. " You shall judge for yourself. I havo been continually writing for his photograph. At last he had it taken for me. I only received it yesterday. I cut it to fit my locket, and wore it within the hour." She drew from her bosom the trinket mentioned and opened it. " Isow," sho cried, gayly, " tell me if ever lived a handsomer lover or a nobler one than mine?"

Smilingly Volla took the locket, leaned with it toward the blaze. And redly flashed tho tireshino over the storn, dark beauty of Marc Tracy's face.

{To be Continued.)