CHAPTER II.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXV, Issue 4253, 29 June 1895, Page 2 (Supplement)

CHAPTE R 11.

Frank, being fche only son of a wealiby father, had ample mean 3to stuay and gratify his taste in this direction. Ha was absent about ten months, during whichhis peculiar adventure was relegated to the background of his mind, but never wholly forgotten. When at last he returned, sun-burnt, a beard, and an added maturity, so changed him that at first his father did not recognise him. I Now that travel no longer occupied his thoughts, the "fair mystery," as ho called Ita to himself, took a more vivid place. The time was drawing uear when she had promised \n meet him again by the church, and tell him all. Would she keep her word ? Would he ever again have the privilege of calling her "Ita?" He had never told anyone of the singular event, perhaps because he hoped to some time have the story complete. " One night, soon after his return, he •went to_a party given by some friends of Harry Meade, one of the companions of his travels. "to glad you have come, my boy," said Harry, bearing down upon him diiectly. "I want to introduce you to a friend of my sister's — she is always getting new chums, grows tired of every one in a few weeks. But this Miss Fules is more captivating than all the rest put together. I want to make a study of her face." " Where is she ?'' asked Frank, who, being a great favorite with the young ladies, had so many acquaintances that he was not very eager for new ones. " Just opposite — near my sister, dressed in whito. Do you see her ?" " The tall girl with brown hair — " " No, no — just behind her." As his wanderiug eyes rested upon the young lady his friend indicated, Frank gave a start, and uttered an exclamation of amazement. For the bewitching face he saw, framed by fair hair, was that of the heroine of his adventure ! "What is the matter?" questioned Harry, curiously. Frank recovered himself quickly, and explained that she resembled some one he had once known. Then, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, he asked to be introduced at once. ' A3 he followed Harry across the room he questioned him in regard to her, but all he knew was that she had just graduated from school. His sis'er met her at a summer resort, where their friendship commenced. Would she recognise him, Frank -wondered, remembering the change in his appearance. If she did not, he would wait, before revealing his identity, and see what discoveries he could make. He succeeded in assuming a most sublimely unconscious look as he bowed before her. She was chatting vivaciously with Miss Meade, and returned his gieeting carelessly at first ; then, as she took in his features, she became more interested and an expression of puzzled inquiry crossed her lovely face. '* It almost seems as if I had seen you somewhere, Mr. Lorraine," -she said smilingly. "Indeed ! Can you remember where?" asked Frank, with an innocent air. "That is the perplexing part of it.' 1 she replied. "1 am quite positive we have not met, but there is a familiar look about your face some way." tl I can account for that," broke in Miss Meade. "You saw his picture in the group Harry has, taken after they came back from Europe. " ( Concluded in Our Next.)