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Show I)S 1tabcl U:cH• .tl)abamc XIII Wlblte Gloves WITH shyness that did not wholly conceal her youthful pride, Isabel told Madame, a few days later. The little old lady managed to smile and to kiss Isabel's soft cheek, murmuring the conventional hope for her happiness. Inwardly, shew as far from calm, though deeply thankful that Rose did not happen to be in the room. "You must make him very happy, dear," she said. u I guess we '11 have a good time," returned Isabel, smothering a yawn. "It will be lots of fun to go all over the country and see all the big cities.'' "I hope he will be successful," Madame continued. "He must be," she added, fervently. "I suppose we shall be entertained a great deal," remarked Isabel. "He has written to Mamma, but she hasn't had time to answer yet." "I can vouch for my foster son," Madame replied. 'll1Ilbtte Ollo\les "It isn't necessary," the girl went on," and I told him so. Mamma never cares what I do and she 'II be glad to get me off her hands: Would you mind if I were married here ? " Madame's heart throbbed with tender pity. "Indeed," she answered, warmly, "you shall have the prettiest wedding I can give you. Your mother will come, won't she?,. "Not if it would interfere with her lecture engagements. She's going to lecture all next season on 'The Slavery of Marriage.' She says the wedding ring is a sign of bondage, dating back to the old days when a woman was her husband's property." Madame Francesca's blue eyes filled with a sudden mist. Slowly she turned on her finger the worn band of gold that her gallant Captain had placed there ere he went to war. It carried still a deep remembrance too holy for speech. "Property," repeated the old lady, in a whisper. "Ah, but how dear it is to be owned!" "I don't mind wearing it," said Isabel, with a patronising air, "but I want it as narrow as p.ossible, so it won't interfere with my other nngs, and, of course, I can take it off when I like." "Of course, but I would be glad to have you so happily married, my dear, that you wouldn't want to take it off-ever." "I 'll have to ask Mamma to send me some '79 1lbe :t!anb or Golb |
