Part 34 (1/2)

Anna laughed softly

”You propose, then,” she remarked, ”that I shall still be saddled with a pseudo husband I think not, Annabel You are welcome to proclaiagement to you, if Mr Earles would perue Hill, and I do not think that under those circu about it”

Annabel sank suddenly into a chair Her knees were tre, her whole frame was shaken with sobs

”Anna,” she rateful woman But oh, hoeary I am! I know If only--Anna, tell et to know Mr Ennison?”

”He spoke tothat I was you,” Anna answered ”I liked him, and I never undeceived him”

”And he sat at my table,” Annabel said bitterly, ”and yet he did not know lanced up

”You must remember,” she said, ”that you yourself are responsible for your altered looks”

”For the others,” Annabel said tearfully, ”that is well enough But for hi in her sister's tone startled Anna She looked at her for a moment fixedly When she tried to speak she found it difficult Her voice see way off

”What do you htly----”

There was a dead silence in the little rooht, and thought again

”I knew Mr Ennison better than I have ever told you,” she said slowly

”Go on!”

”You know--in Paris they coupled el Ennison was he”

Anna stood up Her cheeks were afla passion

”Go on!” she commanded ”Let me know the truth”

Annabel looked down It was hard to aze

”Does he never speak to you of--of old times?” she faltered

”Don't fence with me,” Anna cried fiercely ”The truth!”

Annabel bent over her and whispered in her sister's ear

_Chapter XXII_

AN OLD FOOL

Lady Ferringhalla becoown, and it was quite certain that Sir John would not be hohted to see you, Mr Ennison,” she said, letting her fingers rest in his ”Do come and cheer me up I am bored to distraction”