“Not taken food today? Why, Imelda! what do you mean? Do you know what time it is?”
“I must confess that I have not been troubling myself to ascertain, so cannot answer your question.”
“Well, you seem to attach little importance to the craving of the inner man—or woman, which is it in this case?” laughed Alice. “But for all that, will answer my question myself for the enlightenment of your pitiful ignorance. It is now half past two. I am usually not any too early a riser myself but long ere this I generally have eaten my second meal.”
“Little gourmand!” smiled Imelda. “I wonder you do not say it is time for a third one.” Alice laughed lightly.
“That is a libel,” she said. “I protest; but in order that you may be no longer exposed to the danger of starving yourself I insist that you now go with me. I will take care of you in the most approved style.”
Imelda protested. “A glass of milk, some fruit and a piece of cake, will be all-sufficient and I have a supply of that on hand.” But Alice insisted so strenuously that Imelda succumbed and in a short time both were comfortably seated at a table in a restaurant awaiting the dainty viands that Alice had ordered notwithstanding the protesting looks of Imelda. But Alice only laughingly shook her head and proceeded to call for some little extras. It seemed to afford her a peculiar pleasure to press these little attentions. She was happy to be able to contribute towards furnishing some little pleasure for the friend for whom she knew life had hitherto not turned the sunniest side, and Imelda soon came to understand that it was useless to protest against her friend’s generosity.
Having finished their meal they seated themselves in the carriage that stood in waiting, and were soon bowling along the shady drives. For awhile thought was busy with each of the fair occupants. Imelda was thinking of the changes that had come into her life, past and present. How many sighs, how many tears lay in the bitter past. She shuddered as with cold, on this blazing hot day. No, no! She was done with it. She did not desire to resurrect its skeleton memories, even though some dearly loved ones belonged to that past. But the present? Were not the changes the present was bringing also fraught with bitterness? Yes, but not without hope. The green banner of hope was held high, indicating the coming of better times. There would be sweet memories mixed with the pain of parting. And the future? She would win it, she would conquer it. She would not be less brave than Margaret who so earnestly vowed to conquer all obstructions.
CHAPTER XVII.
While such thoughts surged through the brain of Imelda, what was it that clouded the brow of fair Alice, causing now and then the ruby lips to part with a tremulous sigh? What caused the eyes to grow dim, the child-like mouth to quiver? Was there a skeleton in her closet also? Ah, could we always but lift the veil and look underneath! What aching, breaking hearts the smiling lips sometimes mask. Imelda looked up just in time to see a bright drop splashing upon the dainty gloved hand, but which was hastily brushed away. Another moment and the young woman was laughing and chatting in a way that showed a light and merry (?) heart underneath, and Imelda forbore to question. The two had a very nice drive, enjoying the parks and open air sports. The hours of rest were doing Imelda a world of good, reviving her spirits and calling a rosy hue to the pale face.
The evening found them at the home of the Lelands, where they were both heartily welcomed. Alice watched the faces about her, wondering whose lover the handsome Wilbur Wallace was. She read in his face an almost worshipful love when his eyes rested on the proudly regal Margaret, while they followed with a passionate intensity every movement of the queenly Imelda, which glance would soften to a holy glow when he bent his head above her and when his hand touched hers. Alice felt the warmth of Mrs. Leland’s motherly manner, and soon found that her heart was in every word she uttered. Although here and there a silver thread could be seen among the brown, her manner was as bright and youthful as that of the young girl’s. Later the generous hostess brought in fruits, cake and cream, and merry sallies were passed round, while the refreshments were being discussed. Music and singing came in also for their share, and Alice felt that she had passed a very pleasant evening indeed.