few refractory curls of hair which persisted in falling down over her forehead, " I hope I don't look absolutely hideous in this costume," But Theo., glancing at the fair being on the seat beside him could not force himself to believe that, she looked anything but the sweetest girl he had ever seen, and had they been in any' other place than a crowded railway car he would have found some difficulty to keep from telling her so. As it was, he re strained himself and casually remarked,— "If that is what is worrying you, put yourself at ease. You are far from looking ' horrid.' In fact, I think you look real pretty." At which Miss Chester, woman-like, concealed her blushes by turning to see the blue-coated brakeman who stood in the door way shouting, in a stentorian voice, " Brighton, Brighton—all change." • As they left the car, Miss Chester asked,— stay long in town, Mr. Hammond?" " Only until to-morrow morning," he replied. " Well," she continued, " if you should have time to call during your stay, I should be pleased to see you." That night the opera house was crowded to its utmost. The fame of the Stanton singers was widespread, and they drew large audiences. This night bade fair to eclipse all others, however, Even standing room was at a premium. The moment the curtain rose, Theo. Hammond's eyes began a search for Miss Chester. At last, after having almost given up the hope of seeing her, a small party entered one of the boxes near the stage, and he quickly recognized Miss Chester and her parents. But there was a fourth person whom he did not know. That one was a tall, dark-haired young fellow, of athletic build, dressed in.the very height of fashion, and as Theo. watched this dark stranger he could not help admiring the well-built figure and the graceful carriage. This admiration soon turned to a sort of jealous hatred as he noticed how attentive the unknown was to Miss Chester. " By Jove I" muttered Theo., " I'd like to see that fellow alone somewhere. I'll wager I'd teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget in a life—" But just then Miss Chester caught his glance and smiled at him with a just perceptible nod, and at that smile Theo, forgot the The Free Lance [DucEivisnß, " Do you intend to
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