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A Singular Metamorphosis

By

May Evelyn Skiles.


Published in 1902.




CONTENTS


   CHAPTER                                              PAGE

     I. A Mystery Intimated                                5

    II. She Demands an Explanation                        13

   III. The Advent of Ralph and a Rejected Proposal       26

    IV. The Meeting                                       32

     V. Misunderstandings Arise                           44

    VI. A Startling Revelation                            52

   VII. In Which Two Couples Take a Walk                  69




A Singular Metamorphosis.




CHAPTER I.

A MYSTERY INTIMATED.


Miss Fiske had lived with the Tracys several years, and her incipient
curiosity concerning the mystery pertaining to their household was
becoming more obvious, for mystery there certainly was. At specific
periods of the year, when she advanced towards certain portions of the
old mansion, she had been deterred in her attempts to proceed. It was
not that she was more curious than the average mortal, but no matter how
devoid of innate curiosity one is, the mere fact that there is something
worthy of secrecy immediately produces as a natural sequence a suddenly
awakened interest and a consequent desire of exposition.

There were only three occupants of the home: the two Tracys, brother and
sister, and Miss Fiske, who had accepted the proffered home on the
death of her father, her only near surviving relative. It is true there
had been an intimation of loving services that might be rendered in
return, to the brother and sister, or, perhaps, she would not have
accepted so readily the proffered home without remuneration, though it
was evident that they needed none, and would have been