The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-01-13


Champion. rang for his horse. The
pony came round to the front door and
the young woman stepped into the phae-
ton.
"All right" she said to Pat, taking the
reins.
"Och, it's all wrong" said Pat, keep
ing tight hold on the horse.
"Your carriage can take two inside,
he ventured.
"What DO you mean?'
so wirra-your brother has been steal
ing horse"
"Stealing a horse p
eyes. this gentleman's; and he said
YOU were to take him to the villa to get
him back
Every singular" said the widow;
"but William was always little eccen-
tric.'
At this interesting crisis Mr.. Champion
lis my horse ready?"
Jump in. sir.
81 didn't come in carriage.
"In wild We :" shouted the hostler.
"Take a seat beside me, sir, If you
please" said the widow with Il fascinat-
ing smile.
Mr.. Champion approached the step to
inquire the meaning, when the hostler
seized him with vigorous hand and
thrust him into the phaeton, while the
pony, startled by the movement, went OIL
on the run.
Poor CHI .mpaion Here was situa-
ton A Combined old bachelor boldly
abducted by fascinating young widow
He had to lend his assistance to the
young lady in managing the pony, who
was shortly reduced to his usual quiet
gait.
For his assistance Mrs. Leslie told him
that he should be in possession OF his
horse. which had been borrowed by u
gentleman. in a few minutes. This was
all the explanation she vouchsafed. She
required in turn to be made acquainted
with the name of her companion after
her own.
In few minutes the captain began
to be somew at at ease. in fact he rather
liked his position. He had never sat so
near pretty woman in his life, and he
asked himself whether if the proximity
Mas so pleasant for "a few moments, q con-
slant COM partnership might not prove as
agreeable. While her attention was en-
gagged in her pony he had an opportunity
to study her features. Her large, dark
AMI luminous eyes seemed to be literally
swimming their liquid lustre. Her cheeks
were as soft and blooming as the side of
q peach. Her profile was strictly Gre
clan and her parted lips showed a row of
pearls. The most delicate tapered fin
lips showed a row of pearls. The most
delicate tapered fingers, encased IN
Il. l.. ,1,ca1 tho and
the vanished tip of dainty boot lndl-
Gated a foot that Cinderella might have
envied.
.Do You live far from here, madam y
said the Captain.
Not very far. The pony can mend
his pace if you are in hurry.
The widow turned those bewitching
eyes of her upon the old bachelor, and
smiled.
1t was all over with him. When he
sprang out at the villa and touched the
fingers of the widow as he assisted her
to alight, his heart was irretrievably
lost.
A red faced old gentleman, in dress
ing gown, received them at the door.
MY friend Capt Champion said the
old gentleman. walk in-warm day"
Every said the Captain.
And, indeed, his looks seemed to cor
roborate his statement, for he was as
red as peony.
The Captain and the old gentleman
were chatting familiarly, and the former
felt himself completely at home. After
an hour was spent in this manner his
host excused himself. and the old bach
elor was then left alone.
A dreamy reverie was interrupted by
the sound of voices in the hall The
Captain easily recognized the widow S
and glance through the half-open door
showed him that her companion was a
handsome young man.
There dear Bella" said the young
man, don't scold any more. won't
do it again. Give me a kiss.
A hearty smack followed. 1t was a
veritable. genuine kiss; the Captain saw
and heard it, a pang shot through his
heart.
"The only woman I could ever love-"
said he to himself. "and she is engaged
to some one else
The widow tripped into the house.
If she was pleasing in her car
riage dress. she was perfectly
bewitching in her elegant drawing-room
attire. Champion could now see the
whole of that fairy foot
MY dear sir said sac, your horse
is at your service now"
Champion rose.
But" she added, ''if you will stay
and take dinner with us my uncle will
be very much delighted, and l shall be
IiCbly plaasad -