The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-01-24
4 PASSING CLOUD.
stHOIAfSI.EY COrRT. !

DEAREST CoNNIE.-Papa has at last given
me leave TO crafty my pet desire, and to get
up some private theatriealS. We are going to
play the Lady of Lyons and we have no one
here that can act Pauline as you do; so come,
dear. L have secured a splendid Claude to play
with you. The original Claude was never SO
handsome"
This was the letter that Constance
Beresford read over her coffee, one
morning, and four hours later found
her settling herself comfortably in
f1rst-class compartment of the great
Northern express from Kings Cross.
Just as she was seated to her satisfac-
ton, she saw enter the carriage just as
handsome a man as her eyes had ever
rested upon, and he placed himself, I'M
consciously, in q most favorable position
for her to scrutinize him, on the opposite
side. She watched him arrange his
traps; then, as the train steamed out OF
the station, buried herself in her novel,
thinking what q Claude he would
make.
For half an hour her book held her
interest, then with a yawn she closed it,
and fixing wrap to pillow her head on,
settled herself for a nap, drawing her
veil over her face.
Her nap was not of long duration,
however, for she opened her eyes sud-
denly, to find the handsome stranger
regarding her with an amused smile, that
vanished quickly when he found his gaze
returned.
The color rushed to her cheeks, and
she quickly Strengthened up with n Dig
nified air, but her observer had with
drawn his gaze; so she returned to her
book, unaware that the dark eyes were
still watching, their owner much amused
at her dignity.
Soon he drew little yellow-covered
book from his pocket. and became so
deeply engrossed therein that he did not
notice the start of surprise Miss Beres-
ford gave when she happened to glance
up.
The Lady of Lyons!'' she said to
herself; show very strange, and he is
studying it, too Can it be, yes, it must
be, the Claude Ethel wrote me of! She
was right about his good looks; but
what business had he to laugh at me?
/ would Ike 10 snake him. Then the
thought Of shaking that great fellow
was SO absurd that she nearly laughed
outright. With an almost unconscious
sigh she shut her book, rearranged her
wrap, and kept her eyes out OF the win
dow until her destination was reached.
".Oh, Connie, how good of you to
come SO soon! Your telegram made me
so glad that [ had to come down for you
myself, y and Constance's friend, Ethel
Devereux, l1ssed her, regardless of
lockers on. Size did not see one OBJ
server however, and gave start of
surprise.
''Why, there's Mr. Arrnvtage! He
must have come by your train. Let me
introduce you. Mr.. Armytage, Miss
Beresford, otherwise Claude and Pau
line
us it possiblein and a pair of very
Grave ewes looked down at Constance as
She gave her .land. Had [ known it
sooner, wFat q pleasant journey might
have had"
II knew IL. she replied, '4but you
seemed to Gud it sufficiently enjoyable"
ssHow did 7ou know it?'' he asked,
quietly ignoring the latter part of her
speech.
Il saw your book and guessed the
rest
s.Wen. we must not stand here all
day. chined in Ethel Sorry | can't
offer you q seat. Mr.. Ar1nytage, but /
have only the pony phaeton. You win
be over this evening, of course"
II shall come with pleasure" he re-
piled.
Isn't he splendid, handsome, grand,
Connie?''
..Really, Ethel. you use strong Ian
guage for one poor man. Are You IN
love with him, dearp"
..Oh, no; I leave that to you. l did
not write YOU the latest news, because
wanted to ted you myself, that am en-
sTo cousin Frank at last? Oh, am
So oladi When did it happeng'
s.Just a couple of days before wrote
Now we viii be cousins as well rs friends;
Have you nothing of the kind to tel
meP''
s.Nothing. I have had three propos-
ais this season, but all have been Tor my
money. I am convinced. How ! hate