The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-14

witching. Captain Curzon decided that his
friend Cotton must have been a fool not to
| have secured her. Hatty. on her part was
saying, IF l had been Flora Lyster, I'd
have thrown over fifty Moss Goldings for
you"
Already these two young people, equally
expert at the game, had begun playing with
the fire. The question was, which would get
burnt-he, she, both or neither?
Dinner ended, a whole evening was before
them TO compare notes and to examine feel
ings, so that they might make sure how ex-
actly constituted alike they each were, Long
ago they had discovered that of all the people
living they alone possessed hearts which
were capable OF being broken. These hearts
were shattered, never TO be made whole again;
but the delightful luxury OF dssectng the
agony they had endured was theirs still.
"Counterteting sweet woes, they suffered
them again"
The next morning both were down early,
| lmpelled by certain sympathy to taste the
| freshness OF the morning air. From stroll
ing round the garden they came in to break
fast together and learned, with well-assumed
pleasure that Mrs. Rodney was feeling bet
ter, and had sent word to say that she hoped
70 join them later in the day.
Tell her." said Captain Curzon. to whom
the message seemed principally addressed, Il
shall be delighted to see her; but do hope
she won't make any effort that might try her
in any way."
Miss Wentworth wondered if Fanny would
like her 10 go up and sit with her. viii
you ask her, Davis? she said.
Yes, miss; but I'm sure she'll say no. If
mistress is down by the afternoon it's quite
as much as she'll be able to do"
In that case Captain Curzon was tempted
to propose that he and Miss Wentworth
should go as far as Abbot's Rest together. 1t
/ was such lovely walk, and with the au-
tumual tints upon the great trees around,
q in ha
now. His offer was accepted; and Davis had
the satisfaction of restraining her mistress
well-meant efforts by informing her that the
Captain and Miss Hatty had gone for long
walk, so that unless you feel inclined,
ma am, there's no necessity to hurry"
Mrs. Rodney permitted herself to sink
| back upon the pillow, and then reflection
came, and she told herself that Monty was
so kind, no doubt he considered it due to
her to sacrifice himself and be amiabe TO
Hatty, and she would accept the offer hoping
to irritate him by so doing. Davis" | will
get up" she said, so that when the truant
couple returned they found Mrs. Rodney
waiting 10 receive them Needless 10 relate
the justification, the astonishment, finally,
the indignation which took possession CT her.
The two she had left crossing swords had
now taken up arms together, and their
weapons were smiles and sighS which they
practiced regardless of her.
The afternoon seemed very long. 1t was
quite relief when the tea was brought in.
and Mrs. Rodney noticed that neither Monty
nor Hatty made any opposition when she
proposed resting little before dinner in her
own room.
80 you've had one of your bad headaches,
Fanny" Mrs. Rodney saw it was her hus-
band speaking; he had returned, had opened
the door softly, and was bending down to
her, Poor darling" he said tenderly, "if
I'd known it | would not have gone"
inv
for me, the pain was worse than usual l had
just to take a draught and lie quietly curled
up until it was over"
And tine Kilkenny cats what did they do?
| looked about, but there wasn't SO much as
the tip of one of their tails below, Whats
become of themP"
"Oh, don't know-gone out to look at
| the moon, | shouldn't wonder"
"But not togetherT'
| Mrs. Rodneys eyes were fixed on the fire.
her husband stared at her ncredulousy.
| Shaking her head she said: Il don't know
| what people are coming to; at all events l
! don't understand them"
Why, what's the matter?'
Nothing, only that I'm never going to
mix myself up in anybodys love affairs any
more. When people tell me they are broken
hearted believe them, and when they say
they dislike anyone think they do | don't
expect everything to be changed and forgot
| ten in q few hours"
''Whew!' calculated Mr.. Rodney; sis it
Curzon and Hatty you are meaning"
Mrs. Rodney's head gave the reply; then,
| glancing at her husband, II see YOU" she
said; ''of course you re laughing, as every
one else will do-you can call me stupid,
and | suppose l am one"
mo, you are not anything of the kind
only you're romantic old goose, who thinks
evervbody's heart is as soft as your own"
when l was in-lexe | meant it, said
Mrs. Rodney aggrevedly. III you had de-
ceived me, or anything had come between us,
| should have died. Stanhope, and believe
you would have died, too
ooh, but we fell in love in a very old
fashioned way"
'Well, then, like old-iashioned ways
best. don't your
81 like old-fashioned wives best. if that is
the same;" then seeing that she was begin
ming to smile, he added, Don't you bother
your head about those two; they can look
after each other, and take care of themselves
the rule of good deal of what is called love
in the present dav"