McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-01-10

The servant mumbles q name which
she does not catch, and she lifts her
pretty appealing eyes in some perplex-
ity to the strangers face.
Something she reads in that grave,
bronzed countenance brings back old
Misunderstanding a time long pass
ed away, before poor Jack Fairfax won
her with his hasty, impetuous tale of
love-before she had, as it were, leaped
suddenly from childhood into the glare
and excitement of spoiled beauty's
life. Nor is the dream dispelled when
the visitor speaks, unconsciously soften
ing his deep tones with the gentleness
he would have used in addressing q
child.
"You have not forgotten me, Mrs.
Fairfax? do not wonder-it is years
since we meG-and-"
"No, no." she suddenly cried, with q
joyous clap of her hands. "You are
Captain Grahame-my playfellow of
long ago. remember you quite well;
but SO much has happened since those
days
81 know" he answered, gently,
wondering whether the shadow in her
blue eyes is caused by Jacks memory,
or-as he looks at the handsome young
fellow so evidently at home in this
garden-by Jacks chosen successor.
And then the two men glare at one
another, after the fashion common to
Englishmen when they meet for the
first time, and are uncertain whether to
be on friendly terms or to fly at each
others throats.
''Sir Reginald Vane-captain-no, it
is colonel now, sIlrelyp 1 thought SO
Colonel Grahame." And while stiff
bow is exchanged she proceeds TO pour
out the tea.
Vane renews his attentions to
Queenie, but she from some peryerse
instinct of coquetry bestows all her
favors upon the colonel, whose grave
aspect would hardly prove attractive to
children in general Yet it melts into
q kindly smile as, lifting the little one
upon his knee, he glances from her face
to that of her mother, older only by
some eighteen years, and recalls the
days when Nina Forester had sat IS
confidingly on the knee of the shy
young cornet.
"You will let ME scull you up the
river, Mrs. Fairfax" says Vane, as he
puts down his tea-cup. al have not
forgotten here his voice takes more
tender intiection) tour last experience
to Hampton Court"
Mrs. Fairfax looks doubtfully toward
,hl cD,,,nyurbnk c+Ilf--
observes: "Don't let me be any him
drance to your plans. Or perhaps you
will allow me to take an oar in your
service?"
Vane's face darkens, but the widow
claps her hands and answers. gaily,
"Capital! 1t would really have been
hard work for one alone in this boat"
SoQueenie runs to fetch her mothers
hat, but at the last moment finds the
charms of a favorite kittens society
and selects to remain on
terra firma herself.
Vane pulls stroke, and the boat glides
away from the Emerald bank
and out into the glossy expanse of
water, amid scores of others gayly Ia
den with similar freight, and looking
as if playing their part in some holiday
scene.
"This has been very hard on me-"
Name, 80 that his words are
audible to the fair steerer only. "My
pleasant afternoon all spoiled be-
cause"
"Because you are foolish, self
willed boy" answers the little woman,
who albeit some four years his junior.
sometimes likes to play at maternal
airs. "Come, shake off your fit of the
blues! Be agreeable, and stay and
dine with u.s.
"With US? Are you going" (very
low ''to invite that fellow, tooP"
"Certainly 1 am. He is one of my
very oldest friends''-Csold ensugh!"
grumbles Vane) -"and have not seen
him for years. We have hesps of
things to say to one another"
"Then ,ou will certainly get through
them better uninterrupted, says Sir
in spiteful soto voice.
Then aloud: 81 am awfully sorry,
Mrs. Fairfax, but l have just remenl-
bered that am to dine out tonight.
am afraid l shall have to ask you to
land lie at Surbiton, SO that l can get
home by train. Steer more to the
right, please; you are running US into
that barge"
"What are you growing nervousP"
and again that sweet, clear laugh rings
out, and Vane grinds his teeth as he
feels, rather than sees, that grim
smile is overspreading the face behind
him.
When Surbiton is reached at length |
he scarcely attempts to disguise his re-
lief as he springs ashore.
"Good-bye! Many thanks, Mrs. Fair
fax. may come over again, SOON"
eff you lke-only it is best to give
me notice beforehand, as might be in
London for the .day. But, yes, come
when you like. ANY day this week."