Daily Republican., 1884-04-30
HIS YOUNG STEP.MOTn Err.
ny MILLIE MONTkOSE.


John Warrington Jr., commonly called
Jack, sat together at the breakfast. Ia
BILE.
They were alone, the servant having
been dismissed by the elder gentleman,
to afford him an opportunity of an
nouncing his approaching marriage to
his son. This he d i'd in as few words
az possible, and Jack stammered out
his congratulations In a confused man.
ner, and then an embarrassed silence
fell betw tween them.
Mr.. Warrington could see that for
some reason his intended marriage was
anything but pleasing to his son, and
as the latter had no acquaintance with
the lady of his choice, Mr.. Warrington
knew that it could not be on account
of a personal dislike to her. There
could be but one reason, he thought, 30
he said kindly
my son, you need have no fear that
your prospects, will suffer by the
change contempt late in my condition.
| am sorry that you do not appear to be
pleased at the prospect of my marriage;
but an introduction to Frances Noble
will at once dispel any prejudice you
may have formed against her. True,
she is somew hat younger than myself,
but In spite of the disparity in our ages
l believe we shall be very happy
Jack waited respectfully until his
father had finished, ard then answered
warmly:
"You wrong me, sir, by impuning
to me any doubts of your generosity.
If was presumptous enough to ques-
ton mentally the wisdom of your
choice believe me it was only ankle ty
for your happiness which prompted me.
But fear it will be some time before
can have the pleasure of an introduc-
ton to the lady, as during your absence
from home lately have made an en-
gagement with Hal Forbes and few
others to join them in an expedition to
the Yellowstone region
Mr.. Warrington frowned slightly ;
he read in this suddenly announced in
tention a resolve to escape as much az
possible from Intercourse with his
fathers second wife. But time and
circumstances, he reflected, would GER
tainly dispel Jacks hastily formed
prejudice against her, so wisely decid-
ing to lea, . it to time, he said quietly ::
As you please, Jack. But will you
not accompany me to Al.erton before
you leave? ! am going down there
again on Saturday"
Unfortunately, sir, Halls prepara-
lions are made to start the day af-
ter tomorrow. and it will take me
every moment to get ready. You will,I
am sure, make all the apologies neces-
sary for me-"
Mr.. Warrington was somewhat
panied by his sons want of sympathy,
but he acknowledged to himself that
after all, perhaps it was only natural
that the son, who had been his father s
sole companion for many years past,
should resent the thought of another
coming between them.
:" But he will be quite reCOnciled to
the change as soon as he knows Fran.
ces," declared Mr.. Warrington men.
tally.
While Jacks thoughts ran in this
wise
Poor old dad am afraid he will
repent this step. have heard of Fran
ces Noble. TO be sure l never beard
but good of her, but who can
believe that beautiful girl of eighteen
would marry man of fifty for love
it 3 not natural. there is any love in
the matter on her side, it's for the dear
old boys bank account, and she must
be mercenary little wretch"
With these sentiments toward his
future step.mother Jack departed with
his companions for the National Park,
and while at the last point where news
from the East could reach him, he re-
ceived the announcement of the mar.
riage of John Warrington, Sr., to Fran
ces II. Noble.
During the next few weeks spent
amidst the sublime grandeur of that
wonderland, Jack almost forgot the ex-
istence of his fathers second wife, but
when at last the travellers turned their
faces eastward, he admitted reluctantly
that the dreaded meeting could no
longer be put off.
1t was late in the afternoon of
lovely autumn day that Jack presented
himself at the door of his fathers
mansion. The servant who answered
his ring was surprised to see him; it
seemed he was not expected, the letter
he had written announcing the date of
his return having probably mis-
carried.
In answer to his inquiry for his faith
er the servant said that he had gone to
Nyack to spend the day.
"And Mrs. Warrington with him, of
course" thought Jack, experiencing a
dt cided sense of relief that his intro
duction to her was delayed yet little
longer.
Emerging presently from his own
room, after having removed the dust OF
travel, he was about to descend the
stairs when light football and an ex-
clamation of surprise caused him to|
turn his head in the direction of the
sound, and there just behind him stood
a lovely young girl, clad in creamy
white dress OF some thin material, with
a bunch of crimson roses In her belt
At first he could not imagine who
she could be, and then Hal Forbes de-
scription of France, Noble returned to|
him. "Tall and dignited, with a lot
of glossy dark hair, worn like crown,
odd style but suits her" Hal had said
I" omplexion as fair as a blondes,
in spite of her dark hair and eyes,
and Just the loveliest mouth you ever
saw"
As she came forward now, extending
her hand with gesture indescribably
frank and winning, her bright smile
showed the dimples lurking in the cor.
ners of that lovely mouth.
"It is young Mr.. Warrington, Is 1t
not?" she said.
"Yes," WIS all Jack could answer,
and thea recovering himself little,
he stammered: "and you arc" he
paused. Although majestic as young
queen, Mrs. Warrington seemed too
matronly title for her; SC he substitu-
ted: the new member Of the family"