The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-04-10

gets used to this style of conversation
during the hunting season. and talks
.Ishop'' as complacently and exclusively
as any company of barristers or dilet-
tanti.
Philip was there in good time. No
body as vet knew the extent of his mis-
fortune, and he was not ashamed of the
matter. He. was standing near
to the door watching the ar
rivals, many of whom he knew.
He had quite made up his mind that he
would avoid the .'gold embroidery" at
any price Fortune-hunting was too
contemplate an occupation. Just then
Lettie and JEANNE made their appear
ance.
Philip knew Lady Alcote and shook
hands with her; but-she did not yet in
troduce him to her charges. She mo-
toned to him to walk beside her, while
the party made a solemn circuit of the
room.
Lady Alcote took up her position at
the extreme end, where there was a
raised dais and some arm-chairs. She
knew what was due to her position, as
well as to that of the great heiress who
was with her.
Later on Philip was pleased and sur
prised to find himself introduced to the
wearer of the simple dress. Perhaps
Lady Alcote- knew of his distress and
begcudged him even one dance with
the heiress. He curled his lips bitterly
at the thought and turned away. He
fancied that he was beginning already
to feel the social Disadvantage of being
poor. So ready are we all TO take to
ourselves fancied sights upon our dig
nifty.
He had engaged himself for the next
dance to Lettie, and meanwhile busted
himself with looking on. His state of
mind was moody and discontented.
- "The way of the world" he mused.
ITO witness an heiress and her less
wealthy friend Naturally the heiress
is the less attractive of the two. And
ostentatious besides-such choice of
dress for quiet school -girl-looking de-
butante. That splendid girl, Miss PHIL
imore, would have looked like Queen
in it"
Thus poor JEANNE Carson was de-
MED the appreciation that her sweet lit
tie face and innocent manner should
have won for her,
Lettie danced well and knew also
how to talk to herpartners; she noticed
that JEANNE was not so well provided
for as she might have wished, and in
consequence took the opportunity af-
forded by the end of the dance to make
her known to Philip Twyford.
They had a pleasant dance together.
but Philip was prejudiced. He was
certainly beginning to be sensitive on
the subject of his poverty and too proud
to dance much with moneyed lady.
Lettie charmed him and he felt safe
with her, having made up his mind that
she was Miss Carson's companion.
Though such a companion surely no
man ever saw!
1t was a beautiful vision that haunted
the poor Lieutenant for the remainder
of his sleeping hours that night. A fair
smiling face and profusion of blond hair;
rosy red lips and large blue eyes.
He decided many times that it would
only be common courtesy to 60 and call
the next day and enquire after the la
dies. True, it was q fashion long out of
date, but charming one nevertheless.
1t would be sad century to live IN
when all such little acts of kindness
would be despised. The call of enqui-
ries that afternoon, which ended in tea
and delightful chat, was only the fore
runner of many more. Philip could
sing; Lettie could play; Philip was in
want of an accompanist; Lettie loved
nothing better than accompanying. 1t
was an ordinary states of affairs enough,
but productive of infinite pleasure.
The old Squire sat and looked on ap-
provingly, or yictimized Jeannie to the
extent of a game of backgammon.
Philip was too much fascinated to seri-
ously wonder at his uncle's complais-
ance during his evident neglect OF the
supposed heiress. He would occasion
ally relent in his behavior toward Jean
ME: bring her book to read or some
flowers. But the experiment never
really answered, and he soon found
himself again beside Lettie. Once he
felt sure that he heard the old man
laughingly mutter something that
sounded suspiciously like deep game,
and that was on an occasion when ne
had been trying his best to appear in
tereSted in Jeannie.
At last intimation arrived that his eX-
change was affected. He was to join
the other battalion of his regiment the
following month. lie had but short
time longer in England, but meant to
spend it all at Woodbridge. Itwas fool
/ ish. he knew, allowing himself to be
come more and more infatuated with
| Miss Phillimore, but at the same time
it was irresistible. Compulsory ban
| ishment from England was prospect
dismal enough to contemplate; but vol
untary baniShment from Lettie while
in England, too much to expect OF q
susceptible young officer.
"Come. bov," said the old Squire
the evening before Philips departure
s.you mustn't be off into the drawing
room vet. You haven't done justice tC
my old port for ever so long. The
! ladies are attractive, l know, but an old
man must not be neglected; especially an
old one who wishes you so well. Philip,
he continued, after he had filled his
glass with the rare old vintage, and
shifted the aroma; and surveyed the
bees wing with the eye of the good OLD
connoisseur that he was. ''Philip,
say, had no idea that my light words
with respect to the heiress would have
taken such firm root. and given the star
to wooing so evidently successful"
Philip looked down and fidgeted will
his wine glass .. .-..
| t.Speak on, sir," he said. Il do no
know that there has been anything ST
evident that would warrant you coup
ling my name with that of Miss Carson.
ssOf Mice CarSon ~ ohucElod the oil