Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-11-08
ON THE RIVER.

$50, Lane is at his old tricks again? II ]
were that girls father or brother should be in
clined to express my opinion Of his tactics pretty
strongly"
SIS that Miss Elliot? I have noticed him by
her side more than half the evening; but, II I
may judge from the ladys expression. his atten-
tons are not otherwise than acceptable"
''Splendidly handsome girl, isn't she?"
Handsome enough-for those who admire
that style-great Eastern eyes and Juno-ke
figure. For my own part, prefer something
softer and more feminine"
80 apparently did yane yesterday morning.
He was sitting in the park under Mrs Fair fax s
parasol for over an hour and half How a
proud girl like Blanche Elliot can stand such
open rivalry passes my comprehension
Mrs Fairfax? The widow of Jack Fairfax
of the aTtiliery!"
Even so-Nina Forester that was YOu
must remember her, Grahame-pretty little
fair haired thing. who looks as if {. puff of
wind would blow her away She is awfully
well of-Jack took care Of that, poor old chap!
And really she looks hardly more than child
still. though she has little girl as pretty as
herself. over five years old"
And she is flirting with young Vane, you
say?"
Flirting! She's the veriest little frt in
England Her villa at Twickenham is para
down to the river-boat always ready-straw-
berries and Greenland pretty little hostess
so charmed to see you if you run down for q
breath OF fresh air on a hot afternoon. She has
been up IN town this week, staying with her
brother. but was to go home yesterday"
During this last speech Col. Grahame's atten-
ton has apparently been chiefly bestowed upon
MISS Elliot and the cOuntenance of the man
who is 80 assiduOusly bending over her.
1t is very good looking face-a face which
nm Of Sir oil do
sometimes likened to a Gordon setter, with
dark, lustrous eyes and delicate profie-and if
there are weak lines marring the mouth and
chin, they are concealed by the black silky mus
tache and beard which covered both. He is a
popular man. especially with women who easily
learn to call him Reggie" and smile over the
rather free and easy compliments. which have
charm of their own when uttered In that low
musical murmur. In fact a drawing room pet
of the 18th century, such as one meets with here
and there In the course of every season.
Of a very different type is Leslie Grahame the
man who, standing in the doorway. has been
listening to the careless remarks of gosslping
acquaintance. OF Scottish descent, and with
the rugged cast OF features common to that ma
ton, he might. except for his commanding
hight. pass nnnotced in the crowd assembled
at Lady HetherinStons At Home. But proba-
bly,. OH an Aldershot field day. a spectator would
pick out the cavalry officer who sits on his horse
so calamity Though three fingers Of his bridal
chargers reins round his wrist) az an object of
curiosity. For do not other medals, besides
those so lately won in Egypt. decorate his
breast? And is there not some tale of herOiSm
and danger. almost unparalleled in modern an
nails. connected with the cross earned at
Ulundi?
Blanche Elliot, keen witted in reading coun-
tenances. has singled him out this evening, and
appeals to Fane with half conscious laugh
Pray. who is that stern-looking man leaning
q ms tEl Iy.,o g. aI-o
est in me-this is the second time have caught
him gazing this way"
us that so remarkable? IshoGld have thought
the occurrence too frequent and natural to at
tract your attention-although it is rather Won
derfui for Col Grahame to cOndescend to no.
tice any one. His head is usually in the
clouds"
He looks out of place here-and feels it.
See, he is 'sloping of, as you say. GrahameI
remember the nane-a V. c.. is he not!'
just so. A great hero in his way but not a
very amusing companion in ordinary life. l
only know him by sight. however. But tell
me once more; when and where am l to see
you again:"
Miss Elliot is playing with her fan, and con-
trlveS with it to hide the color that for a mo-
ment Overspreads her face at this question.
As she remains silent he repeats it more
eagerly.
You know my hours-I always ride in the
evening during this hot weather-six to eight.
Tomorrow" Vane's handsome face betrays
evident disturbance. II am afraid | shall be
out OF town. Very provOking--an old engage
ment with relation
why stoop to prevarication. Sir Reginald"
Blanche has risen now and her dark eyes are
flashing. You are your own master. See,
mamma is reckoning to me. Good night. You
will find it cool ard pleasant on the river to-
morrow" And with this parting shot she is
gone. leaving Vane looking decidedly foolish
and hati, rrD,Nloa W.
he is looking so.
by GEORGE" he soliloquzes as he lights a
cigar during his midnight walk to his club
How savage she can look when she pleases
Yet don't know but that I admire her all the
more-a flare up shows off those ms gnficent
eyes. and the very fact OF jealousy betrays an in
terest in my movements Still the widow is de-
cidedy pretty-and have been down on luck
lately, and sadly need a windfal. And / really
believe she is fond of me. dear little soul"
And Sir Reginald Vane's reflections. not lead
ing him to any satisfactory conclusion the next
afternoon finds him at Waterloo, taking return
ticket for Twickenham.
Five minutes walk from the latter station
brings him to a charming little villa. with green
lawn Sloping down to the river, while from be-
Meath weeping ash dainty little figure
emerging frOmthe depths Of O Chaise lounge
comes With hand extended to meet him.
In her cool. white summer draperies. and with
the Pickering sunbeams lighting up her great
Mrs. Fairfax is as pleasant an object on july
dav az any mans eye could wish to rest upon
So Reggie Nane thinks. as. with sigh and muir
mur OF satisfaction. he sinks into a seat by her
side. takes Off his hat and helps himself. unin-
Fited. from the fragrant pile Of strawberries in
the basket near at hand
''Frightfuliy hot in London is it not:" asks
his hostess. sympatheticaliy. Even here
Queenie and have been able to do nothing but
lounge about in the shade and eat straw berries
IL child hy-a
a tiny counterpart of herself, giving promise
OF even greater beauty here comes up. and
presents little hand to Vane; but when he
attempts to kiss her. she shakes her yellow
curis over her face and struggles away.
why. Queenie what have dOne!" he asks
haifoifendcd yet too languid to go in pursuit OF
the baby coquette.
The mothers silvery laugh rings out merrly
You forgot to take away the rose she gave
you when you were last here Never mind
Queenie, you must forgive him now"
And won't you bring me another In token Of
pardOn:" as the rosebud mouth meets his half
reluctantly. Queenie hesitates, but is finally
conquered bv That winning voice and smile and
goes off in quest Of the desired gift.
And now. Monsieur" says the little woman
leaning back on her cushions and surveying her
visitor through the large innocent blue eyes,
how has the world been treating you since we
last metz Come. give an account Of Yourself
Where Were you last night
'Dined at the st. Elmos Stupid affair
and intolerably hot, and no one worth speaking
! to-"
Miss Elliott was not there!" This in care