The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1884-02-14

ing for the men, and a luncheon on the
hillside, where many fair faces would
endeavor to rival the grouse in male APP
probation.
At this moment dinner was announced.
and Milly's cousin, Laurie Gordon, who
had only just arrived at home, came to
escort her in.
THAT'S right, Laurie; look after
Milly,' said old Mr.. Gordon, loudly, as
he sought his own partner in one of the
stout visitors of whom Gertie had
spoken.
Such q good thing my father is a
spare man," whispered Laurie, as he
watched the egress of the couple through
a not very wide door. Milly laughed
silently, and Laurie turned look of
cousinlv admiration on her what a
horrid little thing you were two years
ago, NTilly. You called me names for
tlogging my dog"
so l might now if you did it again"
announced Milly's soft voice, decidedly.
Dinners are all much alike in country
houses. and Nilly was glad to be away
from the places of honor and chat unob-
servedly with Laurie.
There have been all sorts of bets on
the heiress marrying somebody this
season." he announced. There are
plenty of aspirants."
Are you one?" quoth Milly.
Not l My ambition is small and my
bent not matrimonial: but she is so
rich, you know. Some big-wigs are in
the hunt. They say a man who was
here last year has most hopes, though
London fellow"
That night the three female cousins
sat long over their hair brushing, and
the heiress was fully discussed.
"She didn't look at one of them as
she looked at that handsome Mr.. GAeg-
son last year, Lii, said Gertie.
Milly brushed vigorously.
well, he's coming next week. By
the way, have you ever met Mr.. AL
gernon Gregson, Milly?" asked Lillian
Il think l have said the quiet voice.
But something in the tone made Gertie
glance in the glass, where she saw Milly
with a pale face.
well. l shall be thankful if she mar
ries any one" cried Lillian. as she rose
to depart. Its horrid bore having
to entertain her aspirants.'
There was old friendship and much
confidence between Gertie and Milly-
they had been at school together.
| "Millv, do you care for Mr.. Greg
SOM" whispered Gertie.
/ Hush. Gertie-it is not that but he
seemed to CARE"
Il knew the sort of fellow he wasr'
cried Gertie, vehemently. Nothing
but money will suit him; but he cares
no more for poor Annie than for met
Quiet tears fell on Millys cheek, yet
she smiled as she clasped Gertie's hand.
Don't mind-the dream was pleasant,
but l am glad its broken, and broken
so soon.
Gertie kissed her and said nothing
but she thought great deal.
How it was arranged | know not, but
on the day of the picnic, when Algernon
Gregson drew confidently near the
baskets on the hillside, he beheld the
heiress and Milly arm in arm ready
with smiles of pretty Indifference for the
handsome fortune-hunter He had sug-
gested the possibility of meeting Aillv
in Scotland, but he had never thought
or meant it to be like this His suave
accents were less dulcet than usual-he
had never tried to make love to two at q
time.
Fancy meeting YOU in this charming
spot" he yentured to Milly.
AN unforeseen pleasure" said the
pretty pauper, with a steady flash of her
blue eyes and no soft blush.
The heiress was coolly polite and kept
constantly with Milly. Gertie was in
no humor to encourage the attentions
of man who had trihed with Milly's
feelings. Lillian was looking very
happy under an umbrella, where de-
voted swain fed her plate with dainties,
and two homely Scotch girls and three
matrons of elderly years We're all that
remained for the luckless Adonis!
Still he ventured that evening to pro-
pose to the pale little heiress, trusting
III the impression he had made the
year before. He met with a decided
refusal. And fate was really hard upon
him, for next morning Milly was missed
from the party-had been summoned
away, Gertie maliciously announced
close to him, by the death of an uncle
who had left her a large fortune.
Mr.. Algernon Gregson sent his
shooting equipments to London, and
started on a tour through Switzerland
to recruit his shattered nerves