The Mineral argus., 1885-03-12

been with us. We've had such Q
scramble over Honister Crag, and
brought back no end cf flowers for
Gertrude. But one thing must say
that fellow Losford - a jolly muff,
though he doesn't look it, just funk,
girls. and nothing else. Will you give
me some tea, Mrs. Godwin?"
What nonsense you talk. Bob"
cried his sister, conscious by some fem
mime instinct that her friends face was
hotter than q moment before. "You
are perfect mauvais enfant bursting
in like that. I wisl, Mr.. Losford would
teach you manners"
ard like to see him try. 1t would
take pluckier man than he is. Why,
he wouldn't come within yard of the
edge, Mrs. Godwin?"
ale showed his usual good sense,
Master ffssotbert, was the lady's
tart reply. She had her reasons
for looking favorably upon Walter
Losford, Of Losford Court, Mon
moushsllirc, by no means the least hon.
ored guest at Mr.. Godwm's lake villa.
And they were very CHEEKY and pleas
ant PARTY the pleasantest set, Ger
trude thought, that her mother had
ever got together, and Gertrude was
young lady of decided tastes and some
what difficult to please. Even Bob
Marston, when he was not saying mala-
propos things, and appearing where he
was not wanted at inopportune mo-
ments, was as amusing as any other
EtOn boy. Nevertheless, at this mo-
ment two people at least were ardeutly
longing to make his ears tingIe.
"And what is the programme for to-
morrow, Mr.. Goodwin" resumed the
young gentleman, not a whit daunted
by the unfavorvble reception of his last
remark. "Can we picnic at he Red
Pike? 1t would be jolly fun"
The host hummed and haA ed he
rather preferred an open air entertain
ment at place accessible in an open
carriage. But il you have home |
among the mountains, up them you |
must go. The climbing disease is in.
fictitious, and there is no evading il nm
til by Q permanent residence you be- |
come proof against its attacks. Mr.. |
Goodwin would have to succumb sooner
or later.
"Yes, Bob. said Gertrude, suddenly
laying down the fan with which she |
was playing. I'VE will 90 t. Red Pike
tomorrow"
And Bob, who thought that, in his |
own language. he bad rather put his
foot in it," was comforted, and knew
that to the Red Pike he would 60.
Gertrudes face, as she went up to
dress for dinner, was thoughtful. "He
showed his usual good sense" Mrs.
Goodwin had said. and the words kept
ringing in her daughters ears until her
lips began to curl with scorn. II there
was one thing which Gertrude admired
it was courage; was she beginning,
almost more than beginning. to like
man who could be called coward even
by boy? 1t made her cheeks tingle
with shame and anger. Proud and
high spirited herself, good sense of
the kind Mrs. Goodwin meant was
not in high esteem with her. And, alas,
the insinuation chimed in with other
things. Walter Losfold was hardly
one to please q romantic girl at first
sight. Cold, sensible anC wanting in
even in his ambition, try.
ing nearly everything by the arguments
of reason with impartial severity, he
would have made just and not too
merciful judge. Living by rule of
plumb no wonder that he looked older
than his thirty years. or that he repel-
led chance acquaintance, who called
him a prig. Generally reticent. he
would sometimes tell the truth with
rude abruptness. Altogether his friends
said, little wanting in charity; too
practical. too matter of-fact. And yet.
poor Gertrude! when she met him ut
the hauteur sire assumed melt
ed away, and shs blusl,ed and smiled at
his glance; for what is so fascinating ~
the homage Of one who seems utterly,
almost contemptuously, careless of all
beside? II Walter had spoken that
evening he would have assurelly gained
his object, and Mrs. Goodwin. been
made happy woman.
The Red pike was red indeed in the
evening sunlight, every cliff that but
tressed its rugged top FURNISHED to rud-
diness. and yet the party fingered, re-
luctant to abandon the view of sea and
land from Forth to Windermere that
held them entranced. Tea was over
and the servants had started downward
with the baggage, yet the party, which
all day had wandered separately or in
pairs at their several wills, still sat to-