The Osceola times., 1885-01-24

tnat can Dc salu is, tnat Whcn one has
a mustache, one generally twists it, or
tugs at it, or strokes it, as the case NAV
be. with the left hand
MIR. Dempsey, who had been great
dandy once on time, would fain have
persuaded the world that he had not
yet forfeited all claim to the appella-
ton. He was thin and tall, and re-
markably upright for his years. 1t was
whispered that he wore stays, but that
was probably calumny. His COM
plexion was of that tint which is usual
ly associated with too free indulgence
in old port. He wore brown curly
wig, and his mustache and imperial
were dyed to match. He wore his hat
jauntily on one side, after the fashion
of days gone by. This June morning
he had on long blue frock-coat, a
white vest, fancy trousers and patent
boots with straps, not forgetiing'a moss
rosebud and sprig of maidenhair fern
in his button-hole. When he sat down,
he sat down with deliberation; and when
he got up he got up with deliberation.
Either his clothes fitted him too well,
or he was slightly stiff in the Joints.
Captain Downs Dyson was little in
nocent looking, fair-complexioned man,
with small fluffy mustache, weak eyes,
thin piping voice, and an eyeglass
which was perpetual source of trouble
to him. He was dressed quietly and
like gentleman.
Dick came to a stand in the middle
of the lawn and drew forth his chro.
nometer. Remember, ladies and gen
tlemen," he called out with an air OF
authority, ''that the drag will be round
in two hours from now. Vivat Re-
ginar'
"What place are we going to visit to-
day?" asked Dyson.
"The ruins of Belfont Abbey" an
swered Dick.
"Ruins again-always ruins" NUT
tered Mr.. Dempsey, discontentedly. II
can't see what there is to interest any
body in heap OF old stones"
Miss Deene overheard the remark.
"a sad state of things when one ruin
has no respect for another" she whis-
pered mischevously to Dick.
Dempsey and Dyson had brought
their news papers and letters with them,
and they now sat down at the same
table with Pebworih, who was deep
again in the Times. Clunie had moved
away to a seat on the opposite side Of
the lawn. and there Elma joined her.
Dick had found a garden-chair for him
self somewhat in the background. Here
he sat down, and, leaning back, tilted
h hat over his eyes. stuck his thumbs
into the armholes of his waistcoat, and
cigar in mouth-went oil into brown
study.
"Time seems of no value in the coun-
try" remarked Mr.. Pebworth, in cas-
ual sort of way. Past ten o'clock,
and breakfast only just over. A clear
loss of two hours per diem"
"You can easily make up for it by
sitting up two hours later at night" re-
sponded the little Captain. who was ad-
dicted to post-prandial billiards.
''For my part, l think breakfast a
mistake altogether" said Dempsey.
"Why not follow the example of the
great carnivora, and feed once in
twenty-four hours?"
"First catching your food, and then
killing it," interpolated Pebworth.
"And afterward eating it uncooked." "
piped Dyson. 1T would save something
in coal and servants
"Another mining catastrophe--an an
other hundred or so of widows and or
phans thrown on the world" remarked
Pebworth minute later. Dempsey
was waiting with ill-concealed impa-
tience till he should have done with the
Times. Certainly Pebworth was keep
ing it an unconscionable time.
"Why don't those mining fellows in
sure their lives?" asked Dyson.
"As director of one of the largest
insurance companies, l echo the ques-
ton: Why don't they insure their
livcs?" This from Dempsey.
"To subscribe 10 any fund for the
benefit of their widows and orphans is
an encouragement of willful improvi-
dence," resumed Pebworth. "They
won't get penny of my money"
"Nor of mine" asseverated Demp-
sey.
Nor of mine." echoed the Captain.
CHAPTER ".
Clunie and Elma sat for little while
in silence. The former had brought a
book with her, the latter her embroid-
cry. At length Clunie could contain
herself no longer. ''Elma, you really
ought to be ashamed of yourselfl" she
burst out.
Il dare say ought, dear, but I'm
not" responded Elma, with provoking
placidity of tone.
The way you carry on with that
odious Mr.. Drummond is outrageous
Whose feelings have outraged?'
"You were actually seen walking out
with that man before breakfast
Il like somebody to walk out with,
and that man is very amusing.
Some people are not amusing"
Hes paurer-an absolute pau
per-
"Yes, poor fellow. It's terrible
crime
"Some people are poor, but still
agreeable; but Mr.. Drummond is
thoroughly odious. He seems to be al
ways taking people of behind their
backs"
"He is rather clever as mimic.
You should have heard his imitation OF
the conversation between you and
Charley Sergeant the other evening on
the terrace"
"What impertinencel"
"You spoke rather loudly, you know,
and Mr.. Drummond and | were close
behind you. Pointing TO the stars you
said TO Charley: Mark how those starry
globes of liquid light are swimming
earthward one by one This was
rather too far-fetched for Charley. All
he could say in his usual haw-haw style
was, 'Ah-yes-vewy good-just as if