The Dillon tribune. [volume] (Dillon, Mont.) 1881-1941, 1885-06-27
A FAMILY AFFAIR
BY HUGH CONW AY,

BY HUGH CONWAY,
Author of "Called Back" and Ozark Days.
CHAPTER -AI Coufi: ved.
Mr. Carruthers, in his attempted study Of
Beatrice's disposition, found it very hard te
hit upon the word which would, so far as he
as yet knew, describe its chief characteristics
That a strong element of sadness was mixec
up in it b. felt sure. It was just possible that
this was introduced by the unfortunate diff
ferences between herself and her father Hav
ing learnt that she had been a guest at Oak
bury for eight months he was shrewd enough
to make pretty correct guess at the true
state of affairs. But there was more than sad
ness to account for. There was apathy. How
ever the Talberts viewed it-whatever high
bred charm they fancied was vouchsafed tc
Miss Clauson by the bestowal Of that reserved
calm manner Of hers, Frank knew its true
nature was apathetic. Itseemed strange that
an intellectual girl like this had no desire, OF
no revealed desire, in hfe-no ambition, social
or otherwise. From the very first he judged
her character by q high standard-quite as
high as that by which he judged her beauty.
As their intercourse grew more familiar he
urally, Frank Carruthers, fellow of - col.
lege, Oxford, was a clever man, and after
taking SO much trouble about the matter,
should have been able to sum up weak
woman's character correctly.
So, after great deal Of reasoning, he came
to the conclusion that he had found the " orc
to suit her, Beatrice was morbid. Every one
knows that the best cure for morbidness is tc
awaken the patients interest in bis or her fel.
low-creatures-in even one fellow creature
will sometimes do.
Therefore, it was very kind of DR.. Carru.
theirs, after such an exhaustive diagnosis, to
set about endeavoring to effect cure A
good action will sometimes bring its own re-
ward.
His view of the case was greatly strength.
ened by noticing that Beatrice never ap
peared to better advantage than when she
had her little boy with her. It was the in.
terest she cook in this tiny fellow-creature
which made her for the time display those
qualities which all unmarried men, with
right ideas, so exalt in woman-affection,
kindness and forbearance with children.
Single men, If they are good and poetical-
synonymous terms, hope-are apt to think
that q woman never looks more charming
than when she has child or children with
her. Sometimes, after marriage, they have
been known to express wish that the asso
citation need not be so eternal.
But although Mr.. CarrrHhers decided that
Beatrice was morbid, he had still to account
for tho appearance of the disease in mental
constitution which ought to have been the
last to have succumbed to it.
The more he tried to account for it the
more he was forced to accept, as the primary
cause, one things thing, even in these early
days, most unpleasant and unpalatable to
him. But he could not ignore the fact that
young ladies who are victims to what Is
called an unfortunate attachment do some
times grow morbid and try to make their
friends believe that life for them is at an end
So one evening, shortly after his arrival at
lakewood House, Frank asked his hosts, of
course in the most casual, disinterested way,
many leading questions about Miss Clauson-
why she was not married, or at least en-.
gagged, and so forth. The Talberts returned
their old answer that it was time she thought
about it, but perhaps she took after them.
ton. This Mr.. Carruthers ventured to doubt.
he said, carelessly. All the same he refilled
from the claret jug the glass from which be
had been drinking 1S47 port.
my dear Frank" said Horace, with grave
dignity, miss Clauson would never permit
such thing to happen"
''Certain]y not, said Herbert.
"Permit what9 Permit herself to fall in
loveg'
mo; permit herself to be disappointed in
love. She is far too-too well bred for such
a thing to occur. When she makes her choice
it will be one Of which we all approve; 50
disappointment is out Of the question"
THAT'S highly satisfactory" said Frank.
"A well regulated young woman is the no
blest work Orwell, of modern times"
They were by now getting accustomed to
him, and although rather shocked at Bea,
trice's being called young woman did not
show it.
Then her choice is not yet made?" con.
tinued Frank.
mot to our knowledge, and, I may add, |
not to Sir Maingays."
Mr.. Carruthers asked no more questions. !
He strolled out into the garden and talked |
quietly to Miss Clauson until the stars showed |
themselves in the sky.
Having ascertained that Miss Clauson was
under tho charge Of no other amateur doc.
tor, Mr.. Carruthers could, of course, set about |
curing her disease without any fear of out |
raging professional etiquette
CHAPTER XII.
HORSE! A HORSE!
It must not be supposed that no mention Of
any friends or acquaintance of Miss Clau.
sons implies that she led an isolated life at
H. .:lewood House. She had, indeed, plenty
Of both. It could hardly be otherwise, as the |
Talbcrts were very great on tho subject of
the interchange of social civilities, and kept |
a visiting book as carefully as any lady could |
hoV -