The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-05-24
HALF A SHEET.



Percy Fletcher is a young barrister His
c2earned brethren" call him an Internally
9ucky fellow" because, unlike so many Of
them, he Is not briefiess. But they forget
that it is in a great measure due to his own
abilities and hard work that his present
position has been so quickly won. As re-
CARDS appearance, he is tall and fairly
tood-looking; that is to say; his profile is a
handsome one, but his full face is spoiled by
his eyes, which are too small. His
hair is light and curly. he shaves his
mustache and only wears pair Of
bushy whiskers Not one man in a.
Hundred would acknowledge him to be a
sjolly-looking fellow" and yet it is face
chat takes with ladies' Ask any Of them
what it is they admire and hear what they
will say: "Ee has such glorious profile,
and then his eyes" "Why, his eyes ara
the very worst part about him. well,
perhaps they are not what you call good,
but there is something's don't know exactly
what-about them that like and then they
look so nice when he screws them up" and
this is all you will be able to learn. There
was one young lady who, above all others,
admired him, and who, some three months
before the time we make his acquaintance,
had given her promise to be the future Mrs.
fletcher Her name was Mabel Linton,
only child of old Linton, late Of Lark
Lane, now Derby Villa, Harrow, whose
pride and pretensions we're unbounded. He
Worshiped "Debrett" and the "Peerage"
and his great ambition was to marry Mabel
70 title. 1t can therefore be understood
what a blow her engagement to Percy was.
The intimacy, courtship and proposal had
Ill taken place while Mabel visit
20 her rich, childless aunt in Bayswater, and
old Linton knew nothing about it until it
was fait accompli. The "rich, childless
aunt" had good deal to do with wringing
. reluctant consent from Linton pere, for
next to title he loved money Thus mat
Gers stood when two days before the April
morning on which we make Percy's acquaint-
ance Mabel's aunt had given dance. Mabel
and her father were to stay in the house for
IT. and Percy, Of course, received an invita-
tion In due course he appeared in the ball
room, and was somewhat astonished to find
his young lady whirling round the room in
the arms of a stranger, more especially as he
had told her he would come early, and asked
her to keep the waltzes for him. AS soon as
the dance was over he went up to her and
asked to look at her card
why, Mabel, what's the meaning Of
this" he inquired, as he saw the initial @. 1.
against four OF the best waltzes 81 thought
you had promised them to mes"
$50 had; it's all right-don't be angry,
1ear-take No. 9; it's only the lancers, but
Ve shall have time to talk"
well, that will do to begin with, and
then" but Mabel was borne away on her
partners arm before he had time to finish
Percy's pride was hurt, and, in no very
hmiable frame Of mind, he walked round
che room until he discovered a cousin of his
whom he had not met for some years. He
oat down beside her, and then the thought
Struck him that he could pay Mabel out in
her own coin, and he put his name down on
his cousins card for a good many dances
When No arrived, and he and Mabel had
eaken their places in the set, matters did
lot mend much, for, though Mabel appeared
tepentant and sorry, Percy was cold and
naughty, and would not give her much
chance Of an explanation.
sYou seem to have found very agree
able acquaintance should say friend-this
evening. Mabel don't think have seen
him before, have II Ahl see he's coming
next to you in this set, so you will be able to
continue your conversation. Don't mind me;
you know we can talk any time"
~Ohl Percy, please don't say that; IL isn't
Ike you. Something has vexed you, know;
% Is only friend of papa's, Lord Gerland
1vor. He brought him with Us this evening"
and insisted on my dancing with him when
ever he asked mo. thought you wouldn't
mind. Percy, when you know II was papa's
doing. not miae"
sMindl Nota bit Of It Why should II You
ct course are at liberty to dance with any
bne, Just the same as am"
sPercy, you are unjust andAruel have
mvcd all the other waltxes for you"
y am sorry to hear II, for shan't be able
80 have them with you, as am engaged for
them all 10 that lady In blue you saw me
dancing with just now"
Mabel only said, "very we'll, dear, ~ you
NE; but am 80 sorry"
Percy pretended not 10 hear, and directed
his conversation to the lady on his left dur
ong the remainder " the set On ia con-
illusion he left Mabel In the conservatory
"a tho plea Of having 81 look for his next
Daftnsr. A he walked away he congratu-
oAted himself that he had been ~ firm ~ Q
sock. and had taught Mabel lesson that he
Vas not 10 be treated In that manner, and
~ ell the time feeling very uncomfortable.
end wishing he had made N up with her.
oos The remainder Of the eve An. he danced
With his cousin. until psopls began 10 noties
- fact
He did not - MAbsl again TIL she was
nnAvfnSv ths roosus IN I<.pHl fvors~ Arm. ~~tsk