The Irish standard., 1886-05-08
ly out from the silver case .

! IL
at the strangeness Of the compliment.
ssI regret very much, sir, the loss Q
your fishing lines this evening, sh
said; ''but if you permit me, I shall re
place Them
'.Pray, don't mention it," replied
Weeks, interrupting her. ''You're OK
ceedingly kind, Miss Lee, but [ rssur'
You have lots of such traps to spare.
.'Drake is a very good fellow in water
sir, and don't t mind his mistress in th'
least, when there's anything Like gam.
to be seen. But then, he's SO good ant
faithful that we must forgive him {
great mlny faults. Drake, Drake" she
cried, 'twhere are you?'' and as the
brown curly haired old fellow came in
wagging his tail; she ordered him te
kneel down before the gentleman ano
ask his pardon. But Drake, instead OF
kneeling. as, no doubt, be was taught
to do On such occasions, began to grow
at the stranger, and would probably
have sprung at him if Mr.. Lee had not
promptly interposed his authority, and
commanded him to leave the room.
CHOW very strange'' said Mary,
speaking to her uncle: 81 never saw him
act so rudely before. y
s;Some kiuk the old fellow has got in
his head But I fear Mr.. Weeks will
find his first visit to us down here a
very disagreeable one, SO many things
have conspired to make it SO. The loss
Of his fishing tackle and his fine trout,
to boot; and then the absence of the in
mates here, and his having to sit SO
long alone before any one came to bid
him welcome; and finally, the unkind
and ungenerous behavior of Drake; why
upon my word, Mr.. Weeks, you must
think Araheera light very barbarous
place"
go, don't mind-don't mind; I can
get along, I guess, most anywhere.
We'll make it all right yet As for the
loss of the flies and casting line, I feel
quite pleased about it, since it has pro-
cured me the acquaintance Of so lovely
and accomplished a young lady as Miss
Lee.'
Mary blushed, hung down her head,
and tried to say something: but her con-
fusion at so blunt and unexpected a
silenced her completely.
The light-keepec, however, came to her
"If you talk to her in that style, Mr..
said he, ''you'n play the deuce
with her--see, she's all over bushes al
ready
.'We-ell, I generally calculate to speak
% the point, Mr.. Lee. Tt was always
ny habit to be frank with every one,
md 1 can safely say, I should be most
Wiling to lose all the fishing tackle I
sver owned, for the pleasure afforded
ne by this introduction; she's q most
beautiful and aniable girl, - there's no
about it, and I'm not ashamed
@ say so, though you are her uncle
"Aaary; this gentleman vii! set you
,razy: if You stay here much longer
way with you he added, patting her
on the cheek; S'away into
ome corner, and hide your blushes;
Mr.. Weeks will excuse your further
presence and dropping her hand, he
permitted her to shrink back and glide
way like fairy from the room.
sEWell, I guess shan't wait much
onger, either said Weeks, picking up
lis cap and preparing to leave. 81 see
he storms coming on, and sI've got
omewhat OF a walk before NE; but T
vas Just athinkin to come down here
nee i'll g. while to have q days ishin OF
0, and 81 talk about the United States,
t cur LEISURE
The light-keeper smiled, and assured
i'm he should be happy to see him at
ny time, and cheelfully do all in his
over to make his visit to the country,
nd particularly to Araheera Head, as
greeable as possible.
ssAnd lool1'ee here, y said Weeks, but
oning his coat; elf there's any thing I
an do to oblige you: in the way of
rie1ldship, don't hesitate an instant, but
ell me right out. It may happen you'd
7ant friends S advice, a-well no mat
er, you understand me-. I'm & single
aan, Mr.. Lee, and have a leetle more
t my bankers, I guess, than I've any
articular occasion to use. Good after
DON, sir
"Good by: and thank you for your
ood will, - said the light-keeper, some
That surprised at the strangers liberal
~. "I shall most assuredly consult
18th you, Mr.. Weeks, when occasion re-
1,iresit
"I say-hold on!'' said Weeks, again
urning back when half way down the
venue; "that bird you'll not forget to