The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-11-18

mart but that the very heartiest conGrat
iilations would come from her.
shes such good little SOUL said one
Oxford--after she had wished him JOY OF
his engagement with Madgc Trafford and
had told him if he made Madgc half as
GOOD n husband as her Tom made her she
would be happy woman-'somc women
are so nasty TO a fellow when he wants tc
get married. But she's not that sort by
/ Joyel she told me the whole duty Of hus
bands today. as if she had been my sweet
hearts mother and hadn't at all the best
Of characters at the back OF me. Ike
the little woman, she's so genuine. And
a good many other men and women be
sides Marcus Oxford had the same opinion
of Mai Seton's gay little wife, so that she
was on the whole one of the most popular
women la the garrison.
When the two men reached the house
they found the party in full swing-Mrs
Seton herself standing in the hall with 9
merry crowd around her, music going on
in the drawing room, and in the rooms at
the back of the house the clinking OF ice
plates and Of tea cups.
As they presented themselves before
her. Mrs. Seton began to scoli them for
their tardy arrival. Il wes so afraid you
were not coming. What? You've only
| just got in from town.
Didn't know till twenty minutes ago
that you had a party" Beautiful Jim
broke in; IF | had known. Mrs Seton.
should have come back by an earlier train;
YES. assure You should. How do you
DO. Mrs. Trafford?' bowling to little Mrs.
Trafford as she passed on her way to the
tea room.
Il wanted you to talk to n girl who has
been brought by Lady Margaret, said
Mrs. Seton in an rndertone Miss Adam
is not well-headachc or something-and
this girl has never stirred from Lady
Margaret's side, and must be simply bored
to death. Not"-with a gay laugh
"that wish 10 cast reflections Oh Lady
Margaret; only you know what lot Of
Kow-tow deans wife has to get through,
and really could not introduce any men
there are so few here today, somehow.
Beautiful Jim laughed. III trot her
around, Mrs. Seton VIII you take me
to her or must ask Lady Margaret
ooh, III take you What good boy
you are, Mr.: Beresfcrd; one can always
depend on you"
"Oh, hope so. We all depend on You
for a good deal Of our pleasure, Mrs. Sc
ton" he said,
50 Mrs. Seton struggled into the
crowded drawing room, and Beautiful
jim faithfully followed, not little 10
the disgust Of more than one young dam
sci, who would fain have detained him
beside her. But Jim was true to his
trust and followed closely at his hostess
heels. and in time was formally presented
to Miss Earle
Pretty eyes" he said to himself as she
returned his bow.
MAY take you TO have an ice or some
tea" lie asked Then he looked deprccat-
incly at Lady Margaret as if TO say. How
can ! take you bothY I've been told of to
this girl. and -
But Lady Margaret saw and understood
the look. Yes, take Miss Earle, she
said kindly. II have promised to go with
Mai. Seton for cup Of tea in few min.
utes; but this poor thing has been sitting
by me all the time. and must be not only
bored but fainting.'
Miss Earle, however, disclaimed any
such feeling though she took Jims arm
with alacrity when he suggested that
they should 20 off and get something to
eat at once. "Do you know, Miss Earle,
he said, I'm so fearfuly hungry can
hardly stand up at all. | haven't had
anything TO eat since ! had breakfast 1T
the club this morning"
The club herel' she asked
ooh, 10, the Army and Navy
"Oh, in town. You have come from
town today"
Yes, I've had few days leave. Now,
what will you hatc-tea, coffee, cup or
ice? Mrs. Setcns cup is excellent"
Miss Earle, however, chose an ice, and
Jim put her on a comfortable sofa with
generously large coffee ice and n plate Of
waters within reach, while for himself he
provided tumbler Of cup and several
sandwiches.
You are staying in Blankhamptons'
lie remarked when he established himself
beside her.
Yes at the Deanery."
All, yes-very jolly. Have YOU been
here long,
"Only two days
And this is your first introduction to
Blankhampton society Wei. it'snot a bad
place Oh the wholc-cant say | should
like TO live ia it myself altogether.
Miss Earle laughed. "No, it's so quiet
after town isn't it?'
1T is. And You live III town.
yes, most Of the year. Ny father likes
it; he is very odd, and it suits him better
than our country place, which is too far
north for him.
Il see. And what part Of town do you
live inY' he asked.
Hans place, she answered
How jolly. have some cousins not
very far from that And you find Blank
hampton a little slor-no wonder. But
the Twenty are going TO have a pie
nic next week, and we are going TO have
small afternoon dance, which won't be
bad"
II am sure not. And the Twenty fifth,
they are the cavalry
"Yes-much greater swclls than us.
you know. We are very small potatoes.
"Oh, but take great interest in your
regiment, Miss Earle exclaimed because
my young brother has just been gazetted
To it. and will join III September"
"Oh. rcally-you don't say sol How
charming. l shall make much Of your
young brother, Miss Earle"
"lesY with smile end bright upward