The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-04-03
4 CLANDESTINE CORRESPONDENCE.
[Longman's London Magazine.J

L
ieve there isn't another governess in the
kindom so comfortably placed in all re-
spects; and you know you are only an
amateur, without certificates or diplomas,
or anything of that sort. I'm sure Mrs.
Bulstrode spoke to US just now as if you
were her daughter and l was her daugh-
ters friend. What can you possibly find
TO complain off"
Complain? You quite misunderstood
mel 1t would be not only ungrateful,
but idiotic besides What 1 meant to say
was, that in spite of everybody's kindness
on that account, perhaps-life Is rather
dull Mrs. Bulstrode has such lot of
friends, and she's always so busy, 50 in
terested, that it makes one feel lonely-I
can't express what l mean; but the result
is that l would give anything to have
some concerns of my own to occupy me-"
"Well, but, my dear" said Lydia glanc-
ing round and laughing, isn't it possible
that you may find some such occupation
shortly? Capt. Bulstrode seems to be as
pleasant as he is handsome"
'Oh, you can't imagine what funny
idea that isl Capt. Bulstrode is certainly
pleasant, what l have seen of him; but he
appears to think that the only conversa-
tion possible with young lady isan ex-
change of smiles. So far as they go, his
remarks are most agreeable, for he has
nice teeth; and respond as prettily as |
can. But in three days we have already
exhausted our store of topics-at least 1
have, for Capt Bulstrode never recollects
that he offered the same observation
that is, the same smile-half minute ago.
It's like saying, How dye do? all day
long. and feel the approaches OF grinning
imbecility"
The schoolroom maid entered, and
while she was laying the tea-table, Kate
Shafto talked merrily with her cousin of
old times. Then, laughing and coloring
she produced a slip of newspaper.
Capt. Bulstrode could never give me
an interest in life, even if he wished, and
If l let him try, which are both utterly
out OF the question. But here is an open
ing with a vengeance, Lydia, as Tom used
to say You recollect how 1 crossed the
channel alone after poor papa's death, and
how kind boy was to me? See what
appears in all the newspapers this morn
ing" Lydia read
IF this should meet the eye Of the
young lady who crossed the Boulogne TO
FolkestOne one night in January, 1888, the
young man who left her a rug and over
coat begs permission-whichh he Will regard
as an honor-to correspond with her. He
will not ask her name, nor seek to ascer-
tam it without her consent. Address,
Loyalty, care Messrs. Jordan, Austin
Friars.' Oh, Kate, dear what fun 1t
must be you Shall you answer"
What do you think ?'
Il wouldn't hesitate a moment-that
Is, if Messrs. Jordan are respectable peo-
pie, of which l have no doubt. Admiral
Bulstrode or any one could find that out
for you."
'Yes, but they would find out a good
deal more in the process! There was a
regular debate at breakfast over this ad-
vertisement-which was lucky, for it pre-
pared me, so that l kept my countenance
when Mrs. Bulstrode gave it me to read.
The admiral declares 1t is a cryptogram.
Everthing that appears in the second col
umn OF the newspapers is inserted by
nihilists, or dynamitards, or swellmobs-
men in a secret language. This adver-
tisement may be an exchange of sug-
gestiOns for blowing up the house of com
mons, my dear; or, at best, it's hint for
burglary The police read these
admiral himself undertakes to interpret
it, with the assistance of friend at the
Senior. Oh, your notion wouldn't do at
all But you might ask somebody at
Richmond to ascertain who the Messrs.
Jordan are"
"Tll ask Mr. Williams, and let you
know at once!"
Thank you, dear. And if his report is
favorable, you would really send an
answer?'
'Indeed I would. It's delightfully."-
romantic; and where's the harm?"
''Well, but there's the question of ad-
dress. You will take in Loyalty's re-
piies?"
'Katel I could not hear of such a
thing Mamma regards second-cOlumn
advertisements quite as Admiral Bulstrode
does. She would never allow me, even
If were willing; and really / must say
downright that l can take no share in
such an indecorous proceeding"
Think of the romance, dear / have
often told you what manly, courteous,
high-bred boy it was. We can rely upon
his word, Pm quite sure. Nothing will
come of it besides amusement"
"Oh, but five years ago you were thin
little chit of fourteen, and now you are a
well-grown young womanl Your manly
time. If you pay any attention to my ad-
vice, you will not dream OF pursuing the
matter"
''It's too absurd, LYDIA Just now you
would not hesitate moment-you would
ask Mr.. Williams, and let me know at
once, and so forth But won't demand
too much. VIII you take note to old
Hannah asking her to receive the letters
and explaining all the circumstances? g?
I'm quite sure she will consent, if you put
it properly"
Lydia was not unwilling to accept this
compromise, upon conditions which Kate
was very willing to grant. She wanted
only the excitement, an interest of her
own in that bustling cheerful household
where everybody except the children had
packet of letters every morning and
news Of some sort to divert them-even
Capt. Bulstrode. So it was covenanted
with all solemnity that Kate should give
no hint Of her name, should not seek to
learn ''the boys" and, emphatically,
should not grant him meeting without
the permission of Mrs. Cantley, her aunt.
This arranged, Lydia became enthusiastic
once more, and undertook 70 persuade old
Hannah. So she went away.
Certainly nature had not designed Kate
Shafto for a eoverness. The worst disad-
vantage, truly, had been spared her, for