Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-03-08

"Pray, forgive me for startling you," said
Mr.. Florestan offering me his hand in the east
est way. and not allowing me to see that he
thought me an idiot, he must have done; Il
ought to have given you some notice of my ar
rival. You were SO absorbed in my father 4
picture that you did not hear his sons foot
steps"
Il think it is the fault of that thick Turkey
carpet rather than of my distractions p" told
him, but really was absorbed in the picture,
and enyying the painter his power TO get such
a grand effect out of such simple elements. 1t
Is almost as good as Gansborough's Blue Boy
had no idea you were coming to England SO
SOON"
Il had no idea myself; but the distance from
Paris to Lamford is such a bagatelle that /
thought might as well run across and have a
look at the old home before all the tulips had
wlthered. My mother used to be 80 fond of
her tulips, though they were never a costly
collection. A Dutch connosseur would have
laughed at our poor little show"
Have you only just arrived" asked feel
ing that was redder than the great over
blown peonies had seen in the shrubbery and
wondering what he must think of my extra
ordinary intrusion
Within three minutes The fly is still at
the door and my servant is bringing in my
portmanteau."
You must think 1t so strange to find me
here" | stammered feeling even worse than
Fatima. though there were no CORY heads living
oDOut CnIy tullIh IL utlSHLlul 10 be well
coined by the pr sepce of a friend" he an
swcred with inexpresslble kindness.
There was something Ill his smile and in his
tone of voice SO full of protecting friendliness
| that began TO feel easier in my mind and was
able TO explain my appearance in the dining
room on that particular afternoon, and then
told him that must 30 and hunt for the dogs
who might be doing all manner of mischief in
his shrubbery.
had IA secret conviction that Sappho and
/ Dgp.t t,.,1, 1,
but the dogs made decent excuse to get me
| out of the house.
Il feel sure they won't do the slightest
harm, he said, but if you ape the least little
/ bit uneasy on that score we'll go and look for
| them together, aud then perhaps your mother
Will take pity upon tired traveller and give me
a cup of tea"
Il am so dreadfully sorry" said mother
is in London and won't be home much before
| eight"
That's a sad disappointment l had looked
| forward TO seeing her this afternoon"
| We went out at the hall door together. and
We explored the strawberries and garden. but
saw no sign of the dogs. He went home with
me and We found Sappho aud Ponto in their
! kennels. whittier they had returned half an
hour before. Then from the stable yard we
wandered naturally to the garden, where the
basket chairs and tables had been set out in
! the usual place on the terrace III honor o. the
| lovely afternoon. The foOtman came out with
,
Florestan and l, were standing looking at the
river.
Servants are so officious had happened to
say at luncheon that if the day continued fine
! / thought would have tea in the garden and
here was the man setting out the cups and
saucers under Mr.. Florestan's nose
! There was no help Tor 1t. l could not be SO
inhospitable as TO send him away tealess with
my pet brass kettle singing merrily over the
/ spirit lamp and my favorite buns frzzling
fresh from the oven. l made the best of my
awkward position.
Perhaps. as mother isn't here. you'll allow
me to give you cup of tea,s I SAID He &C.
cepted eagerly. l almost hoped he'd take /,
standing and go away directly he had emptied
the cup. But, although he had been the sou
OF delicacy and consideration in his own house
he seemed to think he might do as he, liked in
| ours. He seated himself in one of the low
basket chairs, and felt that he meant to stay
| l daresay he thought ID the most natura
thing in the world, but could not help feelins
the strangeness OF it, though Cyril and / have
had tea on the terrace tete-a-tete many a time
before We were engaged, and Mr.. Florestan il