Wichita eagle., 1890-01-08

INK 3 CO0QuCJ low aIuS ueL~DIotAc1 ou1s
ing the remainder of that day. She was
supercilieus, deferential, tender and
commanding. each in succession. But
al her moods were powerless to affect
her brother. He was as little moved by
them as if he had been a rock. HIS
voice was strong and decided when he
replied to her questions. And, more
over, Miss Pink was exasperated to ind
that he was sufficiently changed to be
able to treat her with certain amount
of condescension. In effect her brother
behaved towards her as a political min
lister might behave to a small suitor
who pestered him with demands in the
midst of his business, but who had a
certain claim upon him for civil treat
ment which he might not repudiate.
81 can bear this no longer, James"
said Maria in the evening, after dinner.
She felt some terror lest her brother
should go off again with a cigarette in
his mouth. Had he repeated this in
iquity, she was resolved to cause scene,
in public or private, it did not matter
which. But no. With an air of philo-
sophie abstraction that proclaimed his
peace of mind, he had followed content
edly at her heels when she had left the
table to retire to their private sitting
room. She had thus tile less cause for
complaint. Yet she was too aggrieved
to perceive this.
"What cannot you bear, Maria? Is
not the service of the hotel good enough
for you!
ssThe service of the fiddlestick! You
know that I am concerned about a very
different matter. 1t is your own well
fare, James, that is at stake, and heaven
knows I have not watched over you
from the time you were helpless little
babel mean, of course, when we were
babes together-I say l have not been
for twenty years in the position of
guardian towards you, without acquir-
ing strict and conscientious estimate of
my responsibility.
sYes, yes," observed James Pink, as
if he were, from sense of duty, encour-
aging dif1ident client to unbosom him.
self of his troubles.
"Be silent, James-with your yes,
yeses," exclaimed Miss Pink. 81 will
not be interrupted! Who is she, I say?
Tell me at once where I may find the
creature, and put an end to the tragedy;
for it is tragic, indeed, in its effect upon
your heart, James, which I had come to
regard as soft, tender and humane"
"Maria," said James Pink, benignly,
when his sister paused, 81 do not admit
that there is reason in your plea; but let
that pass. The attachment is of the pur-
est, the most Platonic kind. 1 have
never stood within twenty PAGES of-of
this divine being
"And yet you are fool enough to sup
pose she is one of natures beauties" OBJ
served Miss Pink.
cit is my turn to cry, BE silentv Ma
ria" replied James Pink. 'It is trif1ing
with the highest, the noblest of human
sentiments, thus to cast cold water upon
the blossoms of hope. You shall see her
for yourself, sister. That will assuage
your enmity, if anything will"
Il can quite believe it" said Miss Pink.
"Nothing could please me more. The
sooner the affair is ended, the sooner we
shall return to our earlier and more
comfortable condition as an affectionate
brother and an affectionate sister, each
anxious only to promote the others hap
piness."
''Hum.' murmured the lawyer, strok
ing his chin, and with, for the moment,
recurrence of the light in his eyes.
"Go to bed, James," said Miss Pink,
abruptly; "we have had enough excite
ment for one day."
Without another word, and with but a
single kiss of salutation, James Pink
took up candle and went off to bed.
He dreamed for eight hours of his fair
one, and awoke the next morning still
with exultation in his heart.
Miss Pink, on her part, sat and read
for an hour and a half after she had
wished her brother "Good night" and
retired, confident that she had the reins
of victory once again in her sinewy, firm
hands.
"WellY' she said, when they sat oppo-
site to each other at breakfast again. II
see, James, that you are still a little
foolish. Let us get the illusion over
without loss of time"
''The illusion, indeed" said James
Pink, Indignantly. 81 am going there
Immediately after breakfast. If you
choose you may accompany me-"
81 ask for nothing better" remarked
Miss Pink, with emphasis. She straight
way left the room, and ere James had
rid himself of the fears which came upon
hims with his sisters words of acqui-
escence in his impetuous proposal, she
had returned, bonneted and gloved, and
carrying in her hand red parasol with
a long stout stick. Humbly-for anxiety
oppressed him and sense of approach
ing evil-Jaues Pink left the hotel with
his sister. They walked in silence. Ere
long the music of the distant orchestra
was audible. James held his head up.
nBe patient, Maria," he pleaded; ''we
are nearly there"
ia glad to hear it, was her reply.
"The sun is insuferable; and it is due to
your absurdity that we are risking our
lives beneath it,"
'And so this is your innamorata.' re-
marked Miss Pink when, at James in
vitation, she had seated herself on the
marble bench.
"Yes. confess it; and I am proud of
the attachment. 1t enpobles me-" said
James.
Miss Pink put up her glasses, the bet
ter TO view the action and countenance
of the beautiful Italian; then she dropped
them and looked at her brother in a man.
ner he will never forget.
"You must allow ME to break my