The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1890-04-05

marks very freely exchanged which
such little games of skill are apt to
provoke. Lady vi accepted his and in
deed any mans attention as matter
course. She. accepted, we may say,
without specially encouraging them,
asserting that it was all on Mabers be-
half that men, and young men, ran
after her so. Mabel had SO many ador-
ers, and they all paid attention to
mamma as simple matter of duty.
This sounded very well. and was said
very often, and was not believed by
anybody.
Now Lady vi had husband.
A husband in fact which can not be
wholly ignored or entirely left out of
the calculation by the female portion
of mankind. And facts are stubborn
things, and Sir Hercules was more than
a commonly stubborn thing. Our hero
had always behaved as if he were en-
tirely unaware of this particular fact.
1t is true he had never seen Sir Hercules
in outward and visible shape, for that
warrior did not in general accompany
his daughter and wife, spending his
time chiefly at his club in more con-
genial society. He might be seen look
ing out of the bow-window in ST.
James any day between II and 7, at
tired in blue frock, very stiff cravat,
and buff waistcoat. Sir Hercules had
served in his time with distinction, but
it was a good many years ago. He
succeeded, too, in maintaining a strict
military discipline in his household, to
which the two ladies were fain, how
ever unwilling, to render submissive
obedience.
Lady vi really wished the match for
her daughter. There was no fault to
find with this misguided young man.
He would do for son-in-law better
than many, and she would be glad to
have Mabel fairly settledin life, and be
able, as she said, to devote herself to
Sir Hercules, who could do without her
less and less, as she was in the constant
habit of affirming. And yet there were
people ill-natared enough to declare
that his wife turned the key upon her
gouty and irascible warrior before leav-
ing him for the engagement of the
evening. But then, as we all know to
our cost, some peoples tongues are
capable of any atrocious invention, to
which a virtuous ear should never in
cline. So Lady vi firmly resolved to
bring the young man to book, while he,
unconscious of his doom, continued to
frisk and play like lamb in the
meadow while the butcher is advancing
unawares.
1t fell out in this way:
He was to call for the ladies one
afternoon in order to escort them to
the park. But he was shown into the
shaded and charming room which be-
longed to Lady vi, with its screens and
draperies, its palms and pots, and fam
tastic ornaments. Mabel was not
there, however, and her ladyship pres
emily entered alone. He must excuse
Mabel, she said, who had a headache
and could not go; could not, in fact,
leave her room; so she would have
quiet chat. He began to feel nervous,
and his heart under his white waist
coat, gave a sudden jump. They
slipped their tea-Lady vi slowly, as he
thought, and with cruel deliberation.
Presently the enemy would, he we'll
knew, open fire. His courage be-
gan to rise, at brave mans will, with
the sense of danger. He resolved to
be no craven, and to fight it out with
all the desperate valor of despair.
MY dear child has not been looking
very we'll of late-do you think?" be-
gan the attacking forces in a gentle,
murmurous voice, like a dove on an
elm tree.
Indeed, Lady vi in my poor opin-
ion your daughter never looked more
brilliant"
mo, indeed" interrupted the fair
speaker with much vivacity. 'Ihese
constant headaches from which the
poor child suffers are becoming, l
assure, a serious cause of anxiety. l
think of consulting Sir Agnew Darke
about her. But medical treatment is
often powerless in such cases. But
what is mother to do?" And Lady
vi heaved deep sigh.
"Advice, know, is often useless
said this artless young man, ''in cases
of organic diseases; but you can not
possibly feel any such apprehen-
sion with regard to your daughters
health"
Lady Wis heavier guns now advanced
and began to open on the position.
Il see must speak plainly, my dear
friend. Young ladies must be silent,
but mothers must act freely on their
behalf. Your attentions have been so
marked that l fear my darling child's
happiness is in danger of being COM
promised. She is suffering in silence,
and without word from you either to
explain or justify your heartlessness-
yes, and, will say it-your unprlncl-
pied conduct"
Here a lace handkerchief came out
and was used with effect.
Speak you must, indeed" muir
INJURED her ladyship, softly, but with
great decision from behind it, ''or l
must see my beloved Mabel the prema-
ture victim of her unhappy and mis-
placed affection for heartless man"
Tears choked her utterance; soEs
shook the pretty hands which held the
handkerchief, now being used as flag
of distress unutterable. Even our
Young man was for one brief moment
disconnected. But he felt it was now
or never, and with bold determination
dropped On his knees. He seized the
disengaged hand and kissed it fervent-
ly.
Nov will speak iudeed!" he cried.
Lady vi, you behold in this attitude
(and he glanced at his knees) 1.-The
most devoted of your slaves. tits quite
impossible you for one moment can have
mistaken my attentions. It is you
whom | have ventured to approach
through your daughter. Speak, desc
lady. and make me the happiest, as |