Dodge City times., 1890-11-07

4 Kz/G., 1t was almost
k [aNSttsz,:.Ay N dusk, but recog
Nh Eh25NS Aknized instantly hi
JlHXQgnk& broad shoulders, hil
&s| Ieek2aa9Ny< erect, soldierly walk
1 had not seen him since my marriage
day. and was determined he should no,
pass me, though it almost appeared hs
meant to do so.
Good evening, Doctorl' called out
refining up my horse; you should have
been out with the Coaldale to- day. Some
thing like SPORT"
I'D plenty of that kind Of thing once
in India, he said. My day is over. But
I'm glad to find you're enjoying life. How
is Mrs. Dudieyl"
Quite we'll, thanks. answered; "ahe
6nds the country rather dull, That's n.
The fact is, We knocked about too much
abroad. She is feeling the reaction"
Then she is not quite well?" He put
the question, it seemed, q little anx-
iously.
Her health is perfect. replied. 1T
IS only what say. But come and see us,
dino with us-say Tomorrow"
You wish it, presume, otherwise you
would not name q day."
o SPoAo oio"-s, 40 suou6" IooAu6 B
over the matter.
"Of course do.
And-Mrs. Dudley?"
All at once it flashed upon me that
George had said she hated this man.
was, however, becoming used to my wife's
very forcible forms of expression; already
some Of them had proved meaningless;
therefore, after . moments hesitation, I
said:
Twill tell my wife have seen you, Doc
tor. You may expect q note from her to-
night" ,,
accept your joint invitation with great
pleasure"
After this rode home, meditating deep
ly; all recollection of the days sport van
ished. / thought only of DE-. Gascoigne.
I thought how, from the first hour of
making his acquaintance, he had inter-
ssted and puzzled me. There was some
occult power in him that had compelled
me to regard him as no ordinary mortal;
and now. on meeting him again, felt o
kind of presentiment that somehow he
was going 10 be mixed up with my life.
The idea was not altogether new to me; it
was merely the renewal of o family re-
ceived previous impression, with more
intensity.
On reaching the Grange dismounted in
the stable-ysrd, and. entering by side
door. made my way directly to the music
room, where George usually took her
O'Clock tea.
She was singing-the first tims for
weeks. Before could open the door she
ceased and Q male voice took up the air
"A voice not unknown to me-one that
carried my memory back some years. l
entered the room, for the moment unper-
ceived
The man who was singing to my wife's
accompaniment stood by the piano. He
was little man, looking younger than
his age. with light hair. parted down the
middle, and long. fair, curled mustache,
There was more of the dandy about him,
and time had added bIase air, but not
to be easily mistaken was my old acquaint-
snce, Charlie Hawks.
Ha! Here's our sportsman, here's our
country Squire, the boss Of the Grange,
he exclaimed. shaking my hand as though
he would shake it OFF. Thanks, thanks,
hear my words of welcome. Surprised
to see me, eh? Returning from a run
down in Scotland. Never thought of
you till the train neared Waxhsm Sta
tion. Then-by Jove! quite an inspira-
tion, wasn't it'll sprang onto the plat
form, hauled out my baggage. and drove
here. Sent in my card. Old friend of
husbands. Good that? See?"
Il sent to the station for Mr.. Hawks
things, and assured him you would wish
him to stay" said George, her eyes spark
ling with fun and merriment.
You've got as much go in you a. ever,
Hawks-"I was beginning.
More, my dear f'ler, more. But don't
talk Of go to q man who's Just come, and
wants to stay a couple Of days. I've
crossed the Herring Pond since last saw
you, Jack. Got my ideas expanded, picked
mot few Yankeeisms, Charlie. 1 sug-
gested.
why, certainly"
His twang was inimitable. and set both
George and me laughing. Meanwhile !
drank the tea my wife poured out for me,
then went upstairs to dress:
We were quite merry trio at the round
table, drawn near the fireplace in the large
dining-hall. Charlie told travellers tales
with gusto, listened, and George SEEM
cd amused. It was not until my wife left
the dinner-table that recollected my
promise to the Doctor. With Q word Of
apology to my guest I followed her from
the room.
George. said I, coming up with her as
she was entering the MUSHROOM, Il want
you to write note to Gascoigne. Will
you, dear?'
She turned with o suddsnness that
startled me:
ITO d.. Gascoigne? why?' she asked,
sxcitedly.
Because saw him to-day, and asked
him to dine with u Tomorrow. want
you to indorse the invitation"
He did not say he would come, thsn3'
she inquired, with some apparent anx-
4 told him You would most likely wits
to him this evening.
You wish him to come, Jack?"
20, yes, of course answered, looking
at her in surprise, and wondering Why she
should put such question.
She crossed over 70 table on which
were writing materials and sat down BE-
fore it. I felt puzzled BY her manner,
and stood watching her as she dipped q
pen into the ink and began to write.
1T seems almost incredible, said /,
uusinRly, yet nevertheless fact, that
never saw your writing, George. Whist
Il Il like, wonder7' And 20 speaking
vent nearer and leaned over her. bul
With . quick movement she TUNED the
sheet Of paper face downward on the blot
ting book.
sWhy do you do thst7 Nay not seer
I ssked, reproochfully.
She folded the paper. placed II quickly
n s., savelope which she sealed; then,
efIe addrs:sing 4. hsld Il up With Z
ncei:ng laugh. :.
hats ny myw1fting. Il doss seem odd
s. q never saw 4, dossnt itf But youT
knea = agaia, v6at you. II. Jaeki IT.
p 81 % 5,1