Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-05-23

thought you might like to SEQ Pa
tience.'"
Indeed I should" she replied Joy
ously, casting aside her momcntary
trouble.
"You will como, Adela?'
''Yes, Herbert, if you wish"
There was nothing eager in this
reply, for indeed Cousin Adela
would much have preferred a
comfortable after dinner nap. which
she always thoroughly enjoyed, but she
was kind hearted, unselfish old soul,
and dearly loved these two.
Very well, ladies, the sooner VIC start
the better"
This was the beginning of q very de-
lightful life. Month after month rolled
on.
Carmen was presented at court, under
the chaperonage Of the Lady Catherine
Massingbird, and very soon became one
Of the beauties" The beautiful Miss
Massingbird was to be seen everywhere;
no dance, no picnic, no club afternoon
on the Thames was considered complete
without her charming presence. Young,
rich, gay, lovely, who can wonder she
was so happy, when the world turned
its fairest side to herr
The boy husband seemed further and
further away. Her letters grew less fire.
quent. Now and then q vein Of sadness
ran through his replies; sometimes a
tender reproach. At length she wrote
and told him not to waste q further
thought ON her, abe was not worthy Of
it; furthermore, they had both com.
mitted q foolish piece OF imprudence, and
1t would be best for each to 60 their own
way and forget it all To this last there
came no reply. Indeed, Carmen did not
wish one. She was only too anxious to
Danish the secret marriage from her very
heart and thoughts. She considered Il
an affair Of the past. romantic, stupid.
besides-
Among the many admirers Of Mfss
Massingbird was one Who was surely, II
slowly. making his way into her heart,
and his name was Sir 0eo6ry Estcourt,
q man Of about Ave-and-thizty, with an
old title and estate, and who was Ike
wise dearly loved and valued friend Of
her father.
1t was with growing pleasure that Col
slassingbird Watched u intimacy z1pen-
ing between his daughAer and bis friend
At first Carmen Nkedeif oeo6ry for her
fathers sake. now-now, she began to
like him en bis own account Col Mas
Gngbird felt that II he must part with his
cherished child, let II be to this man.
whose nature. loyal and true. he knew
full well.
Sir Geofry Estcourt In his younger
days had dearly loved . fair young girl;
but before the marriage could take place.
death claimed the bride The disconso-
late young lover wandered about for
years, seeking oblivion for. his miserable
soul. now here, now there. At length
one may conclude he found It.
For after heightened sojourn abroad
he returned once more to his country.
looked after his heritage and in quiet
way enjoyed life. but when Carmen
Massingbird appeared on the scene. it
was like magician's wand passing over
his heart and changing everything.
Everything was pcrvaded with her pres
ence. Her sunny. careless nature. her
charming. merry ways threw u magic
spell over him. Yes, he was bcwitched.
As yet he had uttered no word Of love.
He thought 90 humbly of him
self: could this beautiful. spoilt
young girl ever he brought to
love him? IIe almost doubted it. And
he was afraid to disturb the sweet sc.
renity Of their daily lives, the charming
familiarity OF the home circle. where he
was one Of the most privileged of friends,
the ami intiine Of the house. No! He
would wait a little longer, and she wa
% young. Probably had there been an
other sutton in the field he would have
tempted fortune But while she had
plenty Of admirers. she had no particula,
tendresse for any one And was she MOI
carefully hcmmed in by a wall Of guard
iansa Her father. Lady Catherine and
himself. Dear Cousin Adela did no
count at all She looked after the young
lady at home, In other words, bet her d.
precisely as she liked.
When Lady Catherine was incapoci
tated BY indisposition or other contre
temps from, chaperoning her young
, | grandniece. then Cousin Adela's services
were In requisition. very much to theil
owners regret. Sho had neither tn,
, making Of a chaperon. nor Of lady d
|. fashion, whereas Lady Catherine Mas
. singbird was. 90 to speak. to the mannel
! born: and many IN eligible partie hal
been brought forward with perfect sue
cess Lady Catherine was considered {
most diplomatic and clever match maker
and many Belgravian mother owed he
a debt Of gratitude (which was gen
orally paid in kind. She was skillfu
genera. and deserved everything. But he
ladyship was in despair about her grand
! niece. for who 20 w:ilful as Carmen, o.
who 20 utterly incon~Yuent as to result
as Col. Massingbiri: And the season
was over. the season that ought to hav,
, done such great things for Miss Massing
bird And It grieved Lady Catherine.
4 People wero rushing hither and thith
er in search Of health, distraction
amusement; some to get rid Of theil
friends. others Of their creditors. Tn,
Asassingbirds. father. daughter and aunt
.. spent delightful month at Wiesbaden
This resort was chosen by Lady Gather
; inc for her own particular benefit; Oh,
! really intended taking tho waters, ant
her nephew and grand niece were quit,
satisfied to enjoy themselves in theil
own way. Her ladyship felt that oh,
had quite earned this little relaxation
and Col Massingbird was emily tex
pleased to serve his aunt And now tn,
feast Of st. Partridge was at hand, 20 thu
colonel, who was . keen sportsman, Del
his face homewards. and with him Car
men. Lady Catherine was due at vari
Gus country houses, but all being well
they would meet again tho following
winter.
It happened that the last day Of Au
gust found Sir Geoffry busy In his library
polishing up and overhauling his guns
ready for the ''firft." There was 9
happy smile on his pleasant, sunburnl
face. He looked the very type Of n
English gentleman, COO, calm, self reliant
and rs he stood there. In the warm, mel
low light Of tho August day, hi.
heart was filed with joyous anti
cipations. vistas Of happiness thai
stretched around and onward, int
the coming years. A knock at the dool
Interrupted his day dreams.
"a telegram. Sir Geo6ry."
"Wait o moment, Brown" % he tore
Il open. "An right. no answer. Where
| n Mias EafcoalrfYs