Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1890-08-02

40 ho0 bOOh NNNeNAnA he-aoSAh ~ 1890
In her brothers behalf. In helping
Horace he was really wooing In the
surest way. II indirectly, the elusive
flower OF this young creatures love.
He was still thinking Of Cecilia rs he
sat waiting for Mrs. Mcpherson TO APP
pear. He was, indeed, so much en-
crossed in his reveries that he looked
up only when the lady he had come to
see stood close in front OF him. She
had entered softly by door at the side
of him. As he rose little confusedly
she covered him suddenly with q won
derful smile.
1t was the perfection OF q smile. It
was brilliant it was appealing, 1t was
arch, II was even little sad.
The young widow-it was impossible
not to think Of her as younger than she
was-stood there an instant and then
sunk in chair opposite her visitor. She
begged him to resume his seat She
seemed to wait. still with that unusual,
that almost harmonious smile. for him
to begin. From her presence, at once
assured and unobtrusive, animated and
reposeful, from her delicate toilet, there
emanated an aroma, as 1t were, which
fiattered all the senses.
~ believe you are Horace Lakely's
great friend" said this gracious Great
ure, in well-modulated voice. II the
modulations were somewhat artificial,
II 1t were possible to surmise that the
natural tones OF the voice did not al
ways betray the same refinement Of
culture, it SO happened that Hubert
Bristed (albeit he had the reputation Of
noticing every thing did not observe
the fact.
The next day Mrs. Lakely awaited
Bristed's promised visit with eager i'm
patience. Cecilia, looking very lovely in
q white dress (Bristed had once re-
marked that she should always wear
white-it was becoming to herr, was sit
ting with her mother, and shot an ex-
pressive glance at the door when it
opened.
"Well, Mr.. Bristed, WE'LL" demanded
Mrs. Lakely, ''have you good news for
me? Will she go away and leave my
boy in peace?"
Cecilia, who had risen and remained
standing, in certain hesitancy, left the
room.
81 don't know that can tell you any
thing very definite, my dear madam"
observed Bristed some xha: slowly.
'Oh. what do you mean? ! hope the
wretched person does not refuse to
loosen her hold of Horace?" cried Mrs.
Lahely.
"No, no. 1t is not that-not at all.
Reassure yourself. Only Bristed in
terrupted himself. He began again:
II imagine she will, as you express it,
loosen her hold of Horace. Yes-but-
/ wished to ask you-ahem!'
Ifit had been possible to fancy such q
thing OF the self-assured, graceful, lofty
Bristed, Mrs. Lal1ely would have fan
cied that he looked embarrassed. She
stared at him when he continued:
"Have you any definite reason for
surprising that Mrs. Mcpherson really
intended to marry Horace?"
Really intended to marry him?'
echoed Mrs. Lakely. why, nothing
could be more evident! l thought we
were agreed on that point, Mr.. Bristed."
ION Horaces being most anxious to
marry Mrs. McPherson-yes," amend
ed Bristed. But do mott am not
sure"
DO you mean" INTERCEPTED the poor
lady, holding herself very straight, her
mien, in it's outraged maternal pride,
becoming almost majestic, that Mrs.
Mcpherson is playing fast and loose
with my son? That she would reject
him at the last moment?"
That Horace La kelly should marry
such o person as McPherson's widow
was horrible enough. But, that being
so inclined, Mrs. Lakely's darling, her
eldest born, her handsome, privileged
son, should be subjected to the indignity
OF refusal from such source, surely
that was almost more terrible still.
''Oh, my dear Mrs Lakely, please do
not imagine / would insinuate such
q thing" exclaimed Bristed, rather
lamely.
He was Juggling at his mustache, and
Mrs. Lakely was obliged to acknowledge
that he was certainly III at ease.
II hope you will let me know what
progress you make" she insisted, feel
ing vaguely helpless.
II will, of COURSE" said Bristed, get
ting to his feet
He seemed relieved in some way that
the interview should be at an end. He
departed with so much precipitancy
that he forgot to leave his respects for
Cecilia.
Altogether Mrs. Lakely could not
make it out. She sighed. and concluded
that men were very queer. She heard |
indirectly once or twice during the en-
suing few weeks that Hurlburt Bristed
had been seen with Mrs. Mcpherson,
who still remnined in town.