The Forrest City times., 1890-05-31

ing at 1t thcn. began to wonder how it would strike tho young stranger. and what sort of woman she was who would soon be installed as mistress there.
 It was dangerous train of thought. and one did not care to encourage 1 turned into the long drawing-room. and found mother anxiously consulting the Sevres clock, which was solemuly ticking away tho seconds on the high mantleboard.
 'I felt sure my watch was slow, Ircne!" she said, turning her flushed face to mo at my entrance. The time seems to drag so! l wish they would come don't youP"
 did, and said so very heartily; for to wish them here was to wish the meeting over; and to that first meeting looked forward with distaste and dis trust Itwas rather absurd to lock at mother in her pretty cap and bccom- ing black satin dress, with the ready smile lowering about her lips and the light of pleased expectancy in her eyes, and then remember all the pains l had taken to console and reconcile her to tho thought of what actually seemed to please her to-day.
 At last, just us the silvery chino of the timepiece told us that it was six o'clock, we heard the roll of wheels in tho drive, and entered the hall just in time to see the carriage drive up to tho door, and uncle Archie assist a lady to alight--a tall. slender, fair haired woman, of whom one could only see as yet that she wore close fitting tailor-mado travelling dress, had a gauzy veil about her face and throat, and moved up the steps with languid grace
 At the first glance, I thought uncle Archie looked even less like bride groom than l had imagined him; his handsome face had worn, anxious, haggard expression 1 did not remem. Der seeing there before; but l suppose he had been little anxious as to his reception; for, as his eyes fell on mothers pretty smiling face, with its look of eager and ungrudging well come, his own brightened and he came toward us with a haste that left his bride tagging several paccs behind
 ''Gertrude, this is kind-this is good of you indeed,' he cried with grateful fervor. ''I hardly expected this,"
 He broke off there; for the slender graceful figure stood beside him now, and little rippliug silvery laugh came from behind the misty veil.
 Have you forgotten me, Archieph asked clear, soprano voice, which, in spite of it's silvery tone, was mock ing and unsympathetic- or so, at least. 1t seemed to my sensitive cars; but may have been wrong, for mother still wore her pleasant welcoming smile, and had evidently suffered no repcllent shock
 Forgotten you? No,n answered Archie hurricdly. "Gertrude. this is my wife-Estelle. Estele- Mrs Wal ter Gerrard-an my niece Irene.
 The veil was not raised; but tho hend was bent most gracefully in ackn ow- ledgoment of the introduction. and, in answer 10 mothers forward move ment, the yelled cheek was presented for the protfered kiss and the clear voice said languidly--
 Dear Mrs. Gorrard-dear Irene. you are very good l will thank you presently; but am so tired now might be taken to my room7n
 IL was a rebutf, softly spoken, but quite unmistakablo. saw the pretty pink flush on mothers cheeks change suddenly to scarlet; heard uncle Archie's short. impatient sigh; and then l knew how fallacious all our fondly nursed hopes had boen-how absurd was the magnanimous position we had taken up.
 One Of the servants came forward at sign from mother. to show Mrs Cor rard and her maid upstairs; but the new mistress of the hall waved her back, and said, with playful imperious. ness,to the tall grey -haircd man stand ing in the background and looking miserahly aware Of the undignified part he played
 "No' Come. Archie, you can show mo to my rooms,n Then. turning to us with a sudden exaggerated gracious movement, she added sweetly, .I will no, say goodbye, Mrs. Walter. You will stay and dine with us of coursep''
 Uncle Archie grew very red, tugged angrily It his gray moustache, and. l am sure, muttored something savage beneath it. but he did not dare to dis obey, and meekly followed his tyran, upstairs, looking so absolutely wretch. ed that l really did not know whether to laugh or cry.
 As for mother, she was literally speeches. with indignation. Tod her back into tho room she had left in such single hearted good nature Il few minutes since, established her in n comfortable chair by the window. poured out cup of the tea that had been prepared for the travellers and stood ready on the silver tray. and then rather awkwardly, l fear cs. sayed to speak a few words of consola- ton,
 ''Nevor mind. mother" l cried, cheerily, you behaved beautifully! At least, l was proud of you; and poor uncle Archie WAS gratof, l am sure.
 Poor Archie, indeedr mother echoed. sobbing as she drank her tea. w hat can have possessed him? What can he have seen in tha,-that excessively ill-bred and ungracious person to make him marry horp"
 'oh, hush, mother it Is not fair to judge any one on first interviewl" l said coaxingly. Mrs Gerard may have been cross or tired We may like her very much on better acquaint- auce
 "Never'" mother answered emphat- ieally. Did you hear her invite us to dinner? Did you hear her call me Mrs, Walter by way of putting me In my place at once? It Is of no use talking, ,lrepe-~yQu can mt dereiva maj