The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-22
A MISTAKEN WELCOME.
CHAPTER /.

CHAPTER L.
T@,OO much dissipation last night, ell, sis?"
FIX laughingly inquired Ursula's brother,
SEYS as that young lady came languidly
into the dining-ro0m on the morning after
his arrival from Europe.
" Oh sid! I'm so glad you're home, and
not going to hurry away again. Wedid have
pretty lively time last night and guess
staid up too late, for l usually get up real
early. That friend of yours is bright one,
isn't hep"
I" Ho, 10! / guess that kiss decided that.
You needn't blush and look so slyly toward
the curtains. for our esteemed Mr.. kingsly
has not put in an appearance yet. Fact, l
don't think he'll get down at all to-day.
That welcome of yours overpOw cred him.
hope you are not thinking OF repeating it.
Oh. Ursula, my poor deluded sister, how
could you?" and Sidney laughed long and
heartily.
Sidney. you're a wretch. 1t was a mis-
taken welcome, as think you know well
enough. 1t was too dark at the gate to dis
tingGish anything, and when Mr., Kingsly
came along l thought sure it was you and
out l popped, and, oh, Sid," she cried,
breaking into merry laugh, II threw my
arms arc und his neck and kissed him. and
and, yes, l do believe he kissed me in re-
turn; and you put him up to it, yo wretched,
miserable boy" and little brown fist came
alarmingly near his face.
No, no, 'pon my honor" began Sidney.
Honor. you have no honor" came mock
ingly from Ursula.
well, upon anything you wish then. We
started in opposite directions from the train
to see who'd reach the gate first. but /
warned Bart of what was likely 10 happen,
and / guess that's why he came first"
'That was a mean trick, and don't think
Sid," with little sigh, Il don't think /
sh all like him; however. shall try to be
p leasant while lie stays" and Ursula's
pretty, curly head rested affectionately on
he brothers shoulder.
THAT will do to tell. l believe you're
half in love already. That's tell-tale
though you kissed Bart very affectionately,
you had no kiss for me, and to think you
haven't seen me in two years" and Sidney
applied his handkerchief to wipe away the
tears that refused to come.
We'll, l declare; in the confusion l
quite forgot" But demurely. Are you too
lazy TO take yocr kiss nOw?" and the red
lips were held temptingly up.
''Well,' exclaimed Sidney, after taking
tie preferred kiss, mo wonder poor Kingsly
has become light He sat up half
the night 10 finish some verses on "A Kiss
in'-no; that was the night on the train.
l guess it was Miss Seymour's letter that
kept him up last night"
''Who is Miss SEYMOUR" inquired Ursie,
earnestly, as the laughter faded from her
eyes.
''Oh." said Sid, indifferently, "only one
OF his lady loves. He has only about a
dozen, all equally beautiful wealthy and
fascinating. Poor fellow, he is to be pitied,
for he don't know which one to choose. BY
the way, sister mine, hope you have not
lost your heart to-
"Ob, Sidney, do hush your nonsense.
Don't you see MIR. Kingsy?" whispered
Ursie. as she placed her hand over his
mouth.
toward the door where Bart Kingsly stood.
seemingly enjoying his discontinue.
Good morning, Miss Dean," said the gen.
tleman. advancing. Il suppose Pll have to
enroll myself in your good graces by begin
ming the day with an apology for my rude
ness last"
1T wasn't rudeness. Bart, it"
lit was rudeness. Sid, now keep quiet.
Miss Dean, L"
Don't speak of it, Mr.. Kingsly, 1 am
quite willing to forgive"
"Of course you are, and / assure you,
Bart, really think Ursie would be tempted
TO forgive you, If you were to commit the
same offense again, and"
Sidney" from Ursula, don't you think
we had better go and see my Dolly; she's
looking splendid these days. l wonder if
she'd know you?"
80 do l. and, l think, to have more effect.
III go alone" and the incorrigible Sidney
turned on his heel. leaving poor Ursula in a
decidedly awkward position, and in any,
thing but comfortable frame of mind. Her
companion, however, in happy manner,
turned the conversation upon less embar-
RAISING topic, and before thew parted that
morning little brown-eyed Ursula had un
consciously given her heart to the low
voiced stranger, who had come SO suddenly
into her quiet life.