Fort Worth weekly gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-05-22


more was supposed to be smoking in his
own rooms, and Miss Butler was Tuning
at his absence, all the while that she was
smiling and talking to Lady Gilmore and
the children.
And of what were the two in the dim
ly-lghted corridor talking? Was 1t of
the old, old story of youth and love and
hope? Not yet. They stood there looking
in each others faces, and smiling and
saying light foolish words, Such q
short while ago strangers, but now they
felt warm friends, and were glad to
meet, and loath to part.
81 am going to town for a day or
two" Gilmore told her, ''I must go
for 1 want to sec about some BUSH
ness, and to tell the truth also L want
to keep out of Miss Buffers way-and 1
want you to promise me something be-
fore 1 go?''
az can make no rash promises, ="
smiled Nancy.
''But this is not a rash one.
al must hear it first
"Will you promise then to come and
walk here every afternoon at this time
when am away, and promise, too, to
come on the day 1 return?''
Glow shall l know the day you re-
turn?''
az shall write and let you know if I
may -
"And how long will you be away. -
"a week, not longer-aud l am going
tomorrow. 1 mean to get a telegram
Tomorrow morning to town and away
from the attractions of Miss Butler. "
And Gilmore laughed softly.
care you afraid of them?"
,f I'D
sharp tongue-and besides l want to
''Oh, no, 1 want nothing
"Don't refuse to give me small
pleasure. Well, will you come here
every day then. when 1 am awav?'
''Why do you wish this?" said Nancy,
in low tone, casting down her shining
dark eyes.
Cant you guess? All, you DO! I
wish it because 1 want you to think of
me; to know that am thinking of you
every moment, every hour
Nancy gave little saucy shake of her
pretty head.
"Don't you believe this?'' went on
Gilmore, quite earnestly; and he tried to
take her hand, but Nancy shyly drew it
away, " IT'S true, swear; l shall see
a lovely face-as see it now-always be-
fore me.''
Nancy glanced up archly.
''Do you say these pretty things to
Miss Butler?" she said.
"No, 1 dom - answered Gilmore,
half apgrily; for he was unused 10 lind
his loye-makirg not met more than half
way. ''I say to no one what 1 say to
you
Nancy laughed softly; she did not
quite believe all his words, yet she was
pleased to listen to them, and naturally
flattered by the attentions of this good
looking man, of so much higher social
position than her own, and Nancy was
by no means indifferent to such vanities.
"Then, - she said, smilingly, az have
to walk up and down here every after
noon in the cold, for week?''
''Win you Nancy? say you will" an
swered Gilmore eagerly, again trying to
take her hand, for his Immature had
vanished as quickly as it came. But at
this moment the voices of the children
were to be heard at the other end of the
corridor, and with an impatient gesture
Gilmore silently pressed Nancy IS hand,
and then quietly opened the door which
led to the staircase, disappeared behind
it, and Nancy was once more alone.
forward to meet the children, who talk
of nothing but Miss Butler.
"She's such pretty young lady,
taller than you are, Miss LOTUS, - they
told her.
"she has Irish blue eyes, " said Dossy.
"Quite blue,'' echoed Flossy; and
during the rest of the day Nancy heard
of little else; and as Gilmore spent part
e 4hn af Il
mother and her guest, "the pretty young
condition of mind regarding the owner of
Wrothsley.
But the next morning all her fond
hopes were dashed to the ground.
About II clock, which was earlier than
he generally appeared, Gilmore entered
his mothers room dressed for travelling
and, to his mothers CONSERVATION q an
nounced he was on the point of stsFting
for town. "
"You are not fit to go, GilmoreSR
cried Lady Gilmore, starting to her feeES
SIT is a necessity, mother, so l must
be fit, - he answered briefly; and Lady
Gilmore sank back in her chair pale and
trembling, for she remembered at this
moment the mysterious letter that Gill
more had received on his siok-bed, and
the grand-aunt's warning.
81 am sorry to be obliged to leave
when you are here" continued Gilmore
courteously, turning to Miss Butler,
whose fine complexion had suddenly
paled "but it is unavoidable. -
81 am very sorry, answered Miss
Butler, in strained tone.
"But how long will you be away?
Surely not many dsys2" asked Lady
Gilmore eagerly.
"Only few days, l expect.
"Then Kate will be with us still when
you return L hope, said his mother.
"'I hope so too, - smiled Gilmore, and
then he shook hands with Miss Butler,
and lightly kissed his mothers cheek,
who, however. chung to him holding
both bis hands.
"ohi my dearest do not gol' she
cried. ''Or if you must go, will you
promise to be very careful, Gilmore
shall be miserable every hour you are
away"
"Did you ever hear of such a silly old
woman, Miss Butler, - said Gilmore with
rather an uneasy laugh; wanting to tie
her big son to her apron stringsl'
"It is but natural that she should be