The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-05-04


coloners auspices, one might say, for
never since he possessed house Of his
own had Col. Thorne been so gracious in
speeding the parting guest
But if Col. Thorne fattered himself
that the young gentleman visits must
now become less frequent he was doomed
to disappointment. Aleck Gage did not
return the next day. indeed, nor yet the
next, as the colonel noted with secret
satisfaction; but after these two days of
! absence Miss FlOras persistent lover re-
! appeared, and soon it was manifest that
Nicholas presence made not the slight
| est difference To Aleck Gage. For Mich
| olas had ordered his horse and ridden
: forth with his cousins lover upon the
first opportunity that offered after his
arrival, solely to have it understood that
he himself was not in love with Flora.
The young men talked of Indifferent
| things until they had passed out at the
| great gate that opened upon the road;
then Aleck said, with a swelling heart:
at was very clever"-he used this word
in the southern acceptation-'veryc clever
Of you, Nick, to leave the ield clear to
me this evening. He was little jeal-
Gus, naturally, Of Nicholas, but he wished
to do his rival justice.
"MonstroIs clever!' cried Nicholas;
and with boyi5h love of teasing, he add
cd, Il am what may DC called fixture,
you know"
4 lack (IoC,o frCv-veJ sIj0htlv
But that needn't keep you awake O
nights Nicholas amended, the next mo-
ment, in tone of sobriety SO aged that
Aleck looked at him inquiringly.
MY cousin Flora is not for me, Nicho-
las said; Il shan't stand in your way"
Alecb thought Nicholas tremendously
magnanimous; he looked at him with an
admiration and sympathy not to be ex-
pressed in words. To give up all hope of
| Flora Thorne seemed to Flora lover a
mighty sacrifice. He made an effort to
be magnanimous likewise. 'Tell you
what, old fellowr' he exclaimed, impul-
sively, You stand just as good chance
as your humble servant, if-you mustn't
mind my saying tiff you'd only turn a
new leaf. Let us start fair and let him
laugh who wins, EN-, Nicky'
My thanks to you; I've turned the
leaf, said Nicholas, dryly; land it makes
no difference. Or, rather" he corrected,
in an undertone, and looking far over
the fields toward Sunrise plantation, sit
makes all the difference in the world. y
He rose in his stirrups and kissed his
hand toward the distant prospect.
Aleck stared. IL don understand
your he stammered.
"Well, this is no riddle, Aleck. Mind
you. I'm not in Flo's confidence; but you
keep trying; don't you back out for my
coming"
"You mean-there is-some one else?'
Nicholas laid his hand on his heart.
"There is-some one else" he said. His
voice was tren1ulous with emotion; his
whole aspect changed.
Il hope she is worthy of you, Nick, "
Aleck burst forth. He had a great adj
miration for Nicholas, in spite Of his
faults.
Good heaven" exclaimed Nicholas,
impatiently. "She is million times too
good for me! But e. at won't prevent
my clinging to her till death us do part -
He uttered these last words reverently,
taking of his hat and bowling his head.
He couldn't be worse gone if it were
Flora herself" was the impression he
made upon Flora's lover. Its not mag
nanimity, after all" Then he asked,
impulsively, and half in a fright:
What will the colonel say
Hell swear, returned Nicholas, brief
", and with a dark frown.
Aleck had no doubt of it, but he didn't
say 50.
The fact is" continued Nicholas,
gloomily, I'm in a ticklish position. Ny
father always expects to have his own
way. He demands of me to marry my
cousin Flora-this was the drift OF what
he wrote me when he summoned me
from Sunrise. And Flo and don' I care
a button for each other-nOt in that way.
You'll really do me a service, Aleck, if
you'll 90 on as you've begun; / II help YOU
out. One of these days, maybe, III have
to ask you to help me ont" Nicholas
checked his horse and stretched forth his
hand.
Count on me-" exclaimed Aleck. with
fervor, as he clasped the proffered hand.
"'Tain't magnanimity, after all, he
unused, with certain satifaction, as he
rode his separate way. BY George, its
the genuine, mighty God Cupid, and
/ thereIl be the devil OF row.