Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-06-04
Copyrighted by American Press Association

society was divided Many took hel
side at once; others said she was hope
less f1irt; that Powers never claimed to
be saint and she knew it, but wanted
an excuse to gilt a lover who was no
worse than other men, and who certain
" was in every way her match.
Four years had now passed since that
dreadful time, years of pain and bur
dens, but years that out of sorrow
brought true happiness. For time she
had to bear the averted looks of friends,
but the subsequent actions of Miles Pow
ers soon openly ratified her verdict and
justified it before the world. Hence her
popularity returned, though not her de-
sire for conquest. Henceforth she was
III the world, but not of it. Her chart
ties increased, and she became notable
churchwoman, for she found the best re-
lief for her own bruised heart was in
healing the wounds of others. And her
charities began at home, for McArdle
was missionary ground. The colonel
had once described himself, with his
usual laconic accuracy of definition, as
"a man of good principles and bad
habits, but of late years, and particu-
larly since the death of Mrs. Sheffield,
in 1877, these habits were improving,
thanks mainly to the wise and loving
management" of Louise.
He was doing before the open fire in
the library one stormy night in January,
1880, with his niece, busted with lady's
knitting, by his side, when the servant
brought in card. The colonel took it
languidly, but on reading the name
started up with animation, nodded his
wish to the servant, and said to Louise,
my dear, it's Windward Bassett; old
Toms nephew"
In another moment the servant,
skilled in the taciturn coloners language
of signs, brought the visitor back to the
family FoopI. McArdle met him on the
threshold and gave him cordial vel
come, introduced him to Louise and sat
him down 10y the fire.
$50 you are Tom Bassett's nephew"
said McArGle, studying the young man
closely. "Well, sir, your backing-you1
influence we call it's good. Tom
BaSsett and were true friends, and
when he died 1 wore Grape for thirty
days. Rufus ChOate used to say that if
he had to pick out six men to dine with
one day, try case before the next, and
fight battle with the next, Tom Bassett
would be Que of the six. He was good
man, and you look like him, doesn't he
Louise? You have his eyes and smile
and brow
Eyes, l see a great likeness" said
Louise.
tom and my niece were great
friends" said McArdle. 'He used to
drive her all over the house, by her long
braids, playing horse don't suppose
the likeness extends as far as that,
Louise?'
"Tm afraid I'm grown up now,
uncle" she replied with merry smile.
Il got your note, Mr.. Bassett," said
McArdle. Il don't think the French
claims will pass this winter. Congress
is too busy to do anything. You know
in panic people all rush for the door
and choke the passage SO that nobody
escapes. That's congress"
The colonel then got Windward talk
ing about the last days of Tom Bassett,
and his own hopes and plans and his first
impressions of Washington, in the midst
of which half hour passed quickly and
pleasantly. Windward was then rising
to go when Miss Sheffield said:
"Mr. Bassett, we are to have few
friends to dine with us on Thursday,
and 1 wish you might join US then"
THANK you," Windward replied; 81
shall be happy to come"
Hes good looking fellow" said Nc
Ardle to his niece when their visitor had
gone.
TOO good looking for claimant"
said Louise rather sadly, as she took up
her knitting.