Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-04-29


and a firm china fresh, alert, compact,
healthy young man, whose loose, elegant
costume proved that he understood how
to achieve that careless grace which so
charms women. An Intelligent young
man. with cynical confidence in his smile.
He stood unfrightened, just the sort of
young man who should not be what he
was-secretary to a mature California
street widow Of spotless reputation and
large means.
We'll, never." the lady exclaimed.
The young man spoke resolutely;
mo, Mrs. Vincent: shall play piquet
with you no more. Piquet is good
enough game, and am not averse to it,
in reason; but object to piquet III the
forenoon, in the afternoon and in the
evening. six days in the week. confess
I'm tired of piquet."
In that case, and because of your in
science" said Mrs. Vincent, with cold
deliberation, .you may consider yourself
discharged, Mr.. Mindless"
Very well, ma'am." And he turned
toward the door.
Mr. Middles!"
He halted, his hand on the portiere.
and faced about.
She placed her glasses on her modified
Roman nose, viewed him steadily and.
sowing with the cards, inquired:
"Would an increase of salary be any
inducement, SIR"
NO"
Then go."
lie bowed and disappeared.
Her hand sought the bell. Jeames, in
livery, both imported from London, re-
sponded.
HIGGINS, Mr.. Middles is in the hall.
Say to HIM that wish to see him."
The secretary returned, overcoat OF
arm, hat i'll hand.
Mrs. Vincent threw herself back in her
chair and, clasping her plump, white
hands above her head, said in the con-
ciliatory tone of the negotiator:
"Mr. Middles, let us not act hastily,
acknowledge that / cannot well spare
you. Next to myself you are the best
piQuet player this side of New York"
Il know it, Mrs. Vincent. Indeed
play better than YOU"
you do not!'
Il do"
His frozen calmness cowed her.
There was feeling in her words that
followed:
"You loved my husband, did you
no.?"
Il did. He was father to me. owe
my education to him, and-and'-
"All that you are"
(Which is not much, Mrs. Vincent"
''lle was your benefactor and you
loved him, yet you refuse SO little a
thing as to play piquet with your bene-
factors widow"
Il do. Gratitude has its limits"
Evidently. You will not humor an
old woman's weakness and tighten the
burden of her loneliness?"
Il will not. Besides it is not a weak
ness, but a disease, this insanity for
plquet. Moreover, you are not old. On
the contrary, Mrs. Vincent, you are still
a charming woman, and by withdraw
ing yourself from the world and giving
yourself over to cards you wrong your
self. Worse than that, you fail in your
duty to your daughter, who has the life
of num-
THAT is nothing to you, sir!'
"True."
Again he moved toward the door.
xviii nothing" asked the lady in
alarm, induce you to sit down to game
with me-just one?"
Nothing that you would give, Mrs.
Vincent"
pooh! You know very well that I'll
give anything you ask, l can't do with
out you. What is it you wantf'
yourself"
"Eh? You mean
THAT neither as secretary, protege,
nor friend shall 1 play piquet with you
again. AS your husband will"
God bless my soul!''
To no woman unburied can an offer
be either long surprising or disagree
able. II was with warmed cheeks and
softened eyes that the widow said:
do / understand that-that you
you love me, ErnstP
Mr.. Middles bowed, but averted his
glance.
anu
"Ah, am rich
Precisely, Mrs. Vincent. You are
rich, yeu love 10 play piquet, and | am
the best player on the Pacific coast. II
you will marry me, l will play; if not,
not"
"Well?" .......
"Under the circumstances, l do not
see that more can nationally be said"
Cut the cards"
Eighteen, golden haired, slim, supple,
adorable Adele Vincent flashed her
scornful eyes on the visage Of Mr.. Mid
dies, who, undisturbed, sat at ease in the
conservatory.
Mrs. Vincent played solitaire in the
adjoining library, awaiting her affianced
and piquet.
"Why, mamma is old enough to be
your mother, Ernst Mindless"
II know it,"
Your motive in making this mon
strous engagement must be purely ner.
cenary."
Strictly"
And you feel no shame in making
the admission"
None"
''Faugh!"
Thanks"
For WHAT
For so well expressing my feelings
She sank upon lounge, her pretty
feet crossed, covered her face with her
little hands, and her lovely young body
was shaken with sobs.
Don't cry said Mr.. Middles.
Il can't help it. Oh, it ia infamousrs
Yes. Still l congratulate myself"
Congratulate yourselfr'
Enthusiastically. have neither the
brains nor energy to conquer fortune.
therefore | marry one
lyon can descend to that.'
Il rejoice to find that can. 1 am mot
the fool that l might be- Many men
quarrel with their luck. discover that
! am too wise for such folly. Compose
yourself, my dear Adele. I'll be n
father to yon."
"a fatherl You are but eight wear.
Older tnafs M, C.x-x