Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-08-27

| claimed stevens, Dr1gnUen1ng up az once
and very much relieved. why, how did
that happen?" WhereupOn Windward
sat down and told him the whole story,
and his purposes, so far as he had framed
| them.
'Idon't see as you can blame yourself,
said Stevens I'm sure you have been
very kind and painstaking. And it will
be good and suitable for you to go on to
the funeral. And, as you say, suppose
you will all now be soon returning to
New York. I need not say that hate TO
have you go"
WindwarG smiled archly. "That's Just
what Floy said" he answered.
ooh, did she, the dear-well, no mat
ter; but was that not good in her! Well,
now l can tell my news, and it fits in
very we'll"
"Yes, what is it?7 asks Windward.
"Whv, I've been to the genie today"
explained Stevens, land told him all
about it. He was delighted, called me a
brick, and hoped Buttons would hang
himself; but that is serious business
now, isn't it, Windward? Well, l told
him it wasn't done yet; and then
begged right hard for a chance to get a
start III railroading. Very well, said
he, in his gruff way, I'll put you in the
New York Office, and what becomes Of
you afterward depends on yourself SO
1 am going there as soon as 1 can settle
up here"
Good for your exclaimed Windward.
''Oh, you are all right now; and how
pleasant it viii be to be all together in
New York;
Splendid" said Stevens. "Oh, let
me tell you a funny thing. The genie
and I were still talking when who should
come in but Atwood, just the same as
ever, full of work, and settle right down
as if nothing had happened"
well, l don't understand it," ex-
claimed Windward.
Nor 1 either" said Stevens laughing.
''But if the old Man can stand it sup
pose we can"
And now Windward rushed over to
McArdle, to whom he told again his
story. The colonel was interested, but
only nodded his head, and at the end
said, merely by way of comment, Zone
more unfortunater' Then, lowering his
voice, he continued, Mr.. Bassett, you
have made some changes in my family,
too"
Windward was startled. Had Louise,
then, told the colonel the discovery at
the agency?'
Eyes, McArdle proceeded; ''you have
lost me my only and beloved niece, but
you have given me-and thank you for
the exchange-a wife"
SIS that possibler exclaimed Wind
ward, and a very queer and subtle pang
cut through his heart as he spoke.
perhaps Louise would rather tell you
the rest herself" said the colonel q
think she is at home and would like TO
see you"
Il congratulate you, colonel" said
Windward. "She is Il noble woman"
''True," replied the laconic colonel;
and rose to bid his visitor good-by. q
expect you, Mr.. Bassett, to make our
house your home when in Washington,
and hope to see you often-only don't
get the claim on the brain. And if you
find the Blamms people in need, as pre-
sumo you viii, please let me know"
GA noble woman yes, she is"
thought the colonel, as he returned to
his work after this episode, land l guess
that youngster was beginning at last
too late to find it out. At least it was
best to let him know the situation at
once-even if his week of mourning isn't (
quite out"
Louise, Windward found, was a happy
woman. Armed with the colonels per
mission he plunged at once into the
midst of things, and after a moments
hesitancy she sat down and frankly told
him what had happened, and how it had
happened, and joined him in marveling
at the strange links Of circumstance that
had brought so joyful a catastrophe. /
She pressed him to stay to lunch, but |
his limited time obliged him to decline, |
and so with sincere regret he left her, to |
hurry home to make the last prepare I
tions for departure.
And now his stay in Washington was .
measured by minutes. Once at home,
he bolted his lunch, settled his account
with the regretfuI Mrs. Elk, reciprocated
compliments and regrets with Miss
Sophia, and gave the parting directions
and errands to the ladies who were to
follow him northward in a few days.
Mr.. Quire was at home and among
them at lunch also, but uncomnonly
glum and silent; for he, too, had gotten
letter that morning. letter de cachet
in the shape of brief, Geld order to
cruise for three years in the antipodes.
They all congratulated him, and at the
same time expressed their deep sorrow
at parting, but the lieutenant, who, as a
wanderer, had some skill in Interpreting
the language of farewells, could not but
notice that the young ladies acquiesced
in their loss with ready resignation.
$50 much the BETTER" thought the
lieutenant. ct would be foolish to get
ali tangled up just before long cruise.
Besides, there's no telling what might
strike abroad, or how woman would
seem three years later"
And now the hack came, and after
hand shakings and last messages and
kisses Windward waved his hand and
had started on his journey.
. Stevens met him at the station, where
the two friends spent delightful last
five minutes in happy "reminiscences Of
the eventful weeks now ended, and
bright hopes for the future. Then the
gong sounded and cut short anecdote
and sentiment
"Good-by. Take care Of mother and
Floy," said Windward, stepping on the
moving y11atfOI7n