Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-06-11


armies by name, and in like manner Nc
Ardle could summon from the well Or
dered files of his memory the fact for the
time. This faculty gave him great
advantage in mixed companies and in
discursive conversation. He seemed
equally versed in theology, politics,
travel, literature and fashion, for Of all
men he knew when to be silent, what
paths TO avoid, how far to 90 and how
TO turn. Thus he trod securely, whether
he praised the eloquence of the minor
prophets, criticised the magazines, pro-
tested against the latest freak in MILL
merry or complimented Miss Willis on her
beautiful eyes. Beautiful indeed they
were, and glowing brightly tonight, as
not only the Observant colonel had no
ticed, but Louise, and the experienced
Griggs, and her neighbor, young Mr..
BaSsett.
All, she was pretty girl! Such dark,
soft eyes. gently bright, such a glow Of
health and good spirits, such sweet,
changeful mouth, with its red bow of
love; such proudly rounded chin, with
a dimple in it to take away the terror;
such a rich, fresh complexion, which
showed that young, warm blood coursed
in Der veins; yet quiet, even pensive,
when at rest, as if her shadowy eyes
were saying. MY lover is coming some
where: are yOu he?" A sweet face this,
and encircled in a may aureole of art
fully disordered hair, giving her a
sketchy beauty. like the ruffled velvet of
q tea rose.
Till the dinner was ending Windward
had said little to his fair neighbor be-
yond the polite civilities of the dining
table, though he had remarked her
beauty and been put at ease by her cor
dial manners. To say truth, they had
both been too much interested in Near
dies collOquies with the older guests to
seek TO entertain each other But now
the colonel seemed disposed to bring out
the young end of the table, and led on
by his adroit direction the blushing miss
was soon making bright, pert speeches to
every ones enjoyment, and to her own
most of all, for she saw, thanks to the
colOnel's plotting, she was showing to ad-
vantage.
4 like girls of her age" remarked
McArdle later on in the evening to the
Rev DR.. Shepherd THE anxiety they
show TO be charming is really most re-
fined flattery. How plainly such young
woman shows her sincere desire to
please! How grateful and happy she is
II she finds she is making herself agree
ADLER
Louise had much of the colOners tact
for making friends appear ut their best,
She said little herself, busying her alert
eyes and ears in table cares, anticipating
every wish and need; watching tho SER
vice. and only giving the conversation a
nudge now and then at a lulL Louise
was truly hoSpitable. and so was not
Obliged to hide lack of real cordiality
behind the cant phrases of welcome. We
do not write This is a horse" under q
sketch by Rosa Bonheur; and, similarly,
Louise's hospitality was always intelligi-
BILE and satisfying by its own truthful
ness 1t was worth studying, that
smooth, simple. graceful management of
the hostess, dignilicl but full of good
cheer. easy bat not slack. Mrs. Bills did
study it, and went away TO sound Miss
Sheffelds praises. Everybody is a
lady nowadays" she said, "but that
Louise Sheffield is n real gentlewoman."
What wonder if, between such host
and hostess, the guests were ready to
join the polite Griggs, in holding that
civilization eliminates in the perfect
dinner. And perfect it had been, though
just at the close Windward noticed for
the first time the absence of wine.
The feast broke up with an absurd
, story from Mr.. Pollok, who over the
nuts and raisins had been drawn into
talking Of travel. He said that in the
Malay peninsula curious insect abound
ed, known as the leaf insect, from its
power of assuming the color and appear
ance Of dried leaves. Hence the natives
in gathering kindling for their simple
fires would often unwittingly collect an
armful Of these creatures instead, and
when they heaped them under the pot
and applied firebrand, what would be
the cooks establishment and chagrin to
find his singed and frightened kindlings
wriggle of to cover in a thousand direc-
tons
Doctor" inquired Senator Bills of
his vis-a-vis, the clergyman, az ask you,
rs an expert, where do people go who tell
such stories?"
a don't know" replied Dr.. Shepherd
the dinner was over, and all We're rising
-''but for myself am going to follow
the ladies to the parlor."
I'VE look to the clergy to lead in all
good movements" said MeArdle, wav-
ing the doctor and Mrs Bills gracefully
toward the parlor, and without much
formality the other guests followed,
Miss Willis and her escort, Mr.. Bassett,
bringing up the rear, save as Col. Nc
Ardle had been detained an instant by
some casual incident, and followed on
with Senator Bills at q little distance
from the rest Of the group; a. natural
and wholly unimportant fact, this, and
the emily wonder was that Windwarl
knew who was before or behind him,
with such a lovely burden on his arm
Nor were his perceptions clear, but a:
the two gentlemen came up behind hin
he overheard MeArdle say something
about . railroad and coInmittee, and
mention one or two very well known
public men
And Senator Bills reply was very dis
tinet, well, as you say, that is quit
important, and shall looL it up in til,
morning There was no rostprandial
snecdotal sportiveneS in those tones
Very clearly, for one moment, the two