The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-01-09

that the young gentleman's 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 Flora's persistent lover re-
appeared, and soon il 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 swelling heart:
"It was very clever"-he used this word
in the southern acceptatior-'very clever
of you, Nix k, to leave the field clear to
me this evening. He was little jeal-
to do his rival justice.
"Monstrous cleverr" cried Nicholas;
and with boyish love of teasing, he add
ed, Il am what may be called fixture,
you know"
Aleck Gage frowned slightly.
"But that needn't keep you awake o
nights" Nicholas amended, the next mo-
ment, i'm 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"
Aleck 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's lover a
mighty sacrifice. He made an effort to
be magnanimous likewise. "Tell you
what, CID fellowy' 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, eh, Nick?''
my thanks to you; I've turned the
leaf, said Nicholas, dryly; and 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"
He rose in his stirrups and kissed his
hand toward the distant prospect.
Aleck stared. IL don't understand
your" he stammered.
swell, this is no riddle, Aleck. Mind
you, I'm not in Flo's condolences; but you
keep trying; don't you back out for my
coming"
50 fl - ,lc
Nicholas lid his hand on his heart
"There is-some one else" he said. His
voice was tremulous with emotion; his
whole aspect changed.
81 hope she is worthy of you, Nick"
Aleck burst forth. He had great adj
miration for Nicholas, in spite of his
faults.
"Good heaven!' exclaimed Nicholas,
impatiently. "She is a million times too
good for me! But that won't prevent
my clinging to her till death us do part"
He uttered these last words reverently,
taking off 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. "It's not mag
nanimity, after ALL" Then he asked,
impulsively, and half in fright;
what will the colonel say?'
He'llswear," returned Nicholas, brief
ly, and with dark frown.
Aleck had no doubt of it, but he didn't
say so.
"The fact is" continued Nicholas,
| gloomily, ''Pm in ticklish position. My
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 I don't care
| button for each other-not in that way.
You'll really do me service, Aleck, il
| you'll go on as you've begun; I'll help you
out. One of these days, maybe, III have
to ask you to help me out" 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, it's
the genuine, mighty God Cupid, and
there'll be the devil of a row.