The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-06-26
THE LAST RACE.

One evening IN SpfLu2 sOIne Objects were
assembled round the mess room fire in the
cavalry barracks in Dublin. 1t had been a
guest night, but all the company had left
with the exception of one gentleman, whose
black coat and general bearing pointed him
out as not belonging to "the service"
He was standing at table with small
notebook in his hand, in which he quickly
entered some bets he had made on the gar
rison races which were to come off next day
CAS- he did SO he called out to an officer
who stood near the fire: "St George, won't
you risk pony on thu hurdle race tomor-
rows
mo" replied the officer addressed; 81
never bet on my own horse; I only run him
to give the regiment an interest in the
race" So saying, Mr.. St. George walked
out of the messroom, followed by glance
by no means amiabie from the civilian.
The latter was gentleman of good fam
lily and fortune in Galway, who was known
as the boldesE rider and best Judge of
horsehesh in that sporting country, both
of which qualifications caused him to be
regarded with immense respect by his
young military friends, who listened
greedily to the words of wisdom, on stable
matters, which fell from his lips.
Not that the squire, as he was called,
cared at all to keep his superior knowledge
to himself He was always good natured
in giving his opinion when asked to do so,
and consequently was very popular with
all the young officers, with the exception
of St. George.
That gentleman had decided antipa-
thy to the "horsey SQUIRE" TO whom he
was contrast in every way. Kerwan
was dark and middle sized, with loud, off
hand manners; St. George was tall, fair,
and had quiet, unapproachable manner,
which always caused the former to feel at
a disadvantage. But another reason con-
tributed to the squire's feeling of irrita-
ton. A certain young Lady, Miss Fra
ser, whom he intensely admired, showed
a decided preference for St. Georges soci-
ETY., and avoided his attentions, although
he was very rich and the soldier was poor.
Mrs. Fraser and her two daughters lived
in a handsome house of their own, but
they had but small income, and Kerwan
had fattered himself that either of the
young ladies would gladly accept him.
He had at first paid considerable attention
to the eldest girl, but latterly transferred
his admiration TO her pretty young sister,
much TO the annoyance of both girls, the
elder of whom looked on him as an eligi-
bic parti, while her sister thought him an
intolerable bore.
The day Of the races was bright and
pleasant; an immense crowd assembled on
the course. The good folk Of Dublin are
keen lovers of sport, and turned out to
man, their female belongings being glad to
have a days outing, military bands and
luncheon tents being highly attractive in
their eyes.
Mrs. Fraser and her daughters also be-
took themselves to the races, the eldest girl
fully intending to win back her quondam
admirer, her sister being quite as deter
mined to get rid of him.
The squire soon arrived. He was splen-
didly mounted and in high spirits, having
Just heard that the hussars were ordered
on service.
He hoped that St. George would love and
ride away in orthodox military fashion,"
happy chance-he might be shotl
He knew that the gallant hussar had the
of being lady killer of the first
water, and he fondlv hoped he was only
amusing himself-but be hated him all the
same.
1t must be acknowledged that there were
good grounds for the accusation hitherto.
As to st. Georges flirting propensities, the
handsome soldier would ask fair one to
waltz as if the happiness of his life de-
pended on that particular dance. and when
the regiment got the route" and brought
their Irritation to sudden close, he would
nv Hads no CIV Of ~
to the stake, demeanor which intensely
his brother officers, who thought
his conquests a feather in the regimental
cap.
AS the squire now saw him ride past, in
full racing costume, looking every inch the
perfection of a gentleman rider, and
marked the bright smiles with which Maria
Fraser greeted him, he felt furious.
Setting spurs to his horse he cleared
high fence near in such splendid style as to
elicit the admiration of the hystanders.
We'll done, squire; it's yourself can do
tip shouted one; Galway for everl"
-oared another, and amid a chorus of COM
olimeRts from his admirers the squire gal
oped of.
But just then the racers were rushing
Up, and he only reached the winning post
n time to see ST. George make Il good fin
sh and win the race
That evening the squire returned to his
hotel in a detestable humor, and, instead
Il the jovial laugh that usually announced |
lis arrival, he maintained gloomy 81 |
ence- Indeed, his man assured the society |
n the servants hall that ne really must !
esign his cffice if that Galway teller did /
lot use more polite langwidge."
But MIR. kerwaD, however angry he 4
night be, was not man easily discour- |
lged. He believed very much in the power |
Il perseverance, and next morning he !
allied at Mrs Fraser's house to offer her q /
,ox at the opera, and he was tolerably sure /
he would invite him TO escort them there
The page who opened the door SAID the /
aides were out, but on being presented /
With ha1 crown remembered they would /
Don return, and asked him to walk up 70 (
he drawing room The polite youth, hav-
ng shown him up stairs, stole out 70
pend the money, and kerwan remained 1
uietly waiting until the young ladies or /
heir mamma returned
The folding doors Of the room were
losed, and he soon heard the sisters come
ONE and run up stairs into the next
VuIl- 1bts "edc epCc2A4AS VI OdASr W
Thich they had gone the previous evening.
nd at which ST. George had not put in an
ppea<ance,
The squire WAS quite close TO the door,
nd did not lose one word Of their CONVEX
8tlOn
He heard Miss Fraser say, -ReaHv,
Iaria, you should t-y not TO look 50 voebe-
wiil remark IT. and. besides
am certain Nj St George fatty intended
o4ng 20 the dance Somechiag las Pre-
enSsd lis doing so"
~if he wished TO 60 be vooad have been
here" reYtied poor Maria; 4 fear he does
OF really care for ma, and is only amusing