Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-01-21
CHAPTER XIV.


There was huttcr of preparation in
Mrs. Evesham's cottage, for Harry's
friend and employer. the great Mr..
Hardcastle, had graciously consented to
be it's guest for a few days. Luckily
circumstances had enabled the widow
to give up the store, which she had
metamorphosed into pretty parlor,
apd the old sittingroom was converted
into charming chamber for the distin
guished guest.
He came, saw and conquered, and
had not been in the house day before
he had won the affection of every mem
Der of the household, predisposed as
they were to reverence one who had
been so good to Harry.
Was ever man petted and made
so much of? The daintiest dishes were
81 ssaycd in his behalf the brightest
flower adorned his chamber, and three
charming women were ever ready to
listen with cleaning eyes to his endless
flow of "reminiscences and small talk.
To the man who had never known
the meaning of the word home, it was
like opening the gates of Elysium. The
winged hours of the golden days few
by so fast that he dreaded the recur-
renee of every dawn-of the miserable
day when hemust go back to Brooklyn
and solitude. Wanda seemed his special
pet. Wanda took him glorious walks
by the side of the mighty river. Wanda
hired pony carriage and drove him
down the lanes among the pines.
Wanda sang him his favOrite songs in
the evening, and with her own fair
fingers time and again filed his big
mecrschaum with l;ltallia.
To George Arundel the old gentleman
took 4 greet fancy. Touched with in
finite compassion for the young mans
afaict;on, he sought his society, and
soon learned to love his gentle nature.
This shrewd old man soon guessed
the blind lads secret.
Glove that little witch. Wanda-of
course he does-who could help it.
Well, we must do something to cure
him of his madness" he muttered to
himself over his pipe.
The way did not seem quite clear at
first. but chance helped him at last sud-
denly and unexpectedly.
Tohey were sitting one evening on the
,stoop, himself and the three ladies,
when George Arundel came across the
street. feeling his way with his cane
after the manner of the blind. A cart
was driven hurriedlv round the corner,
and before the poor fellow could leap
aside the wheel had struck him and
flung him to the ground.
In an instant Kate Evesham, white as
a sheet, had dashed TO his assistance.
Mono but Mr.. Hardcastle noticed the
CHASTITY pallor of her cheek as she
raised him, nor the shadow of pain
which crossed her face as he muttered
his thanks.
80 kind of you, Wanda--but am
not hurt bit-a clothes brush will
put me all right in a minute
And seeing this Mr.. Harocastle began
to plot.
1t was astonishing with what sue
-cess he managed that in all their walks
Kate should be the blind mans COM
paniOn. Never did an old match-mak-
ing dowager scheme and plan for a
pretty protege with greater zeal than
he did for this generous girl, who had
given her affections to a man who loved
another.
With this result. That Arundel, ever
quick to appreciate sympathy, soon re-
sponded to the generous interest of the
sweet girl and looked forward with
hungry delight to the hours spent by
her side.
All was going splendidly. Mr.. Hard
castle knew that in common decency
he could not much longer put of the
evil day of his departure and he wanted
to leave one staunch friend behind him
to move the puppets of this little
drama in his absence. And here he
made his first mistake.
He had a keen appreciation of the
sterling worth of William Bladon. and
he resolved to make the honest yoeman
a confidant, and if possible an accom-
plise in his schemes.
J So he seized an opportunity for a
quiet chat with the old servitor, who
was not at all backward in accepting
the interview.
Mr.. Arundel is getting on finely
lafter his trouble" Mr.. Hardcastle said
tentatively.
He be. sir. At least as far as gain
1ng strength goes, but
The old man drew long Whit at his