The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-03-06
THE WRONG LETTER.
By Justin Mccarthy.
VISION"

Dappy, VINO should be-who cOulu expect
to be in such n world as this? They were
both young. both handsome, both IN good
health and strong-aHd they were man aud
woman. and they were engaged to be mar
ried. The prospects of the young man.
Graham Welwyn, were good. He was a
young medical man, and had just obtained
o very important and promising appoint
ment In one of the English communities in
China The appointment vas for five years.
and at the end of that time something
much better was expected to arise. an ap-
pointment in London itself, perhaps. Kath-
crime Shirley. who was engaged to him.
would, of course, have to give up London
for all that time; and this, it might be
said, ought TO be some source of regret to
her. But, in the first instance. she had
passion for seeing strange places; and. In
the next. she had little or nothing to give
MP in leaving London.
Colonel Shirley, her father. had married
a second time-after the death of Kathe-
rines mother-and he died in about two
years. Katherine was sixteen years old
when her mother died-and was not likely
to forget her. She had no brothers or
sisters. She had for the last two years
been living under the direction of her step
mother. who was kind enough to her. but
never quite warmed to her. Mrs. Shirley
had always in her mind the idea that the
girl resented her Intrusion into the house
hold-which was perhaps true enough.
although Katherine tried hard not 10
show It, For she had sense enough to
know that man still handsome like her
father. apparently In the fuilness of life's
prime. would hardly be content to live on
the mere memory of a past love from the
tion " as now set at rest. Colonel Shirley
died in his prime. aud his daughter was
Left alone with her step-mother. There
fore it was no great grief to her to have to
leave England for five years In comp any
with the man to whom she was to be mar
ried-the man whom she dearly loved. As
to giving up London-why she was now
only twenty years old-and when she came
back with her husband after their amusing
exile in China. she would still be only
about twenty-five. Young people get used
ND very soon now, il would seem, but still
there must be considerable capacity for the
enjoyment or life left TO woman OF twen-
ty-five.
The pair of lovers had been very happy
all the afternoon. Graham Welwyn had
been to luncheon with Mrs. and Miss Shlr-
ley-they lived in charming detached
villa at Sydenham. and they had also q
very nice little fiat In Victoria street.
made use of for frequent runs ND TO town
when the season was not on. 1t was now
early autumn and the place at Sydenham
was delightful. Mrs. Shirley had kindly
- fall Lac h. lov AL fo~
O good long time. Step-mothers are not al
ways cruel. Probably they are upon the
whole not any worse than other human be-
ings.
hours. The lovers had been talking every
thing over. and everything looked SO rose
ate! She was delighted with the change to
the entirely new country ana surround
jngs. and. in her romantic way: was some
times little sorry that she did not even
get seasick, so that she might seem to be
sacrificing something for him. Life now to
hex seemed all one long summer holiday,
with youth forever at the PROV, pleasure o
perfect fixture at the helm. ana love. &C
corcing to the American phrase, bossln 9
the whole show.
LOOK here, darling" Graham said, as he
got up and took his hat, II must catch this
next train for town; but there's something
would know, I've got Q letter-from q
woman"
"No-reaily. have you Toni Then they
can write. these womenf was under the
impression that somebody said we couldn't
do IT."
Come, now, don't be ridiculous-this is
really matter do want yourserious opin-
ion about. The letter, you see. was not
meant for me ="
"NOf Then whom was it meant fort"
THAT is just what don't know. 1t was
addressed-name and address all right.
But it certainly was not meant for me-"
"How do you know. Graham, dears"
"Ob, well, it couldn't. don't you sect 1t
was from Q married woman-aud it was
we'll. in fact-a kind ola sort of Above
letter"
"But how on earth did she send it to
youi"
tions to dinner and that-and 1t occurred
eral letters-and put one into the wrong
envelope"
"Oh, but what nonsense-nobody ever
does that except in stupid novels and
plays"
sent a letter meant for the Postmaster gen.
eral to the manager of London theater.
and the letter meant for the manager to the
Postmaster-general."
"You silly boy! But you would hardly,
should think. make such q muddle where
you had any deep interest in the matterf
You wouldn't inclose letter for me in an
envelope addressed to the Postmaster gen.
erniW
well. mol don't think should be like
" :" de- that under any conditions of con-
fusion"
fancy" she said, thoughtfully, my
putting letter for you into an envelope
addressed to someone else"
II can't fancy it. Kitty"
Neither can l." tho girl replied. with q
bright smile. wv hen you get letter from
me. Graham. you may rely upon it that it
is meant for you. Don't fiatter yourself
that if | should write tomorrow or next
day and give You the mitten. as they say
In America, that it is only q letter put into
O wrong envelope and really meant for
the Postmaster-geDeral
"Eor Louis Alani"
"Oh. nonsense; Louis Alan never gave me
the chance"
HE IS such conceited cad that fancy
he is quite certain you would have him if
he asked you. OF course he has lot more
money than | have"
Now, Graham, / DO think you are unjust
to poor Louis Alan-and what do l care
about his money! have got what prize
more than money. But do wish you had
let me tell him about our engagement-for
am not sure that he may not ask me even
yet-and i should hate to hurt his feel
ings."
about our private ives--he will get to
know il all in good time. through the usual
channels of information, as the newspapers
say"
Very well. you know best,n the girl
said, resignedly. "But now tell me about
this letter from this married lady. What
Is her namep
"Oh. must not tell you that"
Are there TO be cretsfrom me alreadyG'
EnnyC W. Eaa Eaa