The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-04-08

land lies. Blame me if they hasn't be-
witched thee too. I'd take my Bible
oath that pretty widow has got thee
under the harrows. Take my advice,
sir-run for it, while thou'st got the
chance; for there's no hope for thee
while thou stayest i Glastonbury.
Mr.. Hardcastles' face flushed purple.
Apoplexy at least seemed imminent.
''Bladon, he cried, his eyes flashing
fire, ssyou are Grabbed, cross-grained,
scandalous old sinner
And having delivered himself of this
righteous explosion of wrath, he turned
on his heel and went hurriedly towards
the Evesham's cottage.
ssPoor old chap Bladon grinned.
"He's in the meshes, same as the rest
of 'em-an' when a man O. his years
gets took, he always has it as bad as
can be. Poor old buffer, he amt bad
sort after all. Oh, them women, them
women, what a sight o. misery they
work i the world"
And it chanced that as Mr. Hardcastle
strobe wrathfully down the street, who
should come tripping along but Miss
Wanda Arlington.
s'Ah, here you are," she said, merrily.
81 was hunting for you high and low. I
want you to come long walk with me
by the river"
with all my heart, mi child, " he re-
piled, the smile involun arily lighting
his face.
"But you seem annoye about some
thing, Mr.. Hardcastle,'' The ventured,
when they had gone few PAGES.
eyes, my DEAR he said. 81 am"
Then it flashed across his mind that
after all she would be the best person
in whom to confde his project.
81 have been upset." he continued
ST have been building castles in the air,
and some of them are tumbling down"
81 am SO sorry"
'And you can help me repair the ruins
if you wish, Wanda.
81 am SO glad" was the bright re-
sponse. "Now what can do?'
He replied by asking her question.
Have you noticed lately the pleasure
that George Arundel takes in Kate's So
ciety?"
''Why, yes, 1 have" Wanda flashed
with quick delight. "Do you really
think he is learning to love her9'
II do. Would it not be a fine thing
for both of them? So now, little woman,
want you to put your wits to work
and further the good cause.''
Indeed will. How strange that /
never thought of this before. But,
wherein have you failed? For 1 pre-
sumo your fallen castles were built on
this base
"You are right. You see 1 wanted
some one to help me, and went to
Bladon."
Wanda laughed merrily.
ITO Bladon! Why it does seem funny
to ask that woman-hating old man to
interest himself in such project. He
looks on love as a little less calamitous
than smallpox"
$50 found out, my dear. Why, will
you believe it, the ignorant old idiot
actually charged me with matrimonial
intentions on Mrs. Evesham''
''How shocl1ing!" There was merry
CLEAN in the girls eye, which caught
Mr.. Hardcastle's glance.
'sWhat are you laughing at?' he
asked snappishly. 81 am not quite
so old that romance at my time of life
should seem absurd"
The mischief faded out of the girls
face on the instant.
''No, dear Mr.. Hardcastle,' she said
with quite earnestness. ''You are one
of those men who will never grow old. 4"
"That is ridiculous, of course, but
''Nor must you Think she added,
laying her hand upon his arm, ''that I
was smiling at the probability of your
asking Mrs. Evesham to be your wife.
Smiling Why, if l thought such
thing was possible should laugh aloud
for very joy"
"Eh, what! Wanda, you must be
crazy. Doyou mean to say that you be-
lieve for one moment that such noble
woman as Mrs. Evesham would con-
sent to bless the fag end of life of bat
tered old hulk like me2'
do you really love her, Mr.. Hard
castle?''
eyes, you provoking puss, suppose
do. But l never>thought any sane
person would encourage me in my infat-
uation," was the grim reply.
''Then if were you would try my
fate and ask her." -.