The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-01-29
CHAPTER Ky.

There was a fluttcr Of preparation in
Mrs. EveshaIn's cottage, for Harry's
friend and employer. the great Mr..
Haricastle. had rraciously consented to
DE its guest for a few days Luckily
ci-cunnst2nccs had enabled the widow
81 20 gi-e up the store, which she had
rnetamorphosed into a pretty parlor,
and the old sitting-rcoIn was converted
into charming chamber for the distin-
y7lishcd guest.
He came, saw and conquered. and
had not been in the house day before
&c had won the affection Of every mem
Der Of the household. predispOsed as
they were 10 reverence one who had
been so good to Harry
Was ever man so petted and made
80 much Of? The daintiest dishes were
. essaved in his behalf: the brightest
flower adorned his chamber, and three
charming women were ever ready to
listen with cleaning eyes to his endless
Cow CT "reminiscences and small talk.
To the man who had never known
thc meaning Of the word home, It was
like oDcnilg the gates Of Elysium- The
winged hours Of the golden days few
BIZ SO fast that he dreaded the recur-
renee Cf every davn-Cf the riSera bic
day when he must 20 back TO brooklyn
and solitude. Wanda seemed his special
ret. Wanda took him glorious walks
by the side Of the mighty river. Wanda
hired a 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 tire and again filed his big
rneerschauI1 with latallia.
To George Arundel the old gentleman
took great fancy. Touched with IN
finite compassion for the young mans
affliction. he sought his society. and
soon learned to love his gentle nature.
This shrewd old man soon guessed
- She blind lads secret.
love that little witch. Wanda-Of
q. 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-
q denly and unexpectedly.
They were sitting one evening on the
stcop, himself AID the three ladies,
when George Arundel came across the
. street. feeling his way with his cane
after the manner Of the blind \ cart
was driven hurricdlv rouZd the corner.
and before III. poor fellow could leap
aside the wL-el had struck him aud
flung him 70 the ground
L
q sheet, had dashed 20 his assistance.
None bat Nr. Ua-lcastle noticed the
ghastly pallOr Of her cheek Is she
raised hin. nor the shadow OF pain
which crossed her face as he muttered
his thanks.
so kind Of you. Wanda-but am
not hurt a bit-a clothes brush Will
put me all right IN a minute"
And seeing this Mr.. Hardcastle began
to plot
It 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 aatch-mak-
ing dOwa-er scheme and plan for a
pretty protSEe with greater zeal than
he did for this generous girl, who had
Civca her affections 70 nan who loved
another.
With this result That Arundel. ever
quick 10 appreciate sympathy, soon re-
sPonded % the generous interest OF the
sweet gil and looked forward with
hungry delight TO the hours spent By
her side.
Al was going spiendidly. Mr.. Hard
castle knew that in common decency
he could not much longer put OF the
eTil day OF his departure and he wanted
TO leave one staunch friend behind him
10 move the puppets Of this little
drama II his absence. And here he
made his Frs: mistake.
He had keen appreciation of the
sste-ling worth Of William Bladon. and
he resolved 20 make the honest yOenan
a cOnAdant, and if possible an accom-
spiise II his schemes
So he seized IN opportunity for a
quiet chat with the old servitor, who
vas not at all backward IN accepting
the interview.
Mr.. Arundel is getting on finely
after his trouble Mr.. HardeastIe said
tentatively.
He be, sir At least as far as gain
ing strength goes but
The old man drew long Whit at his