Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-05-26


expensive journey-did she think that
he was a prince in disguise?"
To all Of which very sensible homily
the poor girl had only been able to
whimper loyal faith in her young
man. who was good and honorable be-
cause-wen, because he was good and
honorable, and the two ladies had
parted with sentiments of mutual dis
| trust
It was then at the very moment that
Miss Balderstone's usually placid dispo-
! sition was ruff1d by these twin vexa-
TONS that Mr.. Colburn, the attorney,
presented himself, and if thai astute gen.
tleman had picked his opportunities he
could not have found time when she
would have been more predisposed to
lend an ear to his suggestions
81 have brought you my Canadian
friends reply to my letter concerning
| Miss GrahaIne," he said, handing the
schoolmistress a note written in a
| 1ightfully ugly crest in the shape of a
! mythical animals head embossed upon
it. '.You see, did not mortgage my
assurances of her satisfaction with any
arrangement I might make deeper
| than could redeem them
eft Is a charming letter." Miss Balder-
stone said, giving it to him after she
had perused it, ''but I candidly confess
| that / do not like the idea OF her going
so far away"
The lawyers jaw dropped
| ''Now, really. Miss Balderstone," he
interposed, 81 hope you are not going
to break the engagement, for my
friend Mrs Llewellyn has been so pa
tient in writing"
''That you think it would be wrong
to disappoint her. Well, I think so,
too; therefore you can write and tell
your friend that Miss Grahamc shall
sail from Liverpool in two weeks time. "
''Say next TuesdayAVeek-the Moray
ian sails on that day, and the captain is
a friend of mine and would look after
| her." Mr.. Colburn suggested, with nerv-
] Gus eagerness.
''WeI, SD be it; the time is short for
preparations, but she shall be ready"
ga thousand thanks, Miss Balder-
stone. You have taken a weight off my
mind" the attorney simpered, as he rose
to go. Then, as if moved by an after
thought, he added: 81 suppose you have
had no recurrence of your little delusion
concerning Sir Harry Grahame's death?
Pardon my asking, but ladies, when
they have made up their minds to a
thing, are so difficult to convince that
thought"
''That was as obstinate as the rest
of my SEX Miss Balderstone replied.
with pleasant laugh. ''Well, you are
wrong for once; 1 am quite convinced,
| but
'sBut?''
''Oh, was only going to say that
Kate is still skeptical-in fact, she has
had little romance, which it would be
q breach of confidence to tell you
about. Merely small love affair, with
the heroic youth bursting to display bis
affection by trip to India to set her
| doubts at rest.
| Mr.. Colburn's face was naturally
scarlet, the glowing Ped that healthy
exercise or fine old crusted port pro-
duces. but the familiar hues faded away
to d siclzly yellow ochre tint which did
duty for paleness In a less ford COM
plexion.
"a youth-a 1over-gone to India!'' he
stanlnered.
Miss Balderstone noticed his con-
fusion.
EYES," she said, suspiciously. ''The
news seems to discompose you, Mr..
Colburn.''
And well 1t may" he cried,
his cquanimity with supreme effort.
Think Of the scandal of such pro-
ceeding. Poor Lord Scarborough, who
| really is the meelest, most sensitive
man in the world, will be fearfully dis
tressed when he learns of this. know
you dislike the ladies Of the family,
Miss Balderstone, but the gentlemen
have never sighted you. It is an old
name and ought not to be dragged In
the mud. implore you, if you can give
me any information in this matter, to
bury your personal antipathies and
come to my relief"
He struck the right key. Miss Bal
derstone's prevailing weakness was a
belief in the peerage-a consciousness
that it was improper, if not sinful, to
stain the reputation Of a family whose
coat Of arms was ernblazoned in the
pages Of Burke's Peerage.
IF thought" she hesitated, THAT
any information could give would pre-
vent q disagreeable scandal"
You would forget your animosities
and speak out" Mr.. ColbuEn anxiously
interrupted. Just what should have
expected of you. Now, please, what is
the name of this Quixotic wooer. who
would rival tho mad knight of Cervantes
IN his rnischievous absuriities?"
He is an American" Miss Balder
stone began.
IAN Americana the gentleman echoed
lugubriouslJ. He had piOus horror OF
Americans as antagonists in courts OF
slaw. lie had had more than one tusse
with them, and realized the unpleasant
persistence with which they refused &c
know when they were beaten.
And his name?'' he asked. with al
the composure he could assume.
Arthur Dunbar" Miss Baldcrstone
said, and Immediately added: but
only look upon his promise 10 go tc
India as piece Of silly bravado, Mr.
Colburn-not worth your attention
Mr. Colburn did not seem to entertain
this pleasant assurance.
DO you know where he is stayins?'
he asked.
II do not But if you desire to cues
ton Kate about it, much as dislike tc
let her know that have spoken to yor
tGbout what she told me in confidence,
will send for her"
| Miss 70 l10rSfor,o yvoS not oyas. RI SOarr