The Progress. (Shreveport, La.) 1892-1900, 1892-07-09

But the boat turned out to be so crowded
that | changed my mind again. 1t was
then so late that hadn't time to reach
the Central railway station. My only
chance of catching the train was to
Jump into drOsky ut the steamboat
landing and drive as the 'kutscher'
never drove before for the lower sta
ton, which was half mile nearer.
got there barely III time, and Kate, 1t
seems, was waiting at the Central all the
while"
And of course" added Miss Birch
more eagerly. 1.-The people at the hotel
fancied that he had gone by the boat
and sent me word. Oh, yes, under
stand it all now-don't you, Mr.. Gains
borough
81 don't take it kindly of your father
to strip away the illusions from life SO
pitilessly," returned l in n humorous
tone; Il should have been much happier
in believing that he had flown through
the air on the Arabian kings wishing
carpet" This sally sufficed to raise the
smile Of which we all seemed so greatly
in want, and so we got into the ferry
boat in comparatively easy frame of
mind.
The valet to whom l have already al
luded sat on thwart near the bows in
such a position that | had a full view of
him. A more unconciliating object l
have seldom beheld. His body and arms
were long, but his legs were short and
bowed outward. His features were
harsh, forbidding and strongly marked,
but there was an expression of power
stamped upon them which fascinated
my gaze in spite of the ugliness which
would otherwise have made me glad to
look away. 1t was not the power of in
tellect, for, although there was plenty
of Il saturnine kind of intelligence in the
countenance, it was not to be supposed
that fellow in his position of life wonld
be remarkable for brains. No; this
power was of another kind. | do not
know how to describe it, but | believe
some people would get out of the diff
Guilty by calling it mag. sic.
Whatever it was it produced a very
disagreeable impression on me, and |
could not but wonder that Mr.. Birch
more should have chosen to take such a
creature into his employ. l had the
sense, however, ON this occasion to keep
my speculations to myself; was re-
solved not to make fool of myself again
if | could help it-at least not with this
particular family. noticed that when
ho1 70, n1-
dress this man he did so in a peculiarly
severe and peremptory tone, very differ
ent from his usual low voiced style.
There was seemingly no great affection
for him on his masters part, therefore,
and certainly the valet looked incapable
of tender feeling toward any human
creature.
Possibly, however, he was invaluable
as a servant and his unpropitiating ex
terror might cover an honest and faith
full heart. Only, should such turn out
to be the case, would never again put
faith either in physiognomy or my own
instinct of aversion. | disliked to think
of this i'll favored mortal being in daily
association with my lovely Kate Birch
more-for already, in my secret soul,
called her mine-and l made up my
mind that if ever fortune granted me
the privilege of making her what called
her, | would see to it that monsieur the
valet formed IL part of any ones house
hold rather than ours.
Meanwhile the ferryman had poled
and padded us across the river, on the
shore of which swarm of hotel porters
stood ready to rend us limb from limb.
But Mr.. Birchmore put them all aside
save one, to whom he pointed out my
trunk and gave him some directions
which did not hear.
II take the liberty, he then said, turn
ing to me, Ito so far do the honors of
this place as to recommend you to the
most agreeable hotel in it, the Babe
haus, at the farther end of the village
and about half mile up the valley.
These hotels that front the river would
give you better fare perhaps and less
unpretending accommodations, but if
quiet and GOODNESS are what you are
after, not to mention the medicinal
spring water and private brass band,
the Badehaus is the thing"
ssrvvl Ill l.