Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1893-09-14

He WAS spoilt-deplorably, absurdly
Epoilt. But, so far, that was perhaps
the worst that could fairly be said
against him. There was genuine man
illness still, some chivalry even, yet
struggling systematically to make itself
felt, and-what was practically per-
haps of more account rs q preventative
small amount OF originality in
his character. He had still a good deal
to learn, and something, too, to un.
learn before he could take rank az
postmaster in the stupid worldliness
of his class and time. For he was
neither SO blase nor so cynical as he
fiattered himself, but young enough
to affect being both to the extent OF
believing his w Alterations real.
He vas popular; his position and In
come were fair enough to have secured
this TO a considerable extent in these
socially speaking, easy-going days,
even had he been without the further
advantages of good looks and u certain
arrogance, not to say insolence of bear
ing, which, though nothing can be ac-
quired with greater facility and at less
expenditure of brain tissue, appears
to be the one not-to-be disputed hall
mark of the period.
WY ho nNhL W oVu y
reception that evening he could.
scarcely have told, or perhaps he would
have vaguely shrunk from owning even
to himself the real motiyes-of sincere
though feeble loyalty to- old associa-
lions, OF family stirring gratitude for
much kindness In the past-which had
prompted the effort. For Mrs. Engle-
wood was neither very rich nor very
beautiful, nor-worst Of "nors"-very
fashionable; scarcely, indeed, to be
reckoned as Of notre monde in any
very exclusive sense of the words,
though kindly and fairly refined, ire
proachable rs wife and mother, and so
satisfied with her lot us to be uninter-
estingly free from social ambition.
But her house was commonplace, she
herself not specially amusing.
IF shed be content to ask me there
when they're aione-I like talking to
her herself wen enough" thought Des-
pard, rs he dressed. In his heart,
however, lie knew that he would not
] do. He was more or less of a lion
4 from Mrs. Englewood's point Of view;
she was not above n certain pride in
4 knowing that for "old sake's sake" she
could count upon him for her one
party of the season. And for this, as
III cht lCItiitu d iCd1 dhCttioh " ~
man she had known as that delightful
thing-a bright, intelligent and un-
spoilt boy, and as she thought Of him
y still far more highly than he deserved
4 to be thought of, her conscience left
her rebuked.
Year after year, Ii is true, her hus-
band w~et-blanketed her Innocent pleas
ure in seeing the young mans name
ON her invitation list.
f'"That fellow! In your place, my
dear Gcrtrude!" and an expressive rails
I t1g of the eyebrows said the rest.
"But, Harry" she would mildly ex-
\ postulate, you forget. / knew him
i when he WAS
$50 high-at Whipmore. Oh, yes; /
know all about it. Well, well, take your
way of 1t; it doesn't hurt me il you in
4 yite people who don't want TO come"
But who always do come, you must
I allow," she would reply triumphantly.
And think themselves mighty n
81 descending for doing So" Mr.. Engle-
4 wood put in.
you don't do Despard justice. It's
always the way with men, / suppose"
"Come now, don't be down upon me
kabout it," he would say good naturedly.
81 don't stop you asking him. 1t isn't
las il we had daughters. In that case
B. but the rest was left to the mag
EEination.
And this particular year Mrs. Engle-
sSwood had smiled to herself ut this point
4 of the discussion.
zone can make plans even though
Zone hasn't daughters" she reflected.
elf Harry would let me ask him to din
liner now-but / know there's no chance
Isof that. And, after ALL Il good deal
afmay be done at an evening party. i
Asshould like to do Despard n good turn
aand give him a start before any other.
saIf l could give him n hint! But then
&Rthere's my promise TO her father-and
saDespard is sure to be sensitive on those
points. I might spoil it all. No; l shall
appeal to his kind-heartedness; that Is
Nthe best. How tender he used to be
ITO poor Lily when she vas a child.
Allow he used TO mount her up on his
Shoulders when she couldn't see the
ygfireworks, / will tell Maisie that story.
lit is the sort of thing she will appre-
.ciate."
III 1t was a hot, close evening. Though
3only May, there was thunder in the air,
afpeople said. Despard's inward dissat-
tisfaction increased.
Isl upon my soul it's too bad" he ejac-
INFLATED while examining the flowers in
Rthis buttonhole. why, when ones made
Cup ones mind to do a ~disagreeable
sLthing, should everything conspire to
sSmake 1t more odious than 1t need be,
III wonder? / have really--more than
Bfhalf Il mind-not TO-
IN Poor Gertrude Englewood, at that
sfmoment smilingly receiving her guests!
SsShe little knew how her great interest
tstn the evening was trembling in the bal
FElnce.
in 1t was late when he arrived. Not
fAhat he had specially intended this. He
sfared too little about 1t to have consid-
\ bred whether he should be late or early.
lind, MS he slowly made his way through
1.-THE crowd Mt the doorway. he was con-
"a scious OF but one wisli-to get himself
MI once seen by his hostess, and then
10 make his escape as soon as possible.
t%As to the first part Of this little pro-
A5sramme there was no difficulty Scarce
I'm did the first syllables of his name,
Mr.. Dcspard Norreys," fall on the