St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1894-03-17

was on his mind that he was not quite
prepared to divulge.
ssBnt, what, man?"
Bladon smoked OF In silence. Then
he said sullenly:
~ did think, sir, when steady mid
dle-aged gentleman like thysen como
down among us, there'd be peace for O
time for my young master an me. But
the troubles broke out afresh, worse
nor ever might say, an there's none
but you TO thank for 1t. !"
''Troublei What trouble2''
''What trouble is there In this world
but what comes from the lnsses2"
Bladon demanded Indignantly.
s.You mean?"
'sThat no sooner has one little maid
turned the poor lads wits with her
glamor and tossed him aside like q
worn glove, than another puts the
comether on him with her wiles an,
pretty ways"
Mr.. Hardcastle looked grave.
81 think, Mr.. Bladon," he said stiffiy,
''that you are exceeding your privileges
as m old and faithful friend and serv.
ant Of Mr.. Arundel"
"Mayhap be, sir
''Rest assured you are. He would
not thank you for taking this view OF
his affairs. Besides, man, can you not
see that the greatest blessing which
could befall him would be the acquisi-
tion Of good woman's love? II you
really have the interests Of your young
master at heart, man, you will second
me In my efforts TO establish his happi-
ness"
81 second theel Thee talkest rs
though thee did'na know thee vert play
ing with fire, Mr.. Hardcastle. Does
thee know what a young woman's ways
are, sir? Signs, an smiles,l an snicker-
ing, an before q young fellow knows
where he be, there's plain gold ring
on her finger, an he's caught for life."
"And the best thing that could hap
pen to him." Mr.. Hardcastlc said
heartily.
"Ah," Bladon sighed. II see how the
land lies. Blame me II 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 1t. while thou'st got the
chance; for there's no hope for thee
while thou staycst / Glastonbury"
Mr.. Hardcastles' face flushed purple.
Apoplexy at least seemed imminent.
''Bladon," he cried, his eyes flashing
fire, '.you are a grabbed, cross-grained,
scandalous old sinner"
And having delivered himself OF this
righteous explosion Of wrath, he turned
on bis heel and went hurriedly towards
the Evesham's cottage.
'Poor old chap" BIadon grinned.
"He's in the meshes, Same as the rest
Of 'em-an' when man o. his years
gets took, he always has IL as bad MS
can be. Poor old buffer, he amt bad
sort after all Oh, them women, them
women, what a sight o. misery they
work L the world.
And it chanced that as Mr.. Hardcastle
strobe wrathfnlly down the street, who
should come tripping along but Miss
Wanda Arlington
"Ah. here you are, she said, merrily.
~ was hunting for You high and low. I
want you to come a long walk with mo
by the river"
.sWith ell my heart, my child. . he re-
piled, the smile involuntarily lighting
his face.
.'But you seem annoyed abott some-
thing, Mr.. Hardcastle,' she ventured.
when they had gone few PAGES.
Eyes, my dear, !" he said. II 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, I" he continued.
81 have been building castles In the air.
and some OF them are tumbling down
II nm SO sorry
'.And you can help me repair the ruins
II yea wish, Wanda.
II am 30 glad, " was the bright re-
gponse. Now what can do2"
He replied by asking her question.
'.Have you noticed lately the pleasure
that George Arundel takes In Hates So
ciety?''
..Why, yes. have" Wanda flashed
with quick delight. do you really
think he is learning to love her?n
81 do. Would 1t not be fine thing
for both Of them? So now, little woman,
] want you 70 put your wits TO work
and further the good cause ~i
ITO BE cONTINUED.1