The diamond drill., 1894-09-22

SELF.
After that matters hurried them
selves. They are apt TO do this in
hotels and journeyings and saunter-
ings Johnny fell into a sort OF trance
wherein his Inconsistencies seemed
boldness and Miss Nellie began 10 ask
herself questions. AS for Mrs Thurs
ton, she soon lost any doubt as TO her
own conclusions, and declared that
she intended either TO leave for tho
continent, regardless OF comfort, or
ask Mr.. McQuiston TO continue his
travels.
There was cricket match on be-
tween Eton and Iarrow-one of tho
notable matches OF the year and
Johnny had hired the neatest turnout
he could find 20 convey the trio to
Lords grounds. There was some bat
tling before the elder lady would con-
sent 70 go and the younger finally de-
clared that she would give Mr.. Nc
Quiston hint OF the brewing storm.
Thus bribed, Mrs Thurston sat in
gloomy state until they found place
among the carriages and coaches from
which 20 watch the people, for the
game was quite beyond their grasp.
From sheer peryersity, and perhaps
from other motives as well, Nellie
treated Johnny with an amount OF
cordiality and freedom she had never
shown before, and even allowed her
voice 10 drop into something akin 10 n
whisper, when Mrs Thurston, in a
polar voice, exclaimed: Nellie, have
you told Mr.. McQuiston?'
Johnny looked mp in SURPRISE while
guilty Nellie blushed and paled, and
finally gasped, as the situation became
plain, and her aunt's intentions flashed
upon her.
She glanced appealingly nc the old
lady, and was astonished 70 see her
looking up at something on a coach
which stood next their carriage.
II declare exclaimed the aunt at
last why, Nellie, there is a lady
who is the image Of you.-only she is
Little older. Look!"
Johnny followed the direction OF
Mrs. Thurstons glance and cried, Its
the duchessln
"Who?' said MIRA Thurston, in
shrill whisper.
"rhe duchess Of Essex replied
Johnny, excitcdly. "Shc's awful nice,
and that pale young fellow with tho
beard is her husband, the duke.
"Do you know her to speak to2"
again In shrill whisper, excited and
eager now.
"ls that the lady you mistoolS for me
at the hotcl?n exclaimed Nellie.
Dressed in white costume simple
and yet bewildering, and little white
bonnet, with eyes bright and voice
merry, the duchess looked like one OF
those you associate with Gainsborough.
She answered Mrs. rhurston's ques-
tion by glancing down, and on catch
glmse Of Johnny, exclaimed, why.
Ned, here's Mr. McQuiston!' and her
long, shapely arm decendcd toward
Johnny, who stood mp and looked as
delighted as he felt.
Help me down. Stanley" she said
TO the gentleman next her, and IN an
instant she stood beside Johnny on
the sod
DO you think il nice i'm you not TO
have come 20 Essex house AZ all this
time?" she said, reproachmlly. I've
been telling some people about you,
and they think I'm only giving them
travellers tales, for You never show,
you know May ] know your fricuds2
When Johnnie recovered his wits the
duchess was IN the carriage beside
Nellie. telling Mrs. Thurston that she
had been struck by the likeness Nell
lie Thurston bore to herself, and this
/ e. 4 oil fs.t1Q
speeches, climaxed az last by an in
vitation 20 call at Essex house and n
statement that her grace would send
them cards for .little reception on
Wednesday night 10 meet Princess
| Louise OF Lorne." Friends OF Mr.
McQuiston are sure to be welcome
with rs, you know" she said, as she
bowed and asked Johnny 90 help her
up the ladder TO the coach seat.
"Will you come now and sing hymns
for me, STRIP whispered her grace, as
she stood with Johnnv's hand In hers.
Comet" he blurted out. ON 20 and
sing tin you order me out of tho
house"
"What were you asking me, auntie,
when the duchess spoke FIRST 10 Mr..
j McQuistou2 You wanted 10 know II
! had told him something asked Nell
lie, coolly, as they drove home through
the pretty streets OF ST. Johns Wood.
~ am sure don't remember, dear, Z
said Mrs Thurston, innoccntly
"shall ! tell Mr. McQuiston to 60
away before the duchess reception,
auntie2" Nellie asked that night as she
stood before the door OF her aunt's
room. candle in hand.
'Certainly not Why, he is to take
us there.
MAY ! tell him 70 stay?'
"Of course not; there Is no need oi
saying anything. lie seems like a very
sensible young mar. and needs no
coaching"
"Conching, auntie? Fie, why, that's
slang. And suppose in this coaching
he asks me IL will let him drive, what
thcn?H
Don't be foolish. child. lie has no
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