Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1895-12-11
A FOOLISH MAN.

A FOOLISH MAN.
1t was perhaps foolish idea, but was
young at the time, and it struck me as
singularly effective. had been working
very hard on another novel; and had
gone to Eastbourne to recuperate, to amuse
myself, to do nothing. l was able to afford
holiday, as my previous book, "Eve's
Dilemma" had been enormously success
full. should add that write as Eric
Evershed," but my name is really Edward
Grahame.
Yes, had gone to Eastbourne, and 1t
was after had been there about week
that was introduced to Miss Patricia
Holt. To explain why my introduction to
Miss Holt was noteworthy, it is necessary
to 60 back few days-in fact, to go back
to the morning after my arrival.
was sauntering on the terrace after
breakfast when saw girl approaching
who Immediately riveted my attention.
am not certain that she was exactly beau
tiful though am quite sure 1T would be
wrong to describe her as pretty" but
there was something in her face striking
and uncommon. She looked clever girl
more than that, a girl whom it would
be very charming to know. She was walk
ing beside bath chair, the occupant Of
which was middle aged lady, who was
presumably her mother, and as passed
she turned her head and without the
slightest suggestion of coquetry lifted her
eyes to me. Perhaps amor used to be
at 80 -impressionabl was in
stantly conscious that was glad had
chosen Eastbourne to idle in. I felt that
my walks would not be quite purposeless
henceforward. 1t was small place, and
hoped might pass the girl with the gray
eyes that afternoon.
did not, but met her again upon the
terrace on the morrow Evidently it was
the custom Of the mother and daughter to
take their exercise here every morning,
and every morning accordingly 1t became
the scene of my own perambulations too.
There was never an opportunity for my
addressing them, and anxious as was to
make their acquaintance my visit would
doubtless have terminated without that
contamination being attained but for a
lucky chance
One evening on turning into the bar of
hotel near my rooms for a whisky and
soda met friend of mine, Charlie Ather
ly. He had he told me, only run down
that day, was awfVlly glad to see me, etc.
Our rencontre ended by my arranging to
call for him on the following morning to
have a swim.
After the swim we looked about togeth-
er, and drifting to the terrace came face to
face, almost as we touched 1t, with my in
cognita and her mamma. Atherly took
Off his hat, and his bow was returned.
He knew them Was there ever such good
fortune?
"Who are they?" asked as we passed
on.
"Mrs. and Miss Holt. ought to call
on them"
"You know them SO wellP'
ooh, very well. used to know the
old man too. He is dead"
"I've often noticed them," said. II
should like to be introduced"
"Oh, certainly" Atherly replied. "I'll
introduce you with pleasure. She Is a
very nice girl, Patricia Holt"
"She looks It, She looks clever one
also. Is she?''
ought to suit her. BY the way, what do
you call yourself now, 'Grahame or Ever
shed?'"
~ call myself Grahame, of course" I
answered. "And for heavens sake dom t
drag my book in. Nothing Is more en-
barrassing when one is introduced. In
nine cases out Of ten the people haven
read 1t, and one feels the completest fool
alive"
We were repassing the band stand, and
Miss Holt was sitting down, the bath
chair at standstill by the rails. She
smiled at my friend afresh. He paused,
shook hands, In another moment was
being presented and saying, "How do you
dor So began my friendship with Miss
Holt.
For five minutes have been looking at
a word have written, considering wheth-
er ought to erase 1t. friendship
Was it friendship, or was really in love
with herr Or was it only flirtationp
cannot decide. Let friendship stand.
She had voice that gave distinction to
commonplace. But she uttered common
places very seldom, and her voice was de-
lightful always. know, as one does
know these things sometimes, that she
was glad to have me introduced to her, and
had never enjoyed an hour more than
did the one in which we spent chatting
there listening to the band.
When at length we separated and my
friend and crossed the parade together
Atherly said to me, "You are taken old
manp'
t'Ip"
ooh, yes-youl 1t was obvious. And
Miss Holt did not seem to find your ad-
miration distasteful."
'.What nonsensep' But was enchanted.
stIt's a fact. I've seen her with lots of