Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1895-08-08


the ample sleeve of her travelling gar
ment
"oh, my dear child" exclaimed the
matron. "H.w cdulR TOu take such
very rash stepl"
"He loves me, ard j love him, and
that is all we care aDUut in the world"
faltered the girl, with sob.
But think of your poor grand
papay"
"Grandpapa will not miss me" re-
torted Dolores, stealing deprecating
glance at the severe and disappearing
countenance of Mrs Fillingham.
81 am quite sure he will miss you,"
rejoined the older woman.
HE never cared about me at all, !"
cried Dolores, with sudden and pas
sionate outburst at wrong.
Lieutenant Curzon, consider your
conduct as simply abominable, " said
Mrs. Fillingham, becoming red in the
face. II will have nothing to do with
your elopement
Then she turned away, as if to clear
ly demonstrate that she washed her
hands of very bad business.
The Ancient Mariner removed his
spectacles, and polished the glasses on
silk pocket-handkerchief.
Dolores chung to her lovers arm,
aghast and bewildered by this brusque,
feminine repulse.
Did Capt. Fillingham wink at Lieut.
Curzon? 1t cannot be positively as
serted that the old gentleman
was guilty of such an undignified
proceeding on this grave occasion,
yet assuredly a highly suspicious
trembling of the right eyelid was per-
ceptible, while his benevolent feat
ures failed to reflect the anger of his
spouse He even smiled at the ter
rifed Dolores, and patted her hand re-
assuringly.
There is no use in crying over
spilled milk. you know" he reasoned
at length. What are your plans?"
Lieut.. Curzon eagerly unfolded his
projects He intended to seek Swift
erland at the nearest point of the Can
ton Tessin, get married and journey
on to Paris.
If Dolores could be placed under the
charge of Mrs Fillingham in the in
terval, all scandal would be avoided
and busy tongues at Malta effectually
silenced. It is true that the lover
thought Of public opinion for the first
time as the shores of Dolores island
home faded in the distance.
The young hypocrite pleaded his
capse warmly and we'll He did moi
hesitate to remind the ancient mariner
that he had been his fathers best mar
at his wedding, and to hint the &C.
cepta bility of his giving away bride
of another generation
The comrade of Admiral Jack list.
ened attentively. What "reminiscences
did the voice of his companion evokei
His heart warmed toward the rash
couple and he felt young again He
nodded acquiescence and made the
culprits take a seat beide him on the
deck, thus assuring them of his OWE
protection and approval
An hour later Mrs Fillingham, in
relenting mood, had given the pale
Dolores cup of tea, with plenty Of
sugar, and held the whimpering and
doleful Florio on her lap
In the meanwhile, Capt Blake
strolled into Mrs. Grif1ith'S tea room
where the Vicar, with the weak chest,
was discoursing on shells with Mis-;
Symthe.
Our friend the lieutenant is off OF
leave of absence" said the airy in,
truder
"Who?" demanded the hostess, with
an unusual infection of sharpness in
her tone,
Lieut. Curzon, replied Capt Blake
accepting cream at the hand of the
hostess 1.-THE pretty Maltese was on
board"
Are you jealous, Capt Blake?" in.
quired Miss Symthe.
Not trace of displeasure was per
ceptible on her fair face, nor n tire me
of agitation in her soft voice, as she
turned to the tea-urn.
He laughed his grating little laugh.
lam not marrying man."
He thought
"She is very strong"
The clergyman resumed his thread
of talk pleased with the graceful
Difference of an intelligent listener
II should like to show you my ca bi.
net of shells, Miss Ethel. have some
rather good specimens
Capt Blake stirred the contents OF
his cup and gazed into the depths as
if he suspected some private jest OF
lurking at the bottom.
81 always have bet ten to one on the
chances Of the parsen in my own
mind" he thought 1.-THE living is an
uncommonly good one, i am told"
The Island of Malta lessened, faded,
and disappeared altogether to the
passengers of the Elettrico, as the
packet made her way in the direction
of Messina over the calm, blue Medi-
terranean sea.
The day had held in its unfolding
hours the elements of marvellous
changes.
A fortnight latera young man sat