The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1895-06-15

in the opposite direction, so we thought
please, Connie. don't say more. You
mean IL kindly, but"
VIII you walk over there with her?n
"Dellghted, OF course, if-''
Its ali settled then. / must 90 and
dress; good-by, and pleasant walk to
YOU"
AND Constance swept across the lawn,
without giving them time to raise any OBJ
Jectlons. That was Constance's way; she
always settled things out of hand, and
OFTEN without paying much attention to
other peoples wishes in the matter.
JACK began TO laugh; Constance's little
ways often amused him Immensely.
though she was far from suspecting it;
then, seeing that Minnie really locke
embarrassed and annoyed, he stopped
abruptly.
Il hope you don't mind CONS nom
sense?" he said. 1T isn't worth bother
Ing about You know l shall really be
very glad to take you over there"
indeed. Mr.. Myerson, couldn't think
ing, aud never dreamed of asking you.
1t was all Comics doing"
II know that" hastily; ''but if you
wish to go-'
''But L don't! At least-ips of no con-
sequence. thank you"
But we have neither Of US anything to
do this afternoon, and if you want TO see
your friend, L want particularly to sac
Dick Nenner-. No, it isn't humbug!"
as she looked at him questioningly. Il
really mean it. Won't you let me be of
use TO you?,
You are very kind, but-have you
really noshing better to do?"
Really and truly" and he smiled.
he had very nice smile, she thought
Are you ready? for, ii so. we may AS
well be of at once"
so they started; and. reaching the gar
den gate, passed out into the narrow,
winding lane. which led through pleas
ant flelds fragrant with new-mown hay,
to the Venners' house, some two miles
distant. Ii was charming walk, up
hill and down dale; with ever-varying
views, and no monotony about it.
Minnie was rather silent at first. Per-
haps Jacks polite assurances had only
half satisfied her; perhaps she had private
causes Tor preoccupatiOn quite apart from
him. Whatever the reason, ne certainly
found conversation somewhat uphill
work; but he persevered gallantly. and
at length his efforts were rewarded.
Needless TO say. his conversational pow
ers were not highly thought of in his
own family; and, III point OF fact, he was
not a ready talker; there was small in
cared 10 listen. His sisters girl friends
were not usually the sort OF women he
cared to talk 10; they were apt to be fast.
and rather noisy, and a little loo con-
SciOuS OF their own attractions to attract
him.
But with this quiet little thing it was
different. III she did not say much he
soon found she was an admirable list
ener, and scarcely had he discovered this
before she was taking her share-a very
small and timid one-in the conversation.
Jack felt quite proud, and began to enjoy
himself amazingly. Yes, it was very
pleasant walk!
At length the chimneys of the Venners'
house appeared above the trees, and Jack
pointed them out to his companion.
I'VE shall be there in five minutes
now" he said regretfully.
80 soon? did not know we had come
30 far" she replied, looking along the
road before them. II wonder whether
he will be OutY'
Something in her lonesome fieeting
ex Expression in her soft gray eyes-made
him fancy it would not occasion her deep
regret ii he were; but this might be u
mistaken idea.
HE is not expecting you, then?"
"Oh, no! lie does not know am here.
But Constance thought | ought to go and
see him. IL was she who too me he was
visiting the Venners."
Constance is very fond of telling peo-
pie what they ought to do" he laughed.
Don't let her order you about too much,
or she'll give you no peace"
''She was quite right in this case.
Colonel Leigh has always been very kind
to me, and 1 owe him every respect and
consideratlon," she said, quietly but
firmly; rather too firmly he thought for
the circumstances; but then, perhaps, he
hardly understood what those clrcum-
stances WERE"
HE is your guardian, is he not?" he
asked, as he paused to open the gate.
"Yes. What a pretty drive! l have
never been here before; but the views are
lovely"
Apparently she did not wish to discuss
Colonel Leigh, and Jack felt sudden Gu
riosity to see the man, which, however,
as he presently learned on inquiry at the
front door, was not TO be grati1ied for the
present.
"The Coloneps out. sir. Went out di-
rectly after luncheon with my mistress
and the young ladies. and they've not
been in since; and MIR. Dick he's out too.
Won't you come in and rest, sir? and
won't the young lady have some tea after
her walk?'
what do you say, Miss Brender; shall
we waltz"
IF the Colonel is likely to return"
Minnie began doubtfully.
HE may, miss; and then again he may
not. Let me bring the tea out in the We
randa, miss, and perhaps he'll be in
while you're taking It."
Il really think we'd better say yes"
Jack said, as she looked at him in evil
dent hesitation. Mrs. Venner was quite
hurt once when the girls went home
without letting Jones give them tea.
Wasn't she, Jones?"
s.She was, sir. She told me as low I
was never to let it 'appen again."
"Then we will have II, please; and let
the Colonel know directly he comes in"
Minnie said, with sudden air of resolu-
ton.
"Yes, miss"
lie conducted them through wide hall
yeranda, where, under masses of cluster
ing roses that filled the air with their de-
licious perfume, the teatable stood ready.
This is certainly better than trudging
back at once" said Jack, as they sat in
the pleasant shade and waited for the tea.
"Don't you think so?''
"Yes; butt seems rather cool making
ourselves at home in this way. 1 suppose
you know Mrs. Nenner very well?"
Rather! l assure you we are doing
the very thing OF all others she would APP
prove OF, SO you may be quite easy on that
SCORE" Jack said reassuringly, as he took
oil his hat and hung it on the creepers
near. ''Odd thing your friend should be
here, and just now, tool" he added very
thoughtfuliy.
Not SO very odd, for Colonel Leigh
has great many friends. l should not
have known ne was here if Constance
had not told me-"
docs Constance know him, then? All,
like your guardian, she has great many
friends!"
.She mas met him, l believes; and they
have mutual acquaintance. 1 think it
must be very confusing to have SO many
friends; few would be much nicer"