Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1895-07-13
A LAST RESORT.
BY ANTHONY HOPE.

S'They're admirably suited to one an
sother!' said l.
sob, admirablyy' said Cousin Flo.
There was pause; Flo frowned at
the fire, l drUmmcd my fingers on the
table. don't think that we either of
us looked very pleased. Yet it was a
most fortunate arrangement.
1.-The only thing that surprises me
about it, observed, lis that Philippa
should have done it. I'm very glad, you
11now, but I'm surprised!'
I'm not surprised about herT' said
Flo.
l looked up, much annoyed.
you might be above that!" said l
severely.
'Tm not blaming her, Dick. When
ne likes, Capt. Worslcy can be very"
''Oh, I suppose he humbugged her,
about culture and all that. If I'd liked
TO go on like that"
We'll, Dicl1?"
ooh, nothing. Don't worry fell
low"
I'm sure that Capt Worsley did
nothing that gentleman wouldn't"
was much annoyed at this remark
that said to Flo:
He got over his disappointment
about you pretty soon, thought
Flo laughed with extraordinary non
chalance as she answered:
-'Philippa doesn't seem to have been
disappointed at all about you"
My dear Florence" said I, 81 have
mo desire to discuss Miss March with
you"
''Well, then, why did you begin
about Capt. WorSlcy?"
Come, como, let's say no more about
them. We're well quit of them. I
don't bear them malice, do you?"
Not the least, Dick. In fact, quite
understand what Philippa must have
felt about you. She likes serious peo-
plc-people who have high aims, you
know"
81 have very high aims" said L
Eyes, but you don't hit" observed
Flo.
AT any rate" cried, ST don't firt
wholesale with anybody who"
What do you mean, Dick?"
AT this point-and very fortunate
was the occurrence-Aunt Maud came
In. She has been married to the
colonel for three months, and is recov-
ering her power of patronizing persons
who are engaged.
I'm sorry to interrupt you, dears,"
said Aunt Maud, "but I've got piece
Of news. An engagement! Now guess
who it isr'
We neither of us spoke.
-'>Why, Philippa March and Capt.
Worsleyl Aren't you surprised"
NO." said Flo, viciously; but Dick
is"
1.-THE precise opposite of that state
.ment would convey the truth" said /,
sstifly.
Aunt Maud looked from Flo to me
and from me to Flo.
HAS anything gone wrong?" she
asked, anxiously. But as she obtained
no answer, she went on: i've been to
see Philippa-and he was there. ]
never saw more radiant couple"
At this moment Aunt Maud certainly
saw less radiant couple
Philippe took me aside" she pur-
ssued, land told me that she had es-
capped great danger"
Flo laughed-again most viciously.
"And was now happier than words.
Oh! and when Capt. Worsley was put
ting me into the carriage, he said that
Philippe was absolutely the only girl
who had ever really touched his heart.
INA ne, CnOOTnt SdlQ Is VIII 4
smile of triumphant malice.
Though he didn't deny that he had
felt a passing fancy for one or two
others"
slapped my thigh, with an appear
ance of great merriment. Flo had be-
come quite red.
$50 the airs full of engagements,
sbeamed Aunt Maud. Its quite"
4'StiHing," said l. thoughtlessly.
MY dear Dick, what a funny thing
80 say! But must leave Flo to have
that out with you. The coloners wait
ing for me-"
Aunt Maud withdrew. Then Flo
with an air of dispassionate curiosity
observed:
Il wonder if you think you've beer
behaving like gentleman"
My position" said l, with elaborat'
po:iteness, lis rather difficult one
When the lady who has accepted M
hand not only displays obvious regrc
ut another mans engagement, bu
further twits nc"
with your obvious regret at anothe
girls engagement. Yes?"
81 see no use in this sort of thing,
said l, with dignity. Nothing else &C
Cured to me to say at the moment
People always say that when they :
scored off,"
= hate girls who talk slang"