New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-09
BERTHE MARTINS BLUES.

estate of Newton Chase and trying the luck
that with some certainty had been froward OF
late.
The speaker was a bright fresh girl of nine
teen Dorothy Manners. who. with her brother
Tom cadet from Sandhurst. was paying her
first grown-up visit for the Denley Bachelors
ball and in the course Of her stay had won the
admiration of Captain Martin. known to his
tntimates as BERTHE. And without betraying
any of Dorothy's secrets we may allow that
on the whole she thought him very nice That
Lady Newton Uheir hostess) saw this state Oh
affairs with pleasure cannot be doubted; Out
whether the long invitation accorded to each
was the result Of intention chance she ala
not divulge.
She had known BERTHE Martin for several
years and he ranked as one of her 1aVorites'
The touch of cyncism that in unguaroeu mo-
ments he betrayed vexed while 1t puzziod her'
and when on the death of a relative he WAS
left with a comfortable little income She
womanlike felt 1t her duty If possible 10 re-
move the cloud Of gloom that sOmeho" Oh ia'c
had seemed habitual TO him.
When therefore. in the summer previous 10
tho winter of which l writing. she had
during n visit to Devonshire renewed an old
acouaint anceship in the form OF the reverend
Robert Manners and his wife. and conceived
great affection for their lovely daugh'er-pre-
scented with so much pride by her parents
1adx, Newton NAV be forgiven as the frank gray
ewes were raised to hers and the merry laugh
sounded in her ears for feeling that II Doro-
thy could not assist in chasing away Berue
Martins .blues." her knowledge Of men was
small.
And the man was. men are, totally uncon-
sc;ous Of the guidance Of a properly con-
ducted" woman and wnen 1T became ap-
narent as 1t soon did that the girls ruthfui
face and happy ways had made an impression
LADY Newton heaved a sigh Of content. left
things to take their course and waited quietly
But suddenly to her unaccountably,
change came over the spirit of her dream and
It came with the advent of Lady Evelyn Sur
tees. two days previous to the ball
II was extraordinary. Gossip had never IN
the slightest connected their names: she knew
sufc,ent of her world to know 1t would II 1t
could and then-Lady Evelyn was not mat
sort of woman. True. clever men told you she
vas clever: fools that she sweet and
pentle with her lovely face and perfect ways;
clever women said she was pretty, but you know,
dear not a bit clever; while silly ones declared
they should like her, but they could not under
stand her To her husband she was divine and
he spent most OF his time in wondering how such
n being could have coniescended to him. she
never auarrelled. at least openly. and some men
worshipped her, but from affair
However whatever she might be. the fact re-
manned that with her arrival had departed Doro-
,bv.s happness. Captain Martin had become
constrained and distant. and instead OF engross-
ing her every moment had left her TO the society
If his friend and brother officer Captain Wemyss,
contenting himself with the companionship OF his
owp sex What was the cause Of II, wondered
moor Lady Newton. Had they quarrelled? she
thought not-she rather hoped they had
Rut during this depression have left Doro-
thy sitting on the edge OF the WE'LL Wishing WISH
ing. with all her heart. Every one else had al
ready done so in a really solemn manner at the
same time dropping pebble into the clear depths
As the girl followed in her turn she happened TO
glance at Captain Martin. who was watching
her fxedly. as if TO read her thoughts.
Her manner changed.
Il wonder" she asked. 'if these wishes have
ever come true?'
ooh, some do Of course" replied Captain
Wemyss lin fact know a queer in point.
but won't answer for the fulfilled wish bringing
happiness A fellow in battalion was awfuy
fond OF a girl. Miss Saunderson-you remember
her MARTINI" BERTHE nodded. and he resumed
1.-The liking was mutual. she was quite child
only sixteen / fancy. and knew her intimately
One day at a picnic were all wishing, much
the same as to-day and afterward She came to
Il
wish come true laughed and said. BE sure 10
tell me if ii does, and she promised to do So
was sent TO the plains for month the next day.
and on my return met her with all the smiles
gone from her pretty little face. Poor soul, she
sobbed out her grief to me: her father would not
hear of an engagement, as he thought the man
rather fast My wish did come true she said.
for hoped he would propose, and he did that
afternoon; but what was the good Of 1t" He was
killed shortly afterward in Afghanistan and she
was awfully cut up for long time but at last
married a man Of the name Of Trevor. They live
in London. and she and have always been the
best Of friends"
Are YOU not speaking Of the Mrs Trevor who is
expected this afternoon" inquired Lady Evelyn.
Yes" he replied. land you know the proverD'
Speak Of angel etc. here she comes, with
Lady Newton"
The party turned to greet her, for she was a
general favOrte and Captain Martn advanced
with outstretched hand: -
II suppose you hardly remember me. Mrs.
Trevor? 1t is several years since we met.
Il think / do" she replied smiling pleasantly;
"are YOU not little Berthe Martin that used u
be? You had just joined when first met you:
and were devoted to polo; are you fond OF II sun
and the talk drfted to other subjects until there
was a proposal to explore the ruins as secret
room had lately been discovered and Lady New
ton was anxious 10 show il 10 the new arrival
Most OF the party had already disappeared. but
Lady Evelyn remained seated. AS BERTHE was
following voice stopped him. and he turned
"Did you call. Lady Evelyn
Yes did she replied land Of all the rude
men | have ever known you are the rudest.
Don't you see that don't want to explore but
that l want to be amused? Please leave the
ruins alone. and stay here and chat with me.
Most certainly" answered BERTHE; but feel
my powers In that direction are small. unless UNI
Willingly am lucky enough 10 afford you amusc-
ment as | sometimes appear TO do.
She took no notice Of this remark. but looked at
rim steadily; surely could be quite insensi-
BILE to the pretty picture she was making. in her
soft. gray gown. with her falr mar ana "hite
skin against the winter landscape.
Il don't think India can be a very nice place,
Berthe she said at length. 'for you have not i'm
moved since YOU went out What a nice boy you
used TO be. too. so genuine so pleasant. and now
nothing but bitterness"
Rertie bit his lips Il don't think will refer
IN the mast" said he although forgotten and I'M
regretted things leave their track and suppose
haa Ind filth In n