Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1895-04-30

Patrice g. Go. has reputation for these
things, but it does not deal in the affec-
tions.'
He rose, too and looked around for his
hat.
1.-THE name of Patrice," he said, ire
minds me of wild Irishman whom had
to do with before l left for England. He
used to call himself by that name, and he
was Oh, here's my hat. I've taken up
a lot of your busy minutes I'm afraid"
She had turned and was affecting to
turn over some papers
Tell me about-about this Mr.. Patrice,
please"
"Oh, it was only the name that remind
ed me of him. Fearful young scamp of a
fellow he was. Told me, l remember
when got him out of his first row, that
he had come out there to drink himself to
death"
"Yes?" anxiously and breathlessly.
"He was a queer fish. Drank like a
queer fish too When he was sober, he was
maudlin and repentant. He told me once
/ remember in burst of confidence, that
he had young wife In England who had
declined, after a month of married life, to
put up any longer with his disgraoeful be-
havior. He charged me never to let her
know where he was, SO that she should al
ways be in doubt. And didn't because
why, please!'
sFor the good reason that he never told
me who she was"
The papers seemed to require much
sorting and arranging
"Some of us paid his debts once or
twice"
''Ah, that was quite useless"
$50 we found. But one couldn't help
feeling for him at first. Whenever feel
that the world Is using me badly, as do
now, think Of Patrice. Then am more
contented."
The troublesome papers were in order at
last. A hasty touch Of the handkerchief
to the eyes, and she turned round, looking
nearly herself again.
"Mr. Paxton, will you wait outside for
me moment or two? You might see me
back to Victoria street -
| Alexander Paxton looked over book
Of sample wall paper in the shop until the
firm had put on its preposterous little bon
net and its cloak and was ready. Then
the two walked slowly down in the direc-
tion of her fat
when did you see poor Mr.. Patrioe
|
exact date?"
He looked in his pocketbook and told
her. They talked about other matters un-
til they found themselves at Camford
Mansions.
II once knew man who seems to me
to answer the description of the Patrice
you were speaking Of just now" she said
hesitatingly. He was walking one of the
krv1 tI~1rn II 81 l. Al0y1
believe 1 have his portrait up stairs.
Come up and tell me if it Is the same. !"
The photograph was found quite easily,
and Paxton had no difficulty in identify
ing it. She rang for tea and looked out
of the window with look of increased
worry on her pretty face.
II feared SO, she whispered to herself.
II shall never, never be free"
The maid brought the tea, but she could
not touch 1T.
And while you were there did he ever
speak Of returning to England?"
"Oh, no; oh, no. He didn't want to
come back"
"Thank heavenl'
II beg pardon2 No, no was quite con
tent to mix up with all the riffraff of the
place."
''And you think he will never return?"
"Why, no. Oh, didn't mention that
perhaps. The poor beggar died few
months before I left. We buried him in
the cemetery there went through his
papers, and''-
'Yes?" The questioning affirmative was
almost like suppressed scream.
There was no clew to his relatives, SO
nothing could be done. No, no more tea
thank you"
He held the small hand and wondered II
she knew how hard it was for him not to
swear at his i'll luck.
''Mr. Paxton.
Alexander Paxton turned.
IL want to ask you to do me favor
fyou will"
why, of course will"
The forgotten pencil, stuck between the
fold Of her corsage, moved irregularly.
''You have asked me twice to be your
wife,
II am very sorry, dear. had no right
to bother
"And want you some day, please
some day, but not now-to ask me just
once more. )"
"And you will say Yesy'"
II think, said Patrice 81 Co., "that la
highly probable. "-St. James Gazette.