The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1896-07-17

over her. heard him say" and
he repeated the story of the ball which
he had told Marling in the morning.
At first Mr.. Ardell was indignant and
incredulous, but as Blount persisted
and insisted On the weakness, gullibil-
ity and fancifulness of women, espe-
cially young ones, the elder man grew
restless, irritable and clustering.
"Time will show, sir!'' cried Blount
at last, looking at the heavy classical
bronze clock over the fireplace; land
l haven't left myself too much to get
to the station by 1920 God grant
may bring back Gwendoline safe and
sound to you. Imay exaggerate things,
but hardly hope to find her!"
Nonsense, Philip. l believe you
are out of your mind; but you have
made me very uncomfortable, re-
turned Mr.. Ardell, ringing the bell.
"Come back as fast as you can.
Whistle cab for Mr.. Blount," he con-
tinued, as James appeared in answer to
the bell.
You must not agitate yourself too
much, my dear uncle" said Blount, ris-
ing and feeling some compunction at
having worked up his host to such
pitch of uneasiness, and he left the
room.
A hanson already awaited him, and
he was soon rattling towards Padding
ton.
By this time he had reached a condi-
tion of mind which induced him to seek
comfort by recapitulating his uncle's
arguments against himself.
Suppose his horrible suspicious
proved true. Mr.. Ardell would GER
tainly cut off Gwen with a shilling
or, perhaps a farthing possibly all
his uncle's fortune might come to him.
But want Gwen, too" he thought.
81 have always been fond of her.
There's such go and style about her,
and just lately she has been so sweet
and friendly. What bright, mischiev-
GUS brown eyes she has. There's no
girl in our set fit to tie her shoes. No,
all the money wouldn't be worth much,
at least not now, if Gwen slipped
through my fingers. Hullo! the arrival
platform. Cabby, mind what you are
about. want to meet the 1920 from
R., and it's 1917 now"
In few seconds he had alighted and
was pacing the platform.
The rush and hustle of the early even
ing trains were over. The great sta
tion looked gloomy and discretionary
few porters were about and the 1920
was evidently a thing of no impor-
tance.
Blount paced slowly up and down
revolving the possibilities of his posi-
tion.
Gwen was certainly what is called
girl of spirit, not to say slightly head
strong, and there was no saying what
a young woman Of that description
might, could or would do. What mo-
tive had she In sending that mysterious
movements? Here, porter; isn't the
1920 from R behind time?"
"Wen, it often is-but it's signaled
now, SIR"
A few more uneasy, miserable min
utes and the painting engine was along
side the platform, while the porters
were opening and banging the doors.
The train was fairly full of better class
'Arrys and 'Arriets who had been boat
ing, plump mothers with numerous
olive branches returning from excur-
sions along the river, lover-like couples
of higher grade, eager to jump into
hansoms as if fearful of being behind
time; men in fannels, girls in muslins
and shady hats, for it had been a glo-
rious summers day. But no sign of
the tall distinguished figure he sought
tor so feverishly. His keen eyes
searched every carriage and scanned
each group. Soon they were dispersed
like grains of pepper thrown on water,
while he was alone and despairing.
Certainly Gwen Eastwood was not
coming home tonight. He left the
station and drove back to Lonsdale
Gardens as fast as he could.
mo sign of her!" he exclaimed, rush
ing into the dining-room, where Mr..