The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-02-29


to Eastbourne to recuperate, to amuse my
self, to do nothing. was able to affort
a holiday, as my previous book, Eve ::
Dilemma" had been enormously success
full. l should add that write as Eric
Evershed, " but my name is really Edward
Grahame.
Yes | had gone to Eastbourne. and 1t was
after had been there about week that
was introduced to Miss Patricia Holt. It
explain why my introduction to Miss Holt
was noteworthy, it is necessary to 90 back
a few days-in fact. to go back to the morn
ing after my arrival
was sauntering on the terrace after
breakfast when | saw a girl approaching
who Immediately riveted my attention. l
am not certain that she was exactly beauti-
full, though am quite sure it would be
wrong to describe her as ''pretty" but there
was something in her face striking and
uncommon She looked a clever girl
more than that, girl whom it would be
very charming to know. She was walking
beside a bath chair, the occupant of which
was middle aged lady, who was presum-
ably her mother, and as | passed she turned
her head and without the slightest suggest
ion of coQuetry lifted her eyes to me-
Perhaps am or used to be at thirty
years-impressionable was instantly
conscious that | was glad T. had chosen
Eas tbournc to idle in. ] felt that my walk
would not he quite purposeless hencefor-
ward 1t was small place, and | hoped /
might pass the girl with the gray eyes that
afternoon.
did not but met her again upon the
terrace on the morrow. Evidently it was
the custom of the mother and daughter to
take their exercise there every morning, and
every morning accordingly it became the
scene of my own perambulations too.
There never came an opportunity for my
addressing them, and anxious as | was to
make their acquaintance my visit would
doubtless have terminated without that
contamination being attained but for q
lucky chance.
One evening on turning into the bar Of a
hotel near my rooms, for whiskey and
soda, | met friend Of mine Charlie
Atherly. He had, he told me, only run
down that day, was awfully glad to see
me, etc.
Our recontre ended by my arranging to
call for him on the following morning to
have swim.
After the swim we looked about together
and drifting to the terrace came face to
face, almost as we touched, it with my
incognita and her mamma. Atherly took
off his hat, and his bow was returned. He
knew them! Vas there ever such good for
tune?
"Who are they" | asked as we passed
on.
"Mrs. and Miss Holt. | ought to call
on them"
"You know them so well?"
ooh, very we'll | used to know the old
man, too. He is dead"
"I've often roticed Them" said. 81
should like to he introduced.
ooh. certainly" Atherly replied.
"l'll introduce you with pleasure.
She is very nice girl, Patricia Holt
''She looks it. She looks clever one
also. Is she?'
eyes she is He literary gent you
ought to suit her. By the way what do
you call yourself now, 'Grahame' or Ever
she'd
81 call myself Grahame Of course"
answered. 'And for heavens sake don t
drag my book in. Nothing is more en-
barrassing when one is introduced. In
nine cases out of ten the people haven t
read it, and one feels the completest fool,
alive
We were requesting the band stand, and
Miss Holt was sitting down, the bath chair
at standstll by the rails. She smiled at
my friend afresh. He paused, shook hands
In another moment | was being presented
anu sagl iloN wv Nnu uo! 90 began
my friendship with Miss Holt.
For five minutes have been looking at
a word have written, considering whether
ought to erase it. Friendship" Was
it friendship, or was really in love with
her? Or was it only Irritation? / cannot
decide. Let friendship stand
She had voice that gave distinction to
commonplace. But she uttered common
places very seldom, and her voice was
delightful always. | know. as one does
know these things sometimes, that she was
glad to have me introduced to her, and |
had never enjoyed an hour more than did
the one which we spent chatting there
listening to the band.
When at length we separated and my
friend and crossed the parade together
Atherly said to me. You are taken, taken,
old mann'
.I?"
''Oh, yes-you! 1t was obvious. And
Miss Holt did not seem to find your admir-.
alton distasteful'
''What nonsensen' But l was en-.
chanted.