The Louisiana populist., 1896-12-11

Luke Stanton went. He chuckied to
himself again as in his own room his
eyes fell on the bowl of water. cod
Adrian's letter. He would be finely
caught: and ii WAS not Il case of cut
ting off his nose 10 spite his face. for
Kittie Alban was as pretty girl as
any one could WISH, and perfect lit
tie lady.
He took unusual pains over Iris dress
ing. crump,ed innumerble ties. aE1
at last was ready. To his dismay,
however, when all the guests had filed
in TO table d'hOte he had 10 realize that
Miss Alban, whose sea.. ii is needless
to say, was next TO his own, was alb
sent.
On questioning the waiter he found
that Miss Adams dinner had been
sent to her room. Luke was disap-
pointed. and little alarmed. He fid.
geted about after the meal in an aim.
less sort of fashion, and finally sent
a message TO inquire after the absen-
tee. The answer came back that Miss
Alban had a headache.
When man of sixty screws himself
up to pitch Of taking unto himself
a wife the presence of the dear one
eject is necessary TO prevent his re-
fiecting too deeply on all that the step
may mean, and the evening seemed
very long to Mr.. Stanton.
No Miss Alban was visible at the
usual hour in the breakfast room, and
an anxious inquiry, less carefully
worded this time, elected the same re-
ply. Really uneasy now. Mr.. STAN
ton penned hasty note Of coincidence.
1t began: "My dear Miss Alban," and
ended, yours always sincerely" The
poor man wandered about feebly until
lunch time, when the same thing was
repeated. A leaf hastily torn from his
notebook, on which he hoped that
Dearest Kittie" would not forget her
promise, and would come down pre-
sently and end the suspense of Hers
always, L. S." was this time pushed
under the door with his own hand, and
a few moments later a small three
cornered note was brought to him
with the laconic communication in
side Of "4.30 on the parade"
1t was an hour and a half to that
time, and it had to be got through
somehow. Luke Stanton was distinctly
impatient. His mind was made up; he
would be able to spite Adrian and
his wretched little low wife, and at
the same time secure delightful CON-
panion for himself. But he wanted
it settled. Surely no girl in her senses
could refuse-and the great charm
about Kittie Alban was her extreme
sensibleness.
He knew the exact spot on which be
would be sure to meet Kittie. and he
was hurrying toward 1t when he car
romed against somebody coming in the
opposite direction.
beg-why, what the deuce"
"Fatherr'
Adrian Stanton held out his hand
persuasively.
Come, father, you're going to shake
hands? felt that must come down."
did you? Well, that's unfortunate,
because I'm going back to town."
"But, dad, do listen to me. -
IL won't listen, tell you; besides,
have an appointment. 1 can't stay"
The pink muslin frock was distinct
ly visible; Luke felt that the situa-
ton. was intolerable.
Zone moment. You must stay. My
wife is here-you'll see her-you'll-"
''I'll see her d."
Directly, won't you, Mr.. Stanton"
a soft voice broke in before the unpar-
donable word was uttered.
miss Alban," stammered Luke, "this
is my son. l."
II know" and to the old mans hor-
ror and amazement Kittie slipped her
arm within Adrian's-"and my hus-
band"
Luke Stanton's face became purple;
he opened his mouth to speak, and then
all Of sudden stood silent. MY dear
est Kittie, always your own, L. s."
The words seemed to buzz round him.
And without giving himself time to
collect his thoughts Kfttie began to ex-
plain; the idea had been hers; the doc
tor had ordered her sea air and quiet
and had suggested Great Startmouth.
Immediately afterward Adrian had
heard Of his fathers intended stay
there, and she insisted on having her
own way. And, now he knew her,
wouldn't he have a little mercy7
Adrian broke in. Couldn't he under
stand? Here Luke broke in quickly.
He would see them later at the hotel.
But as he walked Off Kittie ran after
him and pressed a crumped paper in
to his hand. He opened 1t apprehen-
sively. 1t was his own note, and be-
hind it was scribbled hastily: Forget