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

things in such a vague condition?
James might have been dancing at
tendance at Paddington from $50 on,
leaving his functions to be Indifferent
ly performed by the housemaid and re-
ducing Mr.. Ardell to the inconvenience
of female waiter.
Dinner was, as usual in Lonsdale
Gardens, remarkably good-a matter
of no small Importance in Blount's
eyes-and Mr.. Ardell was exceedingly
conversational in a careful and didac-
tic manner throughout it.
When dessert was put on the table
and James departed a short pause en-
sued; then Mr.. Ardell said: Il think
you will find fresh Bradshaw on the
writing table in the window, Let US
make sure of the train before you
start"
Philip rose and went to the table
whence he returned with Bradshaw
and another book, handsomely bound
in deep red with gold letters and deco
rations.
''You are right" he said, 1.-The R
train is due at 1920" He handed Brad
shaw to his uncle and continued: Il
see you have Everard's book here.
Life in the Wild Woods don't fancy
him in print-doesn't give me the idea
of writing man"
"I have not read the work, returned
his uncle, with tinge of disdain in his
tone. THAT copy was presented to
Gwendoline. was rather annoyed at
her accepting it, though l do not very
we'll see how she could have refused it.
But Mr.. Everard is not man / like.
He is pretentious and dictatorial, in
fact, inclined to take liberties, or
should say, he presumes on come con-
nection with old friends of Gwen
dolines to come here much oftener
than like, and assume familiar tone
with my niece of which totally disap-
prove"
eyes, my dear uncle, l have noticed
It also, and it makes me indignant.
However, he has gone to the continent
and"
"Why, yes, 1 know. He wrote to
Gwendollne explaining why he could
not go to this party and mentioned that
he was going abroad, very unneces-
sary proceeding, as I told my niece"
"And what did she say?"
"Well, she laughed and said that for
all 1 knew, it might be very necessary. "
"a curious answer" said Blount un-
easily. "What do you make of itP"
What II Oh, nothing. 1t is really
unimportant, only fancy that Mr..
Everard aspires to a matrimonial al
lance with US, rather an audacious
project on his part"
81 should think it wasr" cried Blount.
HE tries to seem on confidential terms
with Gwen, but"
'She has too much sense to heed him.
In fact, she would not offend me by en-
tertaining any proposal from Mr.. Ever
ard" interrupted ArdelL Il fancy you
are aware, my dear Philip, that my
great wish is to see my nephew and
niece united before 1 die-not only be-
cause I am attached to you, but both
and each would then be benefited
equally by what I may be enabled to
bequeath."
"And 1 desire nothing so ardently,"
cried Philip, "as to call her my wife.
In fact, 1 have loved her ever since
she came from school to reside here"
Il have suspected it, Philip. have
suspected it." returned his uncle, play
ing with the double eyeglass which
hung from his neck. But, my dear
boy, am not so sure of her."
II am not without hope, if only no
one comes between u.s." There was a
long pause, each being occupied with
his own hopes and fears for the future.
Suddenly Blount exclaimed: Gould
one drive from Paddington to Charing
Cross in half an hour. with a minute or
two to spare?"
"Yes, if the streets were not crowd
ed, and the horse a good one. Why do
you ask?"
''Oh, ah, only wanted your opinion.
That is, my dear uncle, 1 have an awful
dread of that fellow Everard, and it's
curious, but this morning / saw note