Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1896-01-16

CHAPTER F.-tOOSTlNUED.}
The remainder of the afternoon was
spent by the girls in unpacking their
boxes and choosing their dinner dress
es. Margaret's was pale blue, chosen
by Mrs Garrett, at Marshall & Smell
grove's-a charming color as contrasted
with the girls fair loneliness. but more
suited for a ball than quiet family
evening She looked very pretty,
though, as Carmen, arrayed in Dlack
dress ornamented with knots Of scarlet
ribbon, took her hand to lead her INTO
the presence of her uncle. Sir FRED
eric was wandering without any appar-
ent aim. up and down the long library
as the girls entered it. Before he saw
them Margaret had time to note the
mild benevolence of his aspect, and the
precision with which he was attlred,
even though he was only about to dine
with couple of school girls. HE was
little man-straight, precise and neat
as an old bachelor-with snow-wh1te
hair, delicate complexion, and pale blue
eyes. Margaret was sure she would ike
him very much. AS he caught sight OF
the girls he advanced to meet them; Dut
his failing sight prevented his recos-
nizing more than their figures until
they were close to him. He embraced
Carmen more punctiliously than Ter
vently, and Margaret instinctively felt
as she watched their greeting that Sir
Frederic could not forget his niece
stood in the place of his dead child.
Then he turned to the stranger. He
had been about to salute Margaret IN
the same courteous manner as he had
done Carmen; but as his eyes fell upon
her figure he steppd backward and was
silent
Uncle, this is Miss O'Reilly," said
Carmen, in explanation.
Still Sir Frederic did not answer her,
but, feeling his way backward until he
reached a chair, sank down into 1t and
passed his handkerchief in distressed
manner across his brow.
Sir. are you ill?'' exclaimed Marga-
ret, darting forward. He waved her
from him impatiently.
Leave him alone. He'll be better in
a minute" whispered Carmen in her
friends ear.
After that there was complete silence
between them for the space of a few
minutes, whilst the girls stood togeth-
er in the window, looking awkward, and
Sir Frederic bent over the table wiping
his brow. Then he rose, tOtteringly at
first, and begged their pardon for his
weakness.
81 am an old man, my dear child he
| said, to Margaret, land have passed
through much trouble and lost many
| friends. Sometimes strange voice, or
+oo
wildly and upsets me. I think it was
the color of your hair that brought back
painful recollections to my mind. 1t is
very beautiful" he continued, passing
the glossy curls through his fingers;
$50 soft, and thick and heavy-just like
hers-just like hers. But come" he
said, a moment later, 81 think dinner
! has been announced. Let us go in and
forget this folly. I must grow acus-
toned to the sight of your pretty hair
my dear, soothe sooner I commence the
better
He led the girls into the dining room
as he spoke, and no further allusion
was made to his past life. Carmen told
Margaret afterward that Mrs. Webb had
informed her that her aunt Florence
had possessed golden hair of extraor-
binary length and thickness.
Margaret thought that Garments pert
and forward manners rather grated on
Sir Frederics sensibility. He did not
reprove her, but every now and then, As
her voice fell upon his ear. he shud-
dered as if his teeth had been put on
edge. AS he dismissed them for the
night he asked Carmen where she and
her friend slept.
I'VE sleep together in the south
room"
rs that advisable, my dear? There
are plenty of rooms on the opposite
side of the corridor
I've always slept in it,
81 know you have. but 1 would have
put ay friend on another story. IL
had been you
ooh, We shall do well enough: I'll
take care of her." rejoined Carmen
carelessly, as she bade him goodnight
Margaret wondered why both Sin
Frederic and Mrs. Webb should wish
them to change their apartments; such
pretty room as it was, and So beauti