Connecticut western news., 1896-04-23

-eke N1nOn de EnclOs, all men were attracted to her. One could admire and respect Mrs. Hauksbee, despise and avoid Mrs. Reiver, but one was forced to adore the Venus Annodomini.
 "Very Young" Gayerson's papa held a division or collectorate or something administrative in an unpleasant part of Bengal-ful of babus who edited news papers proving that Young" Gayer- son was a Nero, and a Scylla, and 8 Chary ybdis, and in addition to the babus there was a good deal of dysen- tery and cholera abroad for nine months of the year. Young" Gayerson-he was about five and forty-rather liked babus-they amused him-but he object ed to dysentery. and when he could get away went to Darjiling for the most part. This particular season he fancied that he would come up to Simla and see his boy.
 The boy was not altogether pleased. He told the Venus Annodomini that his father was coming up, and she flushed a little, and said that she should be de- lighted to make his acquaintance. Then she looked long and thoughtfully at Every Young" Gayerson, because she was very, very sorry for him, and he was a very, very big idiot.
 My daughter is coming out in a fortnight, Mr. Gayerson. she said.
 "Your wbat?" said he.
 Daughter. said the Venus Anno- domini. "She's been out for year at home already, and want her to see a little of India. She is l9, and a very sensible, nice girl, I believe"
 "Very Young" Gayerson, who was a short 22 years old. nearly fell out of his chair with astonishment, for he had persisted in believing, against all belief, in the youth of the Venus Annodomini. She, with her back to the curtained window, watched the effect of her sen- tences and smiled.
 "Very Young' Gayerson's papa came up 12 days later, and had not been in Simla four and twenty hours before two men, old acquaintances of his, had told him how ''very Young" Gayerson had been conducting himself.
 Young" 0ayerson laughed a good deal, and inquired who the Venus An nodomini might be (which proves that he had been living in Bengal where mo- body knows anything except the rate of exchange>. Then he said, Boys will be matter. "Very Young" Gayerson said that he felt wretched and unhappy, and Young" Gayerson said that he repent ed of having helped to bring fool into the world. He suggested that his son had better cut his leave short and go down to his duties. This led to an unfilial answer, and relations were strained, until Young" Gayerson de- manded that they should call on the Venus Annodomini. "Very Young" Gayerson went with his papa, feeling somehow uncomfortable and small.
 The Venus Annodomini received them graciously. and "Young'' Gayerson said By Jovel It's Kittyr' "Very Young" Gayerson would have listened for an explanation if his time had not been taken up with trying to talk to large, handsome, quiet, well dressed girl-introduced to him by the Venus Annodomini as her daughter. She was far older in manner, style and repose tudu very 1OuuS anu ao he realized this thing he felt sick.
 Presently he heard the Venus Anno- domini saying:
 "Do you know that your son is one of my most devoted admirers?"
 II don't wonder" said "Young" Gayerson. Here he raised his voice !: He follows his fathers footsteps. Didn't worship the ground you trod on ever so long ago. Kitty? And you haven't changed since then. How strange it all seems P'
 "Very Young" Gayerson said noth- ing. His conversation with the daughter of the Venus Annodomini was through the rest of the call fragmentary and dis jointed.
 
 "At tomorrow, then," said the Ve- nus Annodomini. "And mind you are punctual."
 'At 5 punctually," said "Young" Gayerson. "You can lend your old fla ther horse. I dare say, youngsteT, can t you? I'm going for ride tomorrow afternoon.
 Certainly" said "Very Young" Gayerson. 1T am going down tomorrow morning. My ponies are at your service, sir"
 The Venus Annodomini looked at him across the half light of the room, and her big gray eyes filled with mois- ture. She rose and shook hands with him.
 "Goodby. Tom," whispered the Ve- nus Annodomini. =Rudyard Kipling.