The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1897-03-27

~OO
FOR reflection. AS we ratified ovel
some stones St. Croix shouted in my
ear:
You'll see her tonight, Ingram!"
l had returned from the country thai
morning; still deep in my thoughts,
replied:
y such luck; she is 100 miles from
town, and"
L stopped abruptly as l caught &
glimpse of his face. Fortunately ht
had not noticed my observation. So
] continued, grasping the situation
"you have once again decided that the
feminine interest in your life should be
centered in one?!"
Ingram, old chap" he said, solemn.
ly, Its serious this time" Il have
heard this remark made before under
similar circumstances.)
Il sincerely trust it isl" I replied.
y good-looking, wealthy man, past
90, has no right to be unmarried.
This has happened whilst l have
teen away?" 1 added.
He nodded.
And the maiden is began.
St. CroiX actually looked confused,
swell, she's hardly" he said, awk-
wardly, that is-of course, she's
~young-well, the act is, she's a
widow"
l glanced at him reproachfully.
"Auy-er--"
NO. no." he replied, hurriedly, "of
course there are no children. Why,
man, she's only young herself-hus-
a'and died in India-fever, snake bite,
<r some other handy thing of that kind.
o. no." he went on, with a smile, Il
couldn't do it if there were any chill
dren!'
Have you actually proposed to her?"
Not yet" he replied thoughtfully,
~'but | feel that it is as good as settled.
Ingram" he continued, with an air of
enthusiasm. shes adorable. She"
MY lear st. Croix." l said, these
condolences remind me of the good old
days"
All" he replied, with a sigh, this
j. no hoyish fiirtation!"
BY Jove!" he cried. as an idea struck
MIN, you two will get on capita!ly
together. Having both been In India,
you will be able to-
Chat about her husband?" I sug-
rested.
st. Croix looked serious.
Poor child" he said in a compass
R%ionate tone. "She must have been
~ery unhappy during that time!"
1t is strange how men generally re-
fer to their wives first marriages in
this way.
I'VE are admirably suited" he con-
Sinued. his face lighting up. 81 am 80,
and she-well, 1 should say she is 25.
A man should be a year or so cider than
&is wife"
Yes" 1 agreed, "she is very young
for a widow"
Much too young" replied ST. Croix;
"that's one reason why she should
marry again!"
True" 1 said. "How long has it
been going On?"
He considered for a few minutes.
Il first saw her. he said, slowly, 'at
Gen minutes to nine on Monday last
week."
"Mv dear fellowi" I exclaimed. you
must hurry up matters; the lady will
positively weary of the courtship'
Just then the cab drew up with a
ttrk.
Here we are" said st. Croix. Jump
OFT"
After greeting our hostess we sep
.erated. Several people of my acquain-
tance were there, and l had to go
through the usual number OF duty
dances. Presently l saw St. CroIX
coming towards me.
Ingram" he said, taking me by the
arm. come with me-"
There is nobody so eXacting as a man
IN love.
.She is waiting to be introduced to
you.' he said, as we made our way to the
conservatory. Here, in a secluded
corner flor St. CroiX is experienced in
these matters), we found the lady.
Mrs. Fordyce," said st. Croix, "al-
dow me to"
Mrs. Fordyce!"
Hooked at her, then burst out laugh
ing.
"Dr. Ingram!" she exclaimed.
"You know one a~nother?" cried st.
Croix, with a puzzled look.
Why" 1 said, "I have known Mrs.
Fordyce since"
Yes. DIR. Ingram and I are quite old
friends she interrupted, with a glance
at me.
/ understood.
That is jolly" ST. Croix said, heart
fly.
( am not sure that Mrs. Fordyce
agreed with him entirely.
The strains of a waltz came through
the open doors. St. Croix looked at his
programme.
"Botherl" he cried. Its my dance
with the daughter of the house. Will
you kindly look after Mrs. Fordyce, In
gram?"
i should be delighted" 1 replied, and
be hurried off.
As soon as he had disappeared l
turned to Mrs. Fordyce.
IT'S all very odd" l remarked.
"Whut?" she queried-'that you
l.. Al. g,a-l NJ,