Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-30
A CAPE MAN.

piStureS, painted by men VINO were young
enough 10 know better, Of sprawling ladies
in green. scarlet landscapes and blue an
gels. The frames formed in themselves
grim attraction 10 most OF the visitors.
The catalogue was usually preserved by
suburban patrons for the purpose Of
frightening birds. Yet the gallery was
not without attractions on a cold day
when the wind cut along from the Green
Park. down Piccadilly, racing another
wind which was sweeping madly along
Pail Mall with a slight start in advance to-
wards Waterloo Place.
1T does one good" said Mr.. James Mar
chant. Ito come TO show like this. If
ever go out TO the Cape again.
Which you won't said the young
lady.
And 1 feel wistful"-
NAL de pays" suggested the young
lady.
Exactly. Why then. I shall think of
this hideous collection of pictures. and I
shall feel reconciled to my lot. The Ccre
is not all honey but at any rate you can
get nature there. And nature is always
good"
Il suppose these artists think she can
be improved by the Introduction of a little
novelty"
II wouldn't" said Mr. James Marchant.
waving his stick round the gallery. II
wouldn't give two-pence halfpenny for the
lot of them"
Il don't suppose they would care to sell
them for less"
Mr.. James Marchant laughed good tenn
peredly and touched her hand. which hap
pened 10 be resting on her knee 1t was
a very pretty hand and very neatly glow
ed and there was a good excuse for him.
But there is something he said, low
ering his voice, something in the gallery.
Ella. that l would give every penny
have to possess"
"A picture?'
"Prettier than any picture?'
"Statuary?"
Better shaped than any statuary.
Not disposed of already"
81 hone not. There is only one difficulty
y am not sure if 1 were to make an offer
now that it would be accepted
How shall you find out?'
He arose and adjusted his frock coat
with the manner Of a man to whom for
some years frock coats had not been IA
miliar wear. He was a tall. brown-faced
man with a good deal of earnestness In
his eyes. b.
Il shall ask Mrs Beckett"
oh she said. She gasped little be-
fore she went on. And you-you think
nv stepmother will be-will be able TO ad-
wise you in the matter?"
ct think she will" They walked slow
" on the thick carpet of the swing doors.
Besides. it's only fair to do So
1T seems to me-" she said, rolling up
her catalogue very tightly, rather an old
fashioned mode Of procedure"
There is this excuse in my case. Mrs.
Beckett has an idea l am afraid. that Il
have brought back from the Cape untold
gold. want to make her understand that
when 1 say l shall have to work for my
living. 1 really mean It,"
II am glad" she said quietly.
Il know that you are, dear. But I sup
pose parents are different"
My parent is"
"And if she she objects why" he looked
down upon her affectionately. 81 shall
Just pack you up Ella, and run off with
YOU"
Now" she said delightedly, that is
more old-fashoned than ever. I believe
it's an idea you have learned from the
Kafirs What wonderful thing travel is
for improving the mind"
Il shall see you to-night?'
Il am not sure" she said. with her little
hand resting for moment in his. Il
think the invitation is for two only"
Il have a great mind said Mr.. James
Marchant. looking down at her affection
ately, Ito kiss you"
THAT is no evidence of a great mind"
she said reprovingly. Besides. you are
in London now
And don't people kiss in Londop?"
They don't kiss me, Mr.. Marchant."
81 am very glad of that"
And people don't talk Of kissing at the
! doors Of picture galleries"
Il am afraid" said James Marchant,
alphabetically. that have much to learn
before I become recivilized. The Cape
makes one forget all ones manners"
1t has not made you forget your friend"
she said.
There was one, he said as he assisted
her into the hanson. She was only O
I small girl"
Not cd enough to count?"