Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1897-03-25

~ emily we both pos
sessed ample food
for reflection. AS we ratified over
some stones St. Croix shouted in my
ear:
you'll see her tonight, Ingram!"
had returned from the country that
morning; still deep in my thoughts, 1
replied:
NO such luck; she is 100 miles from
town, and"
I stopped abruptly as I caught a
glimpse of his face. Fortunately he
had not noticed my observation. 49,"
I 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, cts serious this time!" q have
heard this remark made before under
similar circumstances
81 sincerely trust it isl" replied.
A good-looking, wealthy man, past
30, has no right to be unmarried.
This has happened whilst 1 have
been away?" I added.
He nodded.
"And the maiden is" began.
ST. CroiX actually looked confused
"Well, she's hardly" he said, awk-
wardly, that is-of course, she's
young-well, the fact is, she's q
widow"
l glanced at him reproachfully.
"Any-er-"
mo, no." he replied, hurriedly, 'of
course there are no children. Why,
man, she's only young herself-hus-
band died in India-fever, snake bite,
or some other handy thing of that kind.
o, no." he went on, with a smile, 81
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, "she's adorable. She"
"My dear St. Croix," 1 said, "these
condolences remind me of the good old
days.
"Ah," he replied, with a sigh, "'this
Is no boyish flirtation!"
by Jove!" he cried, as an idea struck
him, you two will get on capitally
together. Having both been in India,
you will be able to
"Chat about her husband?" I sug-
gested.
ST. Croix looked serious.
"Poor child,' he said in q compass
sionate tone. "She must have been
very unhappy during that time!"
1t is strange how men generally re-
fer to their wives first marriages in
this way.
"We are admirably suited" he con-
tinued, his face lighting up. 81 am 80,
and she-well, should say she is 25.
"A man should be year or so cider than
his wife"
YES" I 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 few minutes.
81 first saw her." he said, slowly, Eat
ten minutes to nine on Monday last
week."
"My dear fellow!" ] exclaimed, "you
must hurry up matters; the lady will
positively weary of the courtship!'
Just then the cab drew up with a
jerk.
Here we are" said St. Croix. Jump
Quit"
After greeting our hostess we sep
arated. Several people of my acquain-
tance were there, and l had to 60
through the usual number of duty
dances. Presently 1 saw st. Croix
coming towards me.
Ingram" he said, taking me by the
arm, come with me-"
There is nobody so exacting as man
IN love.
'She is waiting to be introduced to
you," he said, as we made our way to the
conservatory. Here, in secluded
corner (for ST. Croix is experienced in
these matters), we found the lady.
''Mrs. Fordyee," said ST. Croix, sal
low me to"
''Mrs. Fordyce!"
looked at her, then burst out laugh
ing.
"Dr. Ingram!" she exclaimed.
"You know one another?" cried st.
CroiS, with puzzled look.
why" 1 said, "I have known Mrs.
Fordyce since"
"Yes. DR.. Ingram and are quite old
friends" she interrupted, with a glance
Mt me.
/ understood.
THAT is jolly!" St. Croix said, heart
fly.
/ am not sure that Mrs. Fordyce
agreed with him entirely
The strains of waltz came through
the open doors. st. Croix looked at his
programme.
"Bother!" he cried. Its my dance
with the daughter of the house. Will
you kindly look after Mrs. Fordyce, In
gram"
II should be delighted" replied, and
he hurried Off.
- he hal