The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1897-08-21
"Ah! how charming to be Lady Ross

"Ah! how charming to be Lady Ross
trevor, dispensing charity among the
cottagers; being at the head of the
charity schools and such. There is
nothing / dote on like charitable work
1 would like to be a regular Lady Ben
eficent."
by Jove!" he muttered, ''is she go
ing to propose? They do these things
in the States, believe"
Miss Hayward perceived his look OF
CONSERVATION, and had hard work to
keep from laughing outright.
"Ah! really, / must be going, don't
you know-have an engagement-the
club-and all that" he stammered.
After Rosstreyor was gone, she went
TO her father, who sat at the further end
of the room reading, and, putting her
arms around his neck. asked: Say,
papa, did you hear me shock the Brit.
ish lion?"
Her father looked fondly up at her,
who was the light of his eyes and the
pride of his heart, and exclaimed: "Ah,
Gene, you are sad rogue!" and they
had hearty laugh over the little lords
discontinue. 49,
Gene said to herself: "The little cub,
didn't l owe him grudge, and wasn't
1 watching my opportunity9 Well,
rather!",
AS the days went by, twas either the
captain or Rosstrevor she was enter
tanning. That she liked the captain,
goes without saying; but he had n way
of glowering at her when he came and
found Rosstrevor with her that made
her feel decidedly chilly.
Eastman and Searles, of the Tenth,
discussing the affair at the club, said
Eastman: Il think they hold even
chances?"
"Eh? l do not follow YOU"
why, Grant and Rosstrevor; which
do you think will VIM"
SWELL, as far as the men are con-
ccrned, there ought to be no question,
for the captain is far and away the man
to catch girls fancy. but shouldn't
be surprised if she bowled him over for
the other; there's the title, you know,
and women are fickle."
Poor Grant. he's in for it, sure; his
first affair, l think, and NJ his age tits
make or break"
Rosstrevor, under all his conceit, was
quick-witted and sharp. When he per-
ceived the captain was in earnest he
scented game. He had ridden to
hounds too many times with a cool
head and firm hand on the rein, and had
no fear of becoming cropper. He
liked Miss Hayward, for she was bright,
quick at repartee and talented; but for
few mannerisms she displayed (which
were all put on for his benefit, albeit
he did not know it) would have made
her Lady Rosstreyor. His conceit was
such that he thought twas but neces-
sary to place his title at her feet and
she would accept.
AS for the captain being in love, he
had lost his head and made bad run
ming.
The affair was brought to a crisis
when one day Capt. Grant with his men
were ordered to the frontier. As soon
as possible after issuing marching or
ders he goes to Miss Hayward, deter
mined to put his fate to the test; reach
ing the house, he was doomed to disap-
pointment, as the servant informed him
her mistress was out riding with Lord
Rosstrevor
The latter was consigned to-the
dogs. Making second call after din
ner, he was successful in finding Miss
Hayward at home. How lovely she
looked in simple white muslin and a
few violets on her corsage.
"Are you aware we have marching
orders?" he asked, almost Immediately
after greeting her.
"Yes-I-I heard of it this afternoon"
she faltered, nervously twisting her
through her fingers.
The captain paused a moment to col
lect his thoughts; then, crossing the
room to where she was standing, blurt-
ed out: "Well, Genevieve, are you go
ing to send me away hopeless ?"
She looked up at him-and-and as
she said afterward: His arms were
around me and kisses showered on NV
face before l knew just where 1 was
att
The Calumet club gave the officers a
farewell reception the next night. Capt.
Grant looked perfectly radiant coming
in with Miss Hayward, who was superb
in transparent black silk grenadine
over white satin; her flowers were
jacque roses.
standing among group of friends,
Capt. Grant announced their engage
ment.
That Lord Rosstrevor was cut up goes
without saying; he brought all his con-
ceit to the fore.