Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1897-05-07
A COMPROMISE.

had dined with st. Croix, and W,
were now on our way to some uninter
esting people who were giving a dance
Since entering the cab the conversation
had slackened. Apparently we both pos
sessed ample food for reflection. As W,
ratified over some stories st. Croix sud
denly shouted in my ear:
You'll see her tonight, Ingram.
had returned from the country tha
morning. Still deep in my thoughts,
replied:
"No such luck. She is hundred
miles from town, and"-
stopped abruptly, as / caught {
glimpse of his face. Fortunately he hat
not noticed my observation. $780,"
continued, grasping the situation, 'yor
have once again decided that the femi
nine interest in your life should be cen
tered in one?"
Ingram, old chap" he said solemn
ly, "it's serious this time" Il hat
heard this remark made before under
similar circumstances.
IT sincerely trust it is!'' l replied.
A good looking, wealthy man. pas
80, has no right to be unmarried.
''This has happened while have beer
away" I added.
He nodded.
"And the maiden isl 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 widow"
I glanced at him reproachfully.
"Any-er"-
''No, no." he replied hurriedly. "Oi
course there are no children. Why, man,
she's only young herself-husband died
in India--fever, snake bite or some other
handy thing of that kind. Oh, no." he
went OH, with a smile, II couldn t do il
if there were any children"
"Have you actually proposed to herr"
''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," said, "these
condolences remind me Of the good old
days"
"Ah!' he replied, with sigh. ''This
is no boyish flirtation!"
"By Joven he cried as all idea struck
him. ''You two will get on capitally to-
gether! Having both been in India, you
will be able to-
"Chat about her husband?" I sug.
gested.
ST. Croix looked serious.
"Poor childW he said in a compass
sionate tone. "She must have been very
unhappy during that time. -
1t is strange how men generally refer
to their wives first marriages in this
way.
"We are admirably suited" he con-
tinued, his ace lighting up. II am 80,
and she-well, should say she is rs.
A man should be year OF so older than
his wife.
Eyes" I agreed. "she is very young
for widow"
"Much too young, replied st. Croix.
'That's one reason why she should
marry again.
True" said. elbow long has it
been going on?"
He considered for few moments.
II first saw her." he said slowly, lat
10 minutes to 8 Oh 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 outP'
After greeting our hostess we sepa-
rated. Several people Of my acquaint-
ance were there, and I had to go through
the usual number of duty dances. Pres
emily / saw st. Croix coming toward
me.
Ingram, he said, taking me by the
arm, come with me"
: There is nobody so exacting as the
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 was experienced in
these matters), we found the lady
'Mrs. Fordyce, " said st. Croix, al
low me to-
MRS. Fordyce!'
looked at her, then burst out laugh
ing.
"Dr. Ingraml' she exclaimed.
You know one another?" cried st.
Croix, with puzzled look.
Why" said, II have known Mrs.
Fordyce SINCE
"Yes, DR.. Ingram and are quite old
friends, !" she interrupted, with glance
ut me.
! understood.
"That is jollyp' st. Croix said heart
lily.
II am not sure that Mrs. Fordyce
agreed with him entirely.
The strains Of waltz came through
The open doors st. Oroix looked ct his
''Botherl" he cried. "It's my dance