Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-07-06
Mr.. WICKS.
CHAPTER I.
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Il OA4AA ASAb
THE COMING.
'Sylvia, dear. the arrival Of Mr.
Wicks bids fair to amuse me more thar
anticipated. As soon as Jack comes II
am going TO ngstify him and make
him guess who Mr.. Wicks is and al
about him. II will be delightful to see
him puzzled, and don't think he II
likely to find out, unless, of course. 9
certain little chatterbox tells him."
The speaker, Miss Matilda Cherry
ton, round faced, smiling old lady,
who seemed to find life very smooth
and pleasant, looked across the lunch
con table at her charge, pretty girl Of
II, whose father, her only relation, was
absent in India.
To make mysteries out Of everyday
occurrences was little weakness oi
Miss Cherryton's, and the present op'
portunity seemed to her too good to be
lost.
"Do you think Mr.. Wicks will have
changed much?" asked Sylvia. 'But
of course he won't. It's only month
since last saw him. II seemed so much
longer"
''Do you find it so very dull. Sylvia,
in this rambling old placer" asked Misi
Cherryton anxiously.
"No, 10. How thoughtless Of me tC
have made you think that! Why. it's
delightful here, and am perfectly
happy"
And Sylvia laughed joyous little
laugh.
"what time does Mr.. Wicks come.
Miss Cherryton?" she presently asked.
"At O'Clock. just in time for tea.
But here comes Jack. and give you
full leave, Sylvia, to puzzle him about
Mr.. Wicks to your hearts content"
Jack strollcd in to luncheon full OF
apologies and golf records. and after he
had expatiated for considerable time
on the virtues of his club and the con-
di,ion of the ground Miss Cherryton
broached the subject OF Mr.. Wicks.
Sylvia has friend coming here, v
she began. "He is also friend Of
mine, and think you will like him. "
"Who is he." asked Jack, not feeling
particularly pleased to hear Of this
friend.
He is Mr.. wicks," replied Miss
Cherryton.
"And. added Sylvia, che is extreme.
ly amusing
Jack became thoughtful ut this mo-
ment and looked out Of the window
and presently asked:
| What il he like, aunt, and what
does he do to be so amusing? Idon't re.
| member the name ut all.
"You mustn't be- too ipquisitive,
Jack, but this much will tell you, he
is young and handsome.
"Oh, indeed; young Snd handsome
and extremely amusing. What an envia'
BILE young man, and Jacks lip curled
slightly.
Miss Chorryton and were going %
meet him at the station, said Sylvia,
blushing "a little-Jack noticed the
blush-"but. after NIL, we are going to
stay ut home You know. MIR. wicks is
rather an important parsonage, and Miss
| Cherryton thought she would rather be
here to receive him.
docs he hunt. play golf or shoo,:'
asked Jack, hoping that these accom-.
plishments did not Lelong to Mr.. Wicks
None Of them," replied Sylvia,
with gay little shake Of her head.
"He has lived in town most Of his life,
but he is quite clever enough to have
learned them all" and Sylvia blushed
| again.
Jack Logan quite to dislike this nn-
known Mr. Wicks. It was an unreason.
ing. indesoribable autipathy, but 1t ex'
| listed nevertheless, and during the rest
| Of luncheon he was very silent and
monosyllabic.
But Miss Cherryton and Sylvia kept
up lively conversation between them
selves.
Jack, I've addressed you twice.
Where are your thoughts, my boy?'
IL do believe he was thinking Of Mr..
Wicks, suggested Sylvia.
Exactly" said Jack. waking from
his reverie with start.
Il asked you If it would DO safe to
let James fetch my jewels from the
bank" continued Miss Cherryton.
Perfectly, replied Jack, and then,
asking 10 bc excused, left the table.
Miss Cherryton was disappointed.
| She would have liked Jack to have nsk'
| ed host OF questions about Mr.. Wicks.
Jack, jack" she called after him,
"you have not asked where Mr.. Wicks
lives.
Jack turned around, tugged Mt his
mustacho and said, "No. aunt" then
said something beneath his breath, and,
striding out of the house, he sought ref
uge nc the golf links.
He drew out from his golf bag the
heaviest driver he possessed and drove
the ball as il had never been driven be.
fore. He vented all his i'll feeling upon
that ball, and between the hits burst
out into short sentences:
"Wicks. What namei Why didn't
Aunt Matilda tell me more? Pooh. can't
play golf; handsome. don't believe il, "
and again the ball shot across the fields.
"Now I'll 90 home" he exclaimed
almost savagely, "and see this fellow
Wicks."
He was just passing the stables when
there was Il sound OF carriage wheels