Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1897-04-01
A COMPROMISE.

sessed ample food for reflection. As we
ratified over some stories St. Croix sud-
denly shouted in my ear:
you'll see her tonight, Ingram"
had returned from the country that
morning. Still deep in my thoughts, I
replied:
mo such luck. She is hundred
miles from town, and"-
I stopped abruptly, as caught
glimpse of his face. Fortunately he had
not noticed my observation. 49," I
continued, grasping the situation, you
have once again decided that the femi-
nine interest in your life should be cen
tered in one?'
Ingram, old chap" he said solemn
| ", ''it's serious this time Il had
heard this remark made before under
similar circumstances.)
IT sincerely trust it isl" replied.
A good looking, wealthy man, past
80, has no right to be unmarried.
''This has happened while I have been
away?' 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. :"
glanced at him reproachfully.
"Any-er''-
"No, no." he replied hurriedly. ''Of
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 on, with smile, II couldn t do it
if there were any childrenp'
''Have you actually proposed to herr"
mot yet he replied thoughtfully,
''but I feel that it is as good as settled.
Ingram, he continued, with an air Of
enthusiasm, she's adorable. She''-
| H'My dear st. Croix,'' I said, ''theso
condolences remind me of the good old
days
"Ahl" he replied, with a sigh. ''This
is no boyish flirtationl'
''By Jover' he cried as an 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?" sug-
gested.
st. Croix looked serious.
"Poor childp' he said in 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 face lighting up. IT am 80,
and she-well, should say she is 25.
A man should be ayear or SO older than
his wife. -
eyes" agreed. "she is very young
for widow
''Much too young, replied st. Croix.
'That's one reason why she should
marry again. .
"True, y said. Chow long has it
been going on?"
| He considered for few moments.
81 first saw her. he said slowly, "at
10 minutes to on Monday last week. -
| MY dear fellow, I exclaimed, s'you
must hurry up matters. The lady will
positively weary Of the courtship."
| 0uso tAcH UHO OsSO AeW up WILL y
jerk.
"Here we are" said st. Croix.
Jump outt'
After greeting Our hostess we sepa-
rated. Several people Of my acquaint-
ance were there, and I had to go through
the usual number Ct duty dances Pres
emily I saw st. Croix coming toward
me.
Ingram, he said, taking me by the
arm, leone with me. -
There is nobody 70 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, sal
low me to-
Mrs. Fordycei'
looked at her, then burst out laugh
ing.
''Dr. Ingramr' she exclaimed.
"You know one another?" cried st.
Croix, with puzzled look.
"Why," said, 81 have known Mrs
Fordyce since"'-
eyes, DR.. Ingram and are quite old
friends, y she interrupted, with a glance
at me-
understood.
''That is jolly!'' St. Croix said heart
lily.
IT am not sure that Mrs. Fordyce
agreed with him entirely.
The strains of a waltz came through
the open doors. St. Croix looked at his
programme.
"Bother!" he cried. "Tt's 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
AS soon as he had disappeared turn
ed to Mrs Fordyce.
TITS all very odd, I remarked.
WHAT" she queried. ''That you
should turn out to be the friend Mr. st.
Croix has been talking to me about?''
l smiled, the quaintness of the whole
matter seeming infinitely amusing TO |
me.
NO." said; ''that yen should be
the lady whose charms he has been de-
scribing to me-
She blushed. gazed at her critically. |
Pom my word" I exclaimed at |
length, sit is positively marvellous to |
think that it is close upon''- |
"That is just what don't want you
to think, doctor, she interrupted.
But, my dear Mrs Fordyce, you &C.
tually look younger and mere beaut:: fful :
than you did when we were together at
Sim1a!'' (
She laughed
I'VE have always been in the habit Of
speaking plainly 90 oae another
YES, !" l agreed sit saves time" !;
She gave me nervous I:;!l, s,.s,uce.
"Oh." ] as;,;l l.5ssssorirsiy, =. am
your friend!'
She W. ing with the edge Of her