The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1897-05-08


SO fortunate as to make Miss Blox-
hams acquaintance.
well, Jack, have you got your
leave, or is this only Saturday to
Monday trip9'' was the first ques-
tion he asked when they met at the
station.
II can stay fortnight if you'll
have me"
''That's capital. I've a lot of
friends here and some uncommonly
pretty girls among II I'm. The Fish
ers came down last week, and the
Renshaws' =
rs May Renshaw here2 I'm glad
of that
May Renshaw was one of the half
dozen who had been under consider
alton, and it is possible that Jack
was aware of the fact, but of their
recent rejection he was totally ig-
norant.
'May2 Yes, II believe so.
The major spoke absently, for he
was thinking how very unfortunate
it would he if Jack really felt any
attraction in that quarter. Not but
what May was a nice girl enough
till you compared her with Nellie
Bloxham. Let Jack once see Nellie
and he would think no more of May.
Jack noticed the change of tone
and drew his own conclusions from
it.
ANY new acquaintances, uncles'
he asked. And there was twinkle
in his eye as he spoke which it was
just as well the major did not see.
"A few. Yes, Jack, a few. Old
Colonel Marsh and his sisters; pleas
ant women, though a bit elderly
for you, you know, and Mrs Blox
ham and her daughter; charming
girl, the daughter, though bit
young-for me, of course.
"Ah, about the right age for me
to play with, suppose2"
There was some impatience in the
young mans tone.
"To play with' No, no, Jack,
you're too old for play now. It's
quite time you settled, and I've been
thinking
"Yes?" as he paused impressively,
for the major felt that at last the
time had come for him to speak
"That Miss Bloxham is the very
girl for you. In fact, that you re
just cut out for each other"
"H'm!" said Jack.
1t wasn't much of remark per-
haps, but the major found it dis
tinctly diseoncerting.
We'll, why not?" he asked testify.
why not! No reason perhaps.
But then again-why?"
Because she's pretty and good
form and very good company, a
thorough lady and a charming wo.
man. Can't you trust my judgment
in matter of this kind?"
The major spoke with the assur.
ance of one whom long experience
entitled to speak with authority
and Jack smiled. Unfortunately
his uncle saw the smile, and it irri
tated him.
"She's miles and away too good
for you, you young dog, if that's
what you mean, he broke out an
grily.
That's exactly what do mean
If shes all the admirable things yor
say she is, fail to see how we can
be cut out for each other and shal
feel bound in common fairness to lei
some better fellow cut me out. Tn
not half good enough for her-i1
she's all you say she is.
The major burst out laughing.
IF that's all, come and have {
look at her." he said, land ther
you can judge for yourself. She ii
sure to be on the parade. They al
are at this hour.
"Oh, yes, I'll have look at herr
said Jack.
Jack was as good as his word.
He had look at Miss Bloxham
and he was introduced to her. The,
talked together, the major beamine
approval the while. He was intro
duced to her mother--a harmless
garrulous old lady, who talket
whether there was anybody to lis
ten or not and always about nothing
in particular Her talk was neve
allowed to interfere with genera
conversation, nor did she expect j
! to do so, which was but REASONABLE
under the circumstances.
When the Bloxhams left the pa
rade an hour or so later, the majo
and Jack walked with them as ia
as their own door, and Jack walke'
with Miss Bloxham.
. "Well2' said the major as the,
t turned away.
} ''Eh9" Jack was evidently not at
5 tending A slight, pale faced littl
| girl was passing at the moment am
t bowed to him with shy smile.
9 Who's that3" Major Mackintosl
asked abruptly. 1t struck him tina
7 Jack was looking ridiculousl.
e pleased about something or other.
"The sister of man in my offict
2 I've been down to his place once o
twice lately"
s "Ohr' The major dismissed tn