The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1897-04-02

81 S~rH hanSsni e5s ~ 'as of
simmer boarders established there,
and on a certain rainy afternoon it
was hailed with positive enthusiasm by
tho dispirited group assembled in the
small parlor.
The largest share was delivered to
Miss Tratford, whose pretty face was
wreathcd in smiles ut this delightful
interruption to a game Of bezique she
was gooi-nuturedly playing with old
Mrs. Thayer. She opened with lively
interest long and closely written
epistie from girl friend who was al
ways "charmingly uewsy," and was
soon absorbed in its contents.
"And SO Astegen is duIl?" wrote
Olive Westall. "Well, it is m atro-
politan centre, London IN the sea.
son., compared with tho pool Of
stagpation to which my revered papa's
latest whim has removed us. Posi-
lively, nothing has happened me but
an accidental meeting with an old
school acquaintance, formerly Helen
Leods. l had not seen her since re-
turnei from abroad, and find she has
been married IN the meantime. The
sum- mer before I sailed. we were both
at the Lakeside House. She was Mt
that time engaged in a violent hlrta-
tion with Dick Stickney. He was
head over ears in love with her, but
she was always an outrageous Co.
9uctte, and We oil thought she was
playiD with him. We were mistaken,
however, for she told me she is now
Mrs. Stickney.
"By the way, she said her husband
was on bicycle tour through New
Hampshire. If he comes to Astegnn,
you will find him n charming com
panion for your rides. He is u crack
rider. it seems. What would my poor
papa say to this classic lansuagc!"
Miss Trafford's perusal of her letter
was hero in errupted by an exclama-
ton OF horror from the group at the
window, and she rushed forward to
catch view OF the spectacle which
had called 1T fortl.
\ Young man was riding swiftly by
on his wheel when Miss Traiford's big
dog Rover, made rush directly in
front OF it, and man, wheel and dog
rolled on the ground together.
The young man spranS to his feet,
nnhurt, save for cut on his hand,
which had struck against a sharp
atone. Assistance was rendered him
by Mrs. Laue, the laudlndy, and the
new conner was soon engaged in friend
ly conversation with the little group
Of spectators, who were much excited
by the incident.
Miss Tallorl sent Rover away in
dis grace, and expressed her regrets to
bis wounded victim. The young man
replied courtcously, and gazed at
ROvcr's mistress with interest She
was indeed good TO look upon, and the
Jtranger, on his part, was an unusually
handsome fellow, with frank. open
countcnancc and most engaging man
lcrs.
lie said that it was his intention to
stop in Astegan, and he was then on
his way to tho hotel; but if Mrs. Lime
could find place for him and here he
looked at her with persuasive smile.
Good Mrs. Lane answered that she
had Just one vacant room, which size
would have put in readiness for him
ct once; and sEo hustled away to give
the necessary orders.
Miss Tatford was conscious Of a
pleasurab!c sensation as this nrrar gc-
,pent was made. There was the usual
Gearth Of men ut Sunset Cottage, the
sum total numbering two, one of whom
was du!l and slow, and the other an
engaged man.
The newcomer seemed promising in
every way, and he had u wheel, which
added to his attractions. Miss Traf-
ford was dcvotec OF the bicyclc, and
had lungcd for some congcnlal spirit
TO accompany her on her rides.
Oi course she lntrudri to show no
nnt"c cation or interest III the
stranger $ plans. but he looked at her
with such u pleased expression that
she unconsciously gave him an approv-
ing smile in return.
Al thIs point, he decided that it was
II order to introduce himself. and he
thcrcupon handed his card to Mrs.
Lane, who had returned from her cr.
rand, and who now announced to tho
company that her new guest was Rich.
ard VI. Stlchncy, Of Boston.
m expression of distinct diaappunt.
mel. crossed Miss V:uTorG'a :acc,
thoH she sml!iu8iy acknowledge |
the introduction.
'GolnC!icnccs are constantly orrUr
rlng IN this life Of ours, she SAID, when
the usual commonplaces were ex.