The Winslow mail., 1897-11-27
@ THE VOICE OF THE CHARMER. O.


NOCoc~OcoCeOc>OceOceOc>OceOc>Oc>OcS
a strong personal dislike to it's tenant
| even avoid shooting over the place as
much as possible, because l can't bear
the sight Of the fellow. Just fancy, my
dear, afraid even to walk over my own
property-my own property, forsooth.
Nasty, cantankerous wretchr' wound
up the squire In his wrath. 81 wish
somebody would knock him on the
head. do, indeedv'
"Fie, for shame, siry exclaimed his
niece, laughing, putting her pretty
hand over his mouth as she spoke.
And his name is Wilder?" she con-
tinued, "and 1 knew such a dear old
man Of that name years ago-he was
one of poor papa's tenants. indeed.
Il wonder now," she mused, ''couId
it be the same man? He left to go to
Australia. so l understood-for l was
only little girl at the time. And we
were such friends, too!
Uncle" exclaimed the girl, flush of
excitement coming over her face, "if
you don't mind l will ride over this
ana see IOr myself.
IF it is the same man-and 1 have
a very great idea it is, do you know-I
will undertake that every bit of that
horrid wire fencing is taken down be-
tween this and tomorrow morning.
Say, l will even have a bet with you
on the subject. Come, sir, what odds
will you give me?'
81 won't bet. l utterly decline to bet,
you little gambler" returned her laugh
ing uncle, "for l hate losing money,
but l will tell you what l will do, my
Gladys, if you only succeed in your un-
dertaking, 1 will give you the very best
hunter or the prettiest bracelet that
can be bought for money. believe it's
a real good thing for you, too, you
mink, you," he added, pulling her ear,
''for now / come to think Of it / be-
lieve / did hear that this Objectionable
tenant of mine had been in Australia
before he came down here to sit upon
my shoulders like the old man Of the
sea-"
Don't say another word. dear un-
cle," cried Miss Gladys. II haven't my
betting book about me, SO l seal the
bargain with this kiss (suiting the ac-
ton to the word), and now I'm off to
put my habit on and order my horse"
"Good-by, dear, we shall meet again
not on the Rialto, but at luncheon"
and bestowing another kiss on the en-
raptured old gentleman the lively girl
rushed from the room.
The stable clock was just striking
half-past 1, simultaneously with the
rumbling of the gong announcing the
fact that luncheon was ready, as Gla-
dys Onslow with her attendant groom
came cantering through the park.
The squire, who had been waiting for
her for the last half hour, seized a hat
and rushed hastily out into the stable
yard, where he knew she would dis
mount, to await her coming with min
gled feelings of delight at her return,
and curiously to know how she had
succeeded on her mission of diplomacy
with his refractory tenant.
Here l am, uncle, safe and sound,
you see, and I've had, oh! such a lark!
Brilliant's legs are full Of thorns, |
fear, poor DEAR" exclaimed happy
Gladys, her face flushed with pleasure
and excitement, and looking prettier
than ever.
Off her horse she jumped in her ac-
customed impetuous fashion, and, hav-
ing administered her usual hug, she
took her uncle's arm and ordered him
to take her in to luncheon at once.
well, and how did you get on, my
child?" inquired the squire.
mot a word, sir, until get into the
dining room, and then you shall hear it
all" was the fair tyrants reply.
"Why, by Jove! 1 do verify believe
you've got over that old curmudgeon,
you artful little mink, your exclaimed
her uncle in great glee, hurrying her
into the house as quickly as possible,
all agog to hear her news.
Through some back passages they
went, and then, opening a green baize
door, found themselves in the entrance
hall.
Come, now," said the squire, as they
entered the dining-room, where Mrs
Mainwaring was waiting for them; Il
won't wait a moment longer; so tell
your aunt and me all about the result
of your ride this instant, miss. or I'll
retract my promise Of the diamond
bracelet 1 made this morning"
Listen, then, ladies and gentlemen
or rather 7 ShOuId SaV amt and nm
Gle" said the fair Gladys, standing in
the center of the hearthrug and raising
her whip to insure silence.
What should you say if, paying a
visit to the Lea farm tomorrow morn
ing, you were to find that every vestige
it's fences? Would you allow that the
persuasive powers Of your devoted
niece were somewhat Of a higher order
than usual?"
by Jove, indeed 1 shouldw burst
forth her uncle. But you don't mean
to say it's a fact, Gladys, that you
have actually got that old bear to do
as you say, do your
Indeed 1 do, uncle; and he's not
bear at all, allow me to say-Only rath-
er rough, that's all, poor man. Old John
Wilder is as good fellow as ever
breathed, if you only humor him lit
tle-as you must in future, uncle, if
only for my sake"
well, wonders will never cease,
that's very certain" said her uncle;
''and how on earth you manage IT," he