The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-02-25
II can stay fortnight, If you'll have

= Sssse osssy - Ava 0AAe ~ ~ JOu - A0v0
me-" .n. Z.
.''That's capital. I've lot of friends
here, and some uncommonly pretty
girls among them. The Fishers came
down last week, and the Renshaws-"
''Is May Renshaw here? I'm glad of
that"
May Renshaw was one of the half
dozen who had been under considera-
ton, and it is possible that Jack was
aware of the fact; but of their recent
rejection he was totally ignorant.
"May? Yes; III believe So"
The major spoke absently, for he was
thinking how very unfortunate it would
be if Jack really felt any attraction in
that quarter. Not but what May was q
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 acquaintance, uncle?" he
asked; and there was twinkle in his
eye as he spoke which it was just as
We'll the major ulQ not see.
"A few; yes, Jack, few. Old Col.
Marsh and his sisters; pleasant women,
though a bit elderly-for you, you
know; and Mrs. Bloxham and her
daughter; charming girl, the daughter,
though bit young-for me, of course. -
"Ah, about the right age for me to
play with, suppose?"
There was some impotence in the
| young mans tone.
ITO 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.
| It wasn't much of a remark, perhaps,
but the major found it distinctly dis
concerting.
swell, 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 woman! Can't
you trust my Judgment in matter OF
this kind?''
The major spoke with the assurance
of one whom long experience entitled
to speak with authority, and Jack
smiled. Unfortunately his uncle saw
the smile, and it irritated him.
"She's miles and away too good for
you, you young dog, if that's what you
meant" he broke out angrily.
"That's exactly what I do mean. If
she's all the admirable things you say
she is. I fail to see how we can be cut
out for each other, and shall feel bound
in common fairness to let some better
fellow cut me out. I'm not half good
enough for her-if she's all you say she
is"
The major burst out laughing.
IF that's all, come and have a look at
her." he said, land then you can judge
for yourself. She is sure to be on the
parade; they all are at this hour"
ooh, yes, I'll have look at her!" said
Jack. Jack was as good as his word.
He"had a look" at Miss Bloxham, and
he was introduced to her. They talked
together, the major beaming approval
| the while. He was introduced to her
mother, harmless, garrulous old lady,
| who always talked whether there was
| anybody to listen or not, and always
| about nothing in particular. Her talk
| was never allowed to interfere with gen
eral conversation, nor did she expect it
to do so, which was but reasonable un-
| der the circumstances.
| When the Bloxhams left the parade
IN hour or so later the major and Jack
| walked with them as far as their own
door; and Jack walked with Miss Blox-
| ham.
+Wcll?" said the major, as they turned
away.
"Eh?' Jack was evidently not at
tending. A slight, pale-faced little
girl was passing at the moment, and
bowed to him with shy smile.
"Who's that?' Maj. Macintosh asked,
abruptly. It struck him that Jack was
looking ridiculously pleased about
something or other.
"The sister of a man in my office. I've
been down to his place once or twice
lately"
"Oh!" The major dismissed the sub
ject. ''Well, what do you think of
her?"
'Of-her?"
eyes; isn't she all I said, and more?''
ooh, Miss Bloxham! Yes, she seems
all right
GAIL right? should think she is all
right. Pom my word, Jack, you take
it coolly."
''Why, what would you have? She
has talked to me about lot of things
for an hour or so; but really knew
nothing about her, except that she is
good looking, and too good form to say
that she is bored, whatever she may
feel"
"Bored! Why should she be bored ?
| Didn't you talk to her?'
eyes, and she'd much rather.I hadn't
wasn't the right man, uncle, that's