The Press., 1898-11-03
THE REAL REASON.

the hotel. He was completing an elab-
crate toilet and drinking champagne.
"Aynsley" he cried in surprise. ~
thought you were in London. -
"The spirit of restlessness," I ex-
planned My eye dwelt for a moment on
the champagne "a little low, Arthur
He blushed Arthur was the highly
respectable son of an eminently respect
able father, who was M. P. and other
things
He glanced at the clock, then rose and
picked up his hat and gloves.
"A stroll'' finished, with grin.
He laughed nervously.
"Look here, Aynsley," he said,
you'll find the governor and Evelyn ON
the terrace. Do you mind il run away
now?'
1 got up and laid hand on his shout
der in a paternal fashion. "She is g.
woman in a thousand, Arthur. Au re-
voir and good luckl'
He blushed again-he was really q
most nervous young man-and hurried
away. followed him out of the hotel,
then strolled leisurely through the gar
dens and round to the terrace. / espied
Mr.. Verney and his daughter sitting al
most Immediately in the rear of the Ca
sine. walked up to them.
"Well, pom my word!' cried Mr..
Varney. A smile dimpled round Miss
Verneys mouth as she took my hand. I
explained lucidly how it was came to
leave London in SO unexpected a fashion.
at enslaves us all, :" finished, with
a graceful wave of my hand toward the
casino.
Indeed, - said Miss Verney politely
After a few minutes conversation
Mr.. Verney pulled out his watch.
"I'm very glad you came, Aynsley, :"
he said, "as I left off last night in the
midst of q little mathematical expert
ment with trente ct quarante, and L
thought that if you would kindly look
after Evelyn I'd''-
"Delighted!' said quickly. II trust
the experiment will be broughtto sat
isfactory conclusion.
AS soon as he had taken his departure
I glanced at Miss Verney. She was ex-
aiming the handle of her parasol with
some intentness made mental note
that white suited her adminably-in
fact, better than any other girl of my
acquaintance.
Perfect weather." / remarked at
length. She nodded in preoccupied
manner.
II have been wondering" she said
after moment, "why'you came here. :"
"Did you not hear me explain?" I
began.
She smiled. ~.
sob, yes, but {
"Surely nothing further is needed
The attraction of Monte Carlo is world
famed. -
81 do not believe, Mr.. .Aynsley, f" she
said deliberately, "that you have ever
gambled in your life. -
tried another tack.
"Well, then, I'm rather delicate, and
the chill, damp fogs of London are
rather trying to an invalid. "
Again Miss Verney laughed.
"How uDsympathetic you arel''
''The deep sea fishing last winter
must have been rather bad Ifor you. No,
Mr.. Aynsley, I'm clear sighted young
person, and can quite see what has
brought you SO suddenly to Monte Car
To-"
"Well?'' I.said, with ana air of indif-
ference.
She played with the tassel on her
parasol for moment. ThelGsheismiled.
Mrs. Fairfax, " she salt atalength.
| laughed outright.
How amusing! Nothing of the.sort.
The usual attraction, L.assuEe YOU
Mrs. Fairfax. -
Gambling or invalidss natural
aversion to chill, damp fogsi" ?
''Mrs. Fairfax!' repeated Miss Yer
ney once again, with just IA shade.Of
emphasis.
gave it up.
"a very charming person,C'' IisAid.
"You admit it?'' and herNvGicez held
tiny note of triumph.
Don't you?' replied wonderingly.
"She is talented, pretty, agreeable
and''-
"a widow, putsin Miss Verney.
eyes, but her husband wasf hardly
more than an acquaintance. Hewent to
India, you know, shortly after their
marriage, and was killed. Do you not
think her fascinating?''
eyes, undoubtedly she els pleasant
companion.
"And I'm lonely bachelor manP'
remarked alphabetically.
She turned to me with assmiIe. "For-
give me" she said kindly, ''for rS-I
minding you of yourfpitiful condition.
/ only meant to showsyou thaEI guessed
the reason for your sudden change OF
planA"
'tYour intelligence is, beyond re-
proach. But what made you think Of
Mrs. Fairfax
my dear Mr.. Aynsley, ''Nshe laughed,
"you forget last season"
tried to recollect.
"The episode at the Cartons ;sthe Mel
ba night at Covent Garden, ;" she re
minded gently.
"You take great interest inAmy well
fare, s" said with a laugh. liam very
glad to notice it, " I addedA with a
glance at her.
"By the way. / continuedAafter q
pause, "where is Arthur
81 never trouble about ArtAur1'' she
replied quickly, ''hels SO wrapped lup IN
his books and studies that even here at
Monte Carlo see very little of him."
was amused.
"You have nothing against Mrs. Fair
fax?'' suggested.
Nothing whatever" she replied
frankly. II like her immensely"
This helped matters, thought.
'You think she will make q good
wife?''
Admirable. said Miss Verney,
calmly surveying the bay. ''Her ex-
perience will ba Invaluable. +"
caught sight Of couple that had