Middletown transcript., 1898-04-09

claimed; '.those days were the most pleas
ant have ever spent"
Yes, they were very charming" as
sented, with half sigh; 1--WE saw a goo'
deal of one another during that short Voy
age"
How can one avoid it on board ship?'
she said; 'and to think that yon never tolC
me that you were engaged to IreneP'
1t never struck me for a moment tina
you were unaware of my good fortune
| 81 knew she had become engaged in my
absence, but Mrs. Kenyon had omitted tc
say TO whom"
| Il fancy am not very important in Mrs
Kenyon's eyes," remarked.
Looking ahead, noticed that Irene and
Grierson we're riding very slowly.
"Unless We get of and walk" said, q
am afraid We shall have to catch them up
''That has been my endeaver for some
time" said Dora. II shall ride with Mr.
Grierson and leave you with Irene"
II am not at all sure that he wants to
ride with you"
Dora gave little toss of her head.
Men are not supposed to act as they
wish. where ladies are concerned"
"That is evidently Mrs. Kenyor's idea, u
remark led.
We joined the others.
"You seemed to be somewhat interested
in discussion" said to Grierson, $50 we
decided not to worry you with our chatter" F"
"Miss Fairfax and myself" he replied
with smile. were comparing our impress
sions of book we have both perused."
The four of US rode along slowly for
some distance. Presently Dora, true to her
word, gradually drew Grierson ahead. and
Irene and myself were left few yards be-
hind.
do you know, DEAR" I said with a
glance at her. that people are beginning
to think that it is time we should be mar
ried2
"People2
well, Mrs. Kenyon in particular"
A slightly troubled expression came over
her features.
'Has she said anything2" she asked anx.
iously.
n odded.
II thought we might have had another
year." she said.
Il had hoped for it. particularly wish
ed 10 take trip to New-Zealand before we
settled down.
"Yes-it is very disappointing. I, too,
had made my plans. Mr.. Grierson!"-
"Does Mr.. Grierson enter into the plans2"
I interrupted with smile.
'0nly so far as my literary work is con-
cerned," she replied.
81 like GriersoD; he seems genuine sort
Of chap. But, of course, the fact remains
that he is very clever and-well, Tm not"
/ finished.
HE is a very interesting companion,
she said; but tell me, what did Auntie
say?"
ut appears that she has found out
house that was built for you"
For me?"
"For US. l mean. 1t has lovely study for
you to write in, a magnifcently lighted
room for you to paint in, perfect gem of
q boudoir for you lowell, what do ladies
do in their boudoirs2 Mr. Kenyon says
that it is the chance of lifetime, and on
no account must be missed She thinks that
it is absolutely necessary for your health
and happiness, that you'-
ibid Auntie say all this2" she interrupt
ed. w
"Well, nearly all. was trying to give a
general impression of her talk to me this
morning. The unfortunate part is that I
have to decide within three days"
''Three days!'i
"Yes-quick work, isn't itP She proposes
that shall leave it all in her hands"
Then it's settled" she exclaimed gloom
lily.
II am afraid it is'
What is the name of this wonderful
placer"
II think it is called Hatton House."
She broke into laugh.
"Hatton Houseg' she cried, II am afraid
Auntie will be disappointed
"Why2" l asked hopefully.
"Mr. Grierson has just told me that last
night he completed the purchase of the
house."
by Jove?" I cried. sHow fortunate"
Grierson and Dora Pagent were some
distance ahead by now.
"They are going the long way around
1 said.
Let us turn down the lane and meet
them at the Walbridge Corner. They will
know were we have gone"
Irene gave me hesitating look
"You seem little tired" l. said. ''and it
is considerably shorter-the third side ofa
triangle, you. know"
She assented to the proposal. and we
turned into the lane.
1T will be a surprise for Mrs. Kenyon
began. 81 wonder what she will sayl"
Don't you think, Hugh, that in the past
we have been accustomed to pay just tri-
fe too much attention to what Auntie
says?"
shot glance at her; her eyes were con-
templating the handle-bars.
I suppose that is why we became en-
gagged. y ventured.
do you mean to say that you didn't
love me2" she asked quickly. Thought I
detected shade of eagerness in her tone.
"My dear Irenel" I said reproachfully,
DO you think We should have become en-
gagged If we had not been attracted to one
another"
YES, yes, she said impa ;iently, "but do
we love one anotherP"
MRS. Kenyon apparently thinks So"
"Auntie againl 1t is always AuntieI Do
we love one another2'' she repeated.
"of course, I cannot answer for your
feelings. For my own part, You know
that admire 49,
"Admire--that's IT." she said triumph
antly. I'VE admire one another. But do
you think that We shall continue to do so
,fkn ~ Il.