New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-02
GURUON'S AUNT.
BY w. Pett Ridge, in The Sketch.

When little Gurdon asked me to spend a fort
night of the vacation with his people was in
clncd at first to think it was a piece OF impu-
dence on his part. suppose little Gurdon must
have seen what was in my mind for he ap"io-
E2ed and explained that it was because he had
said so much in his letters about my speeches
in the School Debating Society that his father
had sent the invitation
MY gOv'nOr isn't bad sort" urged niue rur-
don modosty. AS scy'nors go only that ne
rather an invalid And my aunt-thats his sis
ter-she's d very good sort. too. Cohsdeieu
rather swagscr in thc way of looks. And there's
the river close to place. and thcreH be one
or two people staying there; and, altogether, if
you didn't mind BurieiSh'--
Tel you what" | said, in rather a burst of
generosity. you run out and smuggle in tin
Of sardines, and I'll ask my people to let me
come to you for a week or 50. Will you try
Like a shot" said little Gurdon.
Mind" said. "if I'm bored shall bunk off
home. l know what country houses can be
when they've made up their minds"
IL think youl find it pretty lively said Cur
don.
What age is your aunt" I said putting a
blob Of pomatum that blessed tuft Of hair
that gives me more worry than anything else in
the world.
"Oh, | don't know" said Gurdon THE usual
age one tin OF sardincs you said think
was at home in KcnsinEton for about - fort
night and then | went from paddinston down
to Gurdon's place. My mother saw me off at
the station and there, Of course, she must needs
give me away by kissing me and telling me to
be a good boy. It's one thing 10 be kissed by
women folk in the house. it's quite another thing
to be slobbcred over in public. brown faced
man with beard was getting into a smoking
compartment (name on his portmanteau,
Warde), and If he had laughed should have
asked him what lac jolly well meant by it, For
tunately for him. he didn't.
l mention this chap to introduce him into this
story He was a decent-ooking fellow. and
when Cat Wcstbourne Park) | changed into the
smoking compartment. | found out in the course
OF the journey that he going to the Gurdons'
place. He hadn't very much to say for himself,
but I'm rather good at conversation, and talked
nearly all the way down TO TaplOw. and told
him what | thought Of several things.
"Burleigh' said little Gurdon, exctedly, when
We stepped out, I'm awfully glad to see you,
I've been afraid something might happen to pre-
vent you from coming. Man like you must have
lot Of calls on his time know, and-Hullo,
MI Warde Is that you? Didn't know you
were coming by this train"
Mr.. Warde said that his boat had arrived
rather earlier that was expected
Let me introduce you to my friend Burlcgh -
said little Gurdon. proudly. Never heard him
speak foreign politics, | s'pose?"
Mr. Wardc, as ne stepped up into the trap,
confessed that he had not been SO fortunate.
"Ah" said little Gurdon. ferventy you've
got a treat in storei'
was little disappointed on arriving at the
house to find that Gurdon's governor, who was
lying on a couch. did not make quite 50 much
fuss over me as little Gurdon had done and
that he seemed on very friendly terms with Mr..
Warde But | had a wash and put on some
fresh scent on my handkerchief; and then the
aunt came in and when she put in an appear
nnce forgot everything else Sounds an ex-
trayagant thing to say, know. but she was alb
solutcly the most charming girl had ever seen
n all the course Of my existence.
She shook hands with Mr.. Warde in rather a
reserved way, and said, without looking at him.
that she hoped he had had a pleasant voyage
home. He said that any voyage would have
been pleasant which brought him nearer Tap
low. and upon this he glanced at Gurdon's
father who was watching them both rather
keenly, and then turned to me
you are the statesman Mr. Burleigh at your
school aren't you?"
Il know something about public affairs"
said.
I'm afraid youll find us rather behndhand
nothing but the river"
"Daresay you're not too old to learn"
"The river" said Gurdon's father from the
couch, zig a most dangerous place"
"You mean because It's so easy TO fall in SIR"