The Press., 1898-04-07
A YOUNG DIPLOMAT.

the botanical gardens were, Tor one aft- ernoon, throwing of their usual re- serve. Ordinary folk had only to come across Regents park from Chester gate and present a card at the entrance to the gardens, and the bowler halted old gen. tleman at the gate welcomed them as though they were most important mem- bers Miss Llewellyn and Master Ken meth Waller, her friend, walked on the grass i'll the direction of music.
 Anybody you know here. Miss Llew- ellyn?"
 ''I don't suppose so, Kenneth. ''
 "You don't know many people, do you. Miss Llewellyn?"
 "Very few"
 Wonder at that" said the small boy. because you're not bad looking. you know Did you use to come here when you were well of? Do they sell lemonade here?"
 Seems possible You think that ev erybody ought to have plenty of friends?'
 "Plenty of friends" said Kenneth wisely. but one in particular Wonder how old you are?'
 That, said the young woman good temperedly. that is the only question, Kenneth. that you must never put to 8 lady. "l should guess, he said critically as they sat down Ill the low chairs near the refreshnent tent and watched the people, that you were about 26 Miss Llewellyn gave a quaint gesture of hor- TOT Well. 25 then. Fancyi' The small boy whistled amazedly. Twenty. five and not married yet. " "Young man. said Miss Llewellyn, flushing and affecting a tope of grave severity. ''l find your conversation much too personal You would like lemonade. 1 think. and two pieces of cake.
 The scarlet coated band perchpd on seats near the glass house, with a crowd of smartly dressed folk ill front of them, started a cheerful selection from a comic opera. Miss Llewellyn, composed young woman in an ordinary way, as young women are who work for their living. found herself in quite a delight ed mood. Music can do much when it tries.
 "Of course, said her candid guest. with cake at his mouth, "I don't mean to say that you mightn't get married even now 1 had an aunt once who was close upon 80 before she could get any one to look at her"
 "The instance is encouraging. Ken meth. Don't eat too fast, mind. '
 "Still, said the youth wisely, "if were a girl l should be jolly careful not to miss good opportunity. Are those orchids they're carrying there? Hasn' I that chap got a brown face who's telling the men where to take them? Seem tc have seen him somewhere before, Shouldn't like to be an orchid, should you. Miss Llewellyn? Why, you'd have to grow out i'll South America and peo, pie would have fearful trouble to find you and risk their lives-hello, brown faced chaps coming this wayl"
 Miss Llewellyu looked up and then looked down again quickly. and for g moment her face went rather white Her hand trent bled as she held it out
 MT Bradley. she said. How dc you doy l did not expect to see you here
 "l did not expect to see you again anywhere, he said.
 There was the pause that comes after the banalitles of greeting Master Wal Ter. not having spoken for quite half ( minute. felt that he was in some dan ger of being overlooked, and coughed.
 ''Thls is my little friend. Kenneth Waller. she said. Kenneth, this il MT Bradley
 "What' s the matter with your face?' asked the small boy. Have you beer abroad?'
 MT Bradley placed a broad fist .oI the round iron table and leaned dowI toward Master Waller good naturedIy He seemed as confused at the meeting as Miss Llewellyn. and as unprepareC with conversation
 'l have been abroad, young man l'v, been hunting orchids
 Are you home for good now? asked Kenneth
 Miss Llewellyn gripped the paraso that rested Ill her lap with both hands
 ''l can [ do any good at home. saiC MT Bradley Il am off agaln to Soutl America III day or two '
 Why don [ you stay III London?'
 "NObCdy asks me to stay : "Should have thought. sad Maste