The Press., 1898-11-24
MUTUAL CONSENT.

We mounted our machines and pro- eeded on our way. Presently Dora and my self found ourselves tagging little ehind
 "This isn't at all right, you know" she remarked.
 "What isn 't?''
 Naturally you should be with rene. !"
 1. My dear Miss Paget, we have the rest of our lives to be together. Irene understands that. ;
 'She is quite exceptional
 "She is very clever, and admire her immensely.
 Dora laughed.
 Ills that why you became engaged to her?''
 II didn't. Mrs. Kenyon arranged it for us. ''
 Dora opened her eyes wonderingly.
 Mrs. Kenyon arranged it for you?" she repeated.
 Yes said l. "She is very thought full. She decided it was time for Irene to marry, and she thought I was fitted to become husband. With admi ole tact she managed the whole affai, sAnI we are both very grateful to htr.i' And you love one anss sue ask ed 4@ 2
 ''We admire one anotSgA, repI3ad. land that is an excellent substitute.
 "Do you think your tastes are sim ilar?'
 "Oh, they are not, , replied frank ly. "But we will make allowances. Mrs. Kenyon has been thinking that it is time for us to settle down. As you know, when Mrs. Kenyon thinks there is generally result, and, what,is more, she has discovered house W 'aich an architect unconsciously designed to meet Irene's requirements. ''
 How luckyl" said Dora.
 "Yes Isn't it jolly? have to settle within three days. This is the surprise in store for Irene. ;
 Dora looked ahead at the others. They were about 200 yards in front
 "When are you going to break the news to her?''
 'Some time or other It does not look as if she would welcome an interruption just now. Grierson, who is also studi- ous, can always provide subject of in terest to her. That is why I encourage the acquaintance. " "You are very generous. "That is hardly the word. The prin- ciple involved is one of give and take. :"
 There was silence for a moment or so. "We really must catch them up, |" said she at length.
 "Yes, really we must" I replied, back pedaling little. II hear that you leave tomorrow.
 had been out to South Africa few months previously, and on my way home had met the Pagets, who had come on board at Madeira.
 ''The dear old Dutton castle!' she exclaimed. ''Those days were the most pleasant have ever spent. ;
 Yes, they were very tharming,'' assented with half sigh. "We saw a good deal of one another during that short voyage. Looking ahead, noticed that Irene and Grierson were riding very slowly. "Unless we get off and walk, :" said, 1T am afraid we shall have to catch them up"
 ''That has been my endeavor for some time, " said Dora. II shall ride with MT. Grierson and leave you with Irene. '"
 ''I 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. Kenyon 'a idea, ; remarked. We joined the others.
 "You seemed to be somewhat inter ested in discussion, said to Grier- son, ''so we decided not to worry you with our chatter"
 Miss Fairfax and myself" he re- piled with smile, 'were comparing cur impressions 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 3 few yards behind.
 "Do you know. dear, ' said, with a glance at her, that people are begin ming to think that it is time we should be married?'
 "People?''
 "Well, Mrs. Kenyon in particular. It appears, y said I, "that she has found out house that was built for you.'' "For me?''
 "For us I mean. It has lovely study for you to write in, a magnificent ly lighted room for you to paint in, Q perfect gem of a boudoir for you to- well, what do ladies do in their bou- doirs9 Mrs. Kenyon says that it is the chance of lifetime and on no account must it be missed. She thinksit is ab- solutely necessary for your health and happiness that You''-