The evening times., 1898-04-06


ly! Are you going there?'
81 had thought OF it. but I'm afraid 1
shall have TO marry first.
"Afraid?"
! laughed.
Mrs. KENYON has been thinking that
il is time for us to settle down. As You
know. when Mrs Kenyon thinks, there
is generally a result. And what is more,
she has discovered house which an ar
chitect unconsciously designed TO meet
Irene's requirements"
How lucky said Dora.
''Ycs-isn't it jolly? / have to settle
within three days This is the surprise
I'm 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 herr
Some time or other. 1t does not look
as if she would welcome an interruption
Just now. Grierson, who is also studious,
can always provide a subject OF interest
to her That Is why ! encourage the ac-
quaintance-'
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.
I'VE really must catch them up" sai1
she at length.
Yes. really We must" ] replied, back
pedalilg a little. Il hear that you leave
tomorrow. The reason given was some
thing about your father and and the
hum of things | believe.
Yes. father likes to see He from ms
club window In Picadilly; II makes MN
feel busy" she added with little laugh.
Il often think" ] remarked, what a
strange piece of coincidence IT was that
W. should meet as we did, and then ilnd
that We were both intimate friends OF
Mrs kenyon
had been out to South Africa few
had met the Pagets. who had come Oh
board AT Madeira
The dear old Dutton Castle" she ex-
claimed; those days were the most
pleasant ] have ever spent
Yes, they were very charming, as
seuted with "A half sigh. we saw good
deal OF one another during that short
voyage"
How can one avoid it on board ship"
she said: and TO think that you never
told me that you were engaged TO Irene
III never struck me for a momen: that
Won were unaware Of my good fortune
Il knew she had become engaged IN
my absence. but Mrs. Kenyon hao omit
ted to say 20 whom.
II fancy / am not very important IN
Mrs kenyon's eyes" / remarked
Looking ahead, / noticed that Irene
and Grierson were riding very slowly.
"'I-nless We get on and walk ! said,
Il am afraid we shall have to catch
them up.
THAT has been my endeavor for some
time" said Dora. Il shall ride with Mr..
Grierson. and leave you with Irene
Il am not at all sure that he wants to
ride with YOU.
Dora gave little toss OF her had.
Men are not supposed TO act as they
wish. where ladies are concerned
That is evidently Mrs. kenyon's idea,
| remarked.
We ioined the others.
You seemed to be somewhat interested
In a discussion" | said 10 Grierson, so
We decided not to worry you with our
chatter
Miss Fairfax and myself" he replied
with a smile were comparing our i'm
pressions of book we have both pc
rused."
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 behind.
DO YOU know. dear" ] said with
glance at her. that people are beginning
to think that it is time We should be
married.
'People?''
"Well. Mrs. Kenyon. In particular.
A slightly troubled expression came
over her features
Has she said anything? she asked
anNiously.
/ nodded.
81 Thought We might have had another
year" she said.
II had hoped for 1T. I particularly
wished to take trip to New Zealand
before We settled down
..Yes-it is very disappointing. !, too.
had made my plans. Mr. Grierson--"
docs Mr.. Grierson enter into the
plans?'' | interrupted with a smile.
'OnIy so far as my literary work Is
concerned" she replied.
II like Grierson; he seems a genuine
sort of chap. But, of course. the fact
remains that he is very clever and-well,
I'm not" 1 finished.
He is a very interesting companion"
she said; but tell me, what did Auntie
say?"
1T 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, magnificently
lighted room for you TO paint in, per-
feet gem of a boudoir for you lowell,
what do ladies do in their boudoirs?
Mrs. Kenyon says that it is the chance
of a lifetime. and on no account must be
missed. She thinks that it is absolutely
necessary for your health and happiness,
that you
"Did Auntie say all this?' she inter-
rupted.
well nearly all. j was trying to give
n general impression of her talk to me
this morning. The unfortunate part is
that / have TO decide within three days"
Three daysr'
"Yes-quick work, isn't IT? She pro-
poses that / shall leave 1t all in her
hands,
''Then it's settled she exclaimed
gloomily.
II am afraid Il is
What is the name of this wonderful
placer"
81 think 1t is called Hatton House"
She broke into a laugh.
"Hatton Houser she cried. ''I am
afraid Auntie will be disappointed.
"Why?' l asked. hopefully.
'Mr. Grierson has just told me that
last night he completed the purchase of
the house"
by Jove!'' / cried. How fortunate.
Grierson and Dora Paget were some
distance ahead by now.
''They are going the long way around"
i said. Let us turn down the lane and
meet them at Walbridge Corner. They
will know where We have gone
Irene gave me hesitating look
You seem q little tired" / said and