Middletown transcript., 1898-04-09


mo, we thought it only kind to ask Do
to accompany u.s."
A reflective look passed over Mrs. Kel
yon's face.
Dora is leaving US Tomorrow she r
marked. "Her father says he must be
the hum of things again"
"But surely the hum does not claim b
daughter as wel2''
"a daughters place, said Mrs. Kenyon
somewhat severely. sis by her father'sside'
"Yes, of course" murmured.
II have been thinking" she continue
after pause. "that Irene and you will
settling down shortly"
Irene was Mrs. Kenyon's niece. Som
time ago the thought had occurred to be
that we were suited to one another. Sh
had devoted her attention to the matte
with her usual completeness of method, an
the subsequent engagement was q matte
of course.
II can't say that we have settled as to th
exact date" said.
''It is two years since you were first ez
gagged"
| looked around eagerly to see If the girl
were coming.
"Do you know" she continued, ~ hav
discovered the very place for young cou
ple-an ideal residence"
II must go and have look at it." sale
vaguely. with another glance TO the rear.
1T seems as if it were built for Irene
There is charming study for her, a room
with splendid lights that will do for he
painting-a gem of boudoir"-
1T seems a gift from the fairies" brok,
in. What is it called?"
"Hatton House-within a mile of this
It's chance which should on no account
be missed. The only thing is you must de
| eide within three days"
mot much time," began.
She turned to me with bright smile.
"My proposal is that you should leavt
the whole affair in my hands. What do
you say?"
At that moment Irene and Dora Pagel
finger on my lips, to enjoin secrecy.
What ars you plotting2" cried Dora.
"Oh, merely little surprise for some
body" said, with glance at Irene.
Iopened the gale, and we wheeled oul
machines through. We were about to
mount when another cyclist rode up. Il
was Herbert Grierson, q friend.
II thought you might be riding this
morning. he began.
Very happy thought!' said chesrfully
"you will make fourth, and ! shall no
have to talk so much"
We mounted our machines and proceed
ed on our way. Presently Dora and my
self found ourselves tagging little behind
This isn't at all right, you know" sh'
remarked.
"What isn't?"
Naturally, you should be with Irene"
my dear Miss Paget. we have the resto
our lives to be together. Irene understands
that"
'She is quite exceptional"
"She is very clever, and admire her i'm
mensely"
Dora laughed.
SIS that why you became engaged to herr"
Il didn't. Miss Kenyon arranged it fol
u.s."
Dora opened her eyes wonderingly.
"Mrs. Kenyon arranged it for your" she
repeated
Yes said I. 'She is very thoughtful
She decided it was time for Irene to marry,
and she thought was fitted to become a
husband. With admirable tact she man
aged the whole affair-and we are both
very grateful to her."
"And you love one another?" she asked
I'VE admire one another" I replied
land that is an excellent substitute"
"Do you think your tastes are similar
''0h, they are not" I replied frankl Y
'"but we shall make allowances. She is
clever and of studious turn of mind; am
quite commonplace, and never happy un.
less in the open air. We shall each follow
our own inclinations."
How about travelling2 know you are
q wanderer."
Irene hates it; she detests roughing i
in any way form. As ! said we shall each
do as we think best; but perhaps for the
sake Of Appearances I shall:postpone my triy
to New Zealand for month or two."
"New Zealandl" cried Dora; 'how lovely
| Are you going there2"
II had thought of it, b ut Pm afraid
shall have to marry first.
'Afraid?"
l laughed.
mrs. Kenyon has been thinking that i
is time for US to settle down. As you know
when Mrs Kenyon thinks, there il gener
ally a result And what is more, s he has dis
covered house which an architect uncon
sciously designed to meet Irene's require
ments"
How luckyl" said Dora.
"Yes-isn't it jolly? / have to settle with
three days. This is the surprise III stor,
for Irene"
Dora looked ahead at the others; they
were about two hundred yards in front.
when are you going to break the new.
to her?''
Some time orother. It does not look
as if she would welcome an interruption
just now. Grierson. who is also sludious
can always provide subject Of interest L
her. That is why encourage the acquain
taince.''
'You are very generous"
THAT is hardly the word. The principle
involved is one Of give and take"
There was silence for moment or so.
I'VE really must catch them up" sait
she at length.
Yes really we must" replied. back
pedalling little II hear that you leave
tomorrow. The reason given was some.
thing about your father and the hum D
things / believe
"Yes. father likes Ia rea life from his