Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1898-10-11
THE REAL REASON.

O'Clock and after late lunch set out
in search of my friends the Verneys. I
found Master Arthur, serious minded
young politician of %, in his room at
the hotel. He was completing an elab-
crate toilet and drinking champagne. :.
"Aynsleyl' he cried in surprise. 81
thought you were in London. -
''The spirit of restlessness, I ex.
planned. My eye dwelt for a moment on
the champagne ga little low, Arthur"
He blushed Arthur was the highly
respectable son of an eminently respect
able father, who was NJ. P. and other
things.
He glanced at the clock, then rose and
picked up his hat and gloves.
"A stroll !'' finished, with grin.
He laughed nervously.
"Look here, Aynsley," he said,
you'll find the governor and Evelyn on
the terrace. Do you mind if run away
now?''
L got up and laid hand on his shoul-
der in q paternal fashion. "She is a
woman in a thousand, Arthur. Au re-.
voir and good luck I''
He blushed again-he was really a
most nervous young 1nan-and hurried
away. L lOl1OWCtl Il1ll OuG III tIt IOBtlg
then strolled leisurely through the gar
dens and round to the terrace. espied
Mr.. Yerney and his daughter sitting al
most Immediately in the rear of the ca
sino. walked up to them.
well, 'pon my wordP cried Mr..
Varney. A smile dimpled round Miss
Verney's mouth as she took my hand.
explained lucidly how it was 1 came to
leave London in so unexpected fashion.
cit enslaves US all, - I finished, with
graceful wave of my hand toward the
casino.
"Indeed, said Miss verney politely.
After a few minutes conversation
Mr.. Verney pulled out his watch.
''I'm very glad You came, Aynsley, "
he said, ''as left off last night in the
midst of little mathematical expert
ment with trente ct quarante, and I
thought that if you would kindly look
after Evelyn I'd
''Delightedl'' 1 said quickly. 81 trust
the experiment will be brought to sat
isfactory conclusion. -
As soon as he had taken his departure
glanced at Miss Verney. She was ex-
amining the handle of her parasol with
some intentness. made mental note
that white suited her admirably-in
fact, better than any other girl of my
acquaintance.
'Perfect weather. remarked at
length. She nodded in a preoccupied
manner.
"I have been wondering" !" she said
after moment, "why you came here. "
Ibid you not hear me explainP''
began.
She smiled.
'tOh, yes, butt
"surely nothing further is needed.
The attraction of Monte Carlo is world
famed"
"I do not believe, Mr.. Aynsley," she
said deliberately, that you have ever
gambled in your life. -
tried another tack.
''Well, then, I'm rather delicate, and
the chill, damp fogs of London are
rather trying to an invalid" +"
: Again Miss Verney laughed.
'fHow uDsympathetic you are!''
"The deep sea fishing last winter
must have been rather bad for you. No,
Mr.. Aynsley, I'm clear sighted young
person, and can quite see what has
brought you so suddenly to Monte Car
Io.''
"weu?'' said. with an air of indif-
ference.
She played with the tassel on her
parasol for moment. Then she smiled.
Mrs. Fairfax, - she said at length.
laughed outright.
Chow amusing Nothing of the sort.
The usual attraction, assure you.
''Mrs. Fairfax. -
Gambling or invalid's natural
aversion to chill, damp fogsr'
Mrs Fairfaxr' repeated Miss Yer.
ney once again, with just a shade of
emphasis.
gave it up.
GA very charming person, . 1 said.
You admit it?'' and her voice held
tiny note of triumph.
'fDon't you?'' 1 replied wonderingly.
"She is talented, pretty. agreeable
and''-
"a widow, . put in Miss verney.
eyes, but her husband was hardly
more than an acquaintance. Hewent to
India, you know, shortly after their
marriage, and was killed. Do you not
think her fascinating;''
Eyes, undoubtedly she is a pleasant
companion .
''And I'm lonely bachelor mani" I
remarked npologetically.
She turned to me with smile. For
give me, :" she said kindly, tfor re-
minding you of your pitiful condition.
only meant IN show yoT1 that guessed