The Van Buren press., 1898-01-22
s JACKS PRIZE.
. BY CAPTAIN DUNLOP.
1eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

AAf HEN JACK 1hfhFdl ueeIued ~
Wv ride over to the Fairfelds on his
bicycle. sending his luggage in advance
by train, he did not imagine that the
journey would occupy so short time.
Sir William Fairfield was command
er-in-chief Of the Mid-Thames district.
Lady Fairfield was a beauty, and con-
eideraby younger than her lord. Jack
Furnival had made her acquaintance
in the preceding season. They had both
been Of the party which Lord Clande-
we're had driven down TO the lunch al
Rauelagh after meet of the Four-in-
Hand club. She had sat next to Jack "a
lunch. He had found her lively. III
natured people said that she was too
lively. and that when Fairfield held the
command at Cyprus, high dignitary
of the Persian empire who happened TO
visit the island on his way TO Constanti-
nople, had been very much amazed, not
&c say scandalized by miladi's be
havior.
Jack specially remembered the day
for another reason. II was during q
wait before the start for the coaching
competition. A girl who was standing
little In front OF him suddenly de-
tached herself from the general crowd
by hasty movement, and an impatient
exclamation flung over her shoulder to-
wards him.
"What a time they are! When do you
think they are going to begin, Jack@'
The individual thus addressed looked
at her with amazement and interest. 1t
was a wonderfully pretty and piquant
profile which offered itself in this alb
rupt fashion to his notice. The features
were clear cut, and yet inexpressibly
soft in outline. The eyes were large
and luminous; the hair glossy, dark
aud abundant; the complexion warm
and rich in coloring She had the pret-
test short upper lip in the world, which
was at that moment curled up in II
most enticng pout expressive of the ut
most discomfort and impatience. He
scrutinized her with attention. She
had moved half towards him with the
most simple and familiar manner in the
world, and addressed him by his Chris
tian name. Yet her face was quite un-
known TO him.
"Jack, you dear old goose" she con-
tinued, turning right round to him.
Then look OF CONSERVATION came into
her face. "oh, | beg your pardon she
cried, 81 thought and then she
slipped away.
This little incident interfcred with
the rest Of the day. lie was gultily con-
scious at intervals that the pearls Of
conversation which the ladies Of his
party flung before him were wholly
wasted, and that his interest in the
driving was frequently interrupted,
owing to his pursuit through dream
land Of the face which had fascinated
him at the first glance. Once again dur
ing the day he caught glimpse OF his
unknown enehantress, as she and her
party passed among the tea tables.
Their eyes met for moment, but her
glance passed so rapidly away that 81
was only by her rising color that he
knew that he was recognized.
Since that day he had seen much OF
Lady Fairheldi nothing Of the un-
known. That is what the Mohamme-
dams call Kismet. Jack characterized
it in language which did not breathe so
much resignation.
The Fairfields had a house on the
river in the Windsor district. and this
was Jacks destination. He had In
tended TO arrive at the usual hour. but
Hs nothing happened to delay him on
the road, his advent was rather Ia ad.
vance Of his intention.
The butler told him that the party
were out, his luggage had arrived, and
would he take any refreshment? When
the preliminaries were over he lounged
into the drawing-room, intending to "a
into the garden and down the river
In the drawing-room he was confront.
ed suddenly by the unexpected fig.
ure of a pretty fair girl in short
frocks and with masses Of yellow
hair flowing down her back, who
possessed the peculiar property
Of looking exceedingly childish 70.
her age. and az the same time rather tno
old for her dress. Unkind people woald
no doubt have said that the frocks were
curtaiied in order that her mamna's
age might not be guessed,
How do You do2" said this appari
,ion with much dignity. Il suppose you
are Mr.. Furuisal am Miss Fairfield. 81
Jack had never hrar Of Miss Fairfield