Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-09-15
THE REAL REASON.

| had arrived at Monte Carlo about
2 o'clock, and after a late lunch set
out in search of my friends the Yer
neys. I found Master Arthur, a seri-
ous-minded young politician of p, in
his room at the hotel. He was con-
templating an elaborate toilet and
drinking champagne.
"Aynsley!" he cried in surprise, II
thought you we're in London"
''The spirit of restlessness!" I eX-
planned; my eye dwelt for a moment
on the champagne. "a little low,
Arthur"
He blushed. Arthur was the highly
respectable son of an eminentIy re-
spectacle father, who was M. P. and
other things.
He glanced at the clock, then rose
and picked up his hat and gloves.
"a STROLL" I finished with a grin.
He laughed nervously.
Look here, Aynsley," he said,
you'll find the governor and Evelyn
on the terrace. Do you mind if 1
run away now?"
I got up and laid a hand on his
shoulder in a paternal fashion. "She
is a woman in a thousand, Arthur!
Au revoir and good luck!"
He blushed again-he was really a
most nervous young man-and hurried
away. 1 followed him out of the
hotel, then strolled leisurely through
the gardens and round to the terrace.
I espied Mr.. Verney and his daughter
sitting almost Immediately in the
rear of the casino. l walked UP to
them.
well, pom my world" cried Mr..
Verney. A smile dimpled round Miss
Verney's mouth as she took my hand
explained lucidly how it was !
came to leave London in so unex-
pected a fashion.
ct enslaves us ALL" 1 finished
with a graceful wave of my hand to-
ward the casino.
Indeed" said Miss Verney politely
After a few minutes converse ton
Mr.. Verney pulled out his watch.
''I'm very glad you came, Aynsley, -
he said, ''as left off last night in
the midst of a little mathematical eX-
pertinent with trente ct guarantee
and thought that if you would kind
ly look after Evelyn, I'd"
'Delighted,' l said quickly. Il
trust the experiment will be brought
to a satisfactory conclusion"
AS soon as he had taken his de-
parture 1 glanced at Miss Verney.
She was examining the handle Of her
parasol with some intentness.
made a mental note that white suited
her admirably; in fact, better than
any other girl of my acquaintance.
Perfect weather." l remarked at
length She nodded in a preoccupied
manner.
81 have been wondering" she said
after a moment, why you came here :"
did you not hear me explain?" |
began. She smiled.
20, yes, but
Surely nothing further is needed.
The attraction at Monte Carlo is
world famed"
81 do not believe, Mr.. Aynsley," she
said deliberately, that you have
ever gambled in your life"
I 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.
How unsympathetic you are
"The deep-sea fishing last winter
must have been rather bad for you
No, Mr.. Aynsley, I'm a clear-sighted
young person, and I can quite see
what has brought you so suddenly to
Monte Carlo"
'Well?" I said with an air of indif-
ference. She played with the tassel
on her parasol for a moment. Then
she smiled.
Mrs. Fairfax she said at length.
I laughed outright.
How amusing, Nothing of the
sort; the usual attraction, l assure
you,"
Mrs. Fairfax
''Gambling-or an invalid's natural
aversion to chill, damp fogs!
Mrs. Fairfax" repeated Miss
Verney once again, with just a shade
of emphasis.
/ gave it up.
you admit it?" and her voice held
tiny note of triumph.
Don't you?" I replied wonderingly;
t'she is talented, pretty, agreeable
and
"a widow" put in Miss Verney.
Eyes, but her husband was hardly
more than an acquaintance. He went
to India, you know, shortly after their
marriage and was killed. Do you not
think her fascinating?"
YES, undoubtedly she is a pleasant
companion"
And I'm a lonely bachelor mani"
I remarked apologetically.
She turned to LIE with a smile.
Forgive me-" she said kindly, "for
you Of your pitiful condi-
ton. I only meant to show you that
l guessed the reason for your sudden
change of plans"
Your intelligence is beyond re-
preach. But what made you think of
Mrs. Fairfax" !
MY dear Mr.. Aynsley," she
laughed, ''you forget last season. -
I tried to recollect.
''T'he episode at the Cartons; the
Melba night at Covent Garden" she !
reminded, gently.