Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1898-08-13
THE REAL REASON.

found Master Arthur, serious minded
young politician of 20, in his room at
the hotel He was completing an elab-
crate toilet and drinking champagne.
"Aynsleyp' he cried in surprise. "I
thought you were in London"
1.-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 eminently respect
able father, who was M. p and other
things.
He glanced at the clock, then rose and
picked up his hat and gloves.
"A stroll - finished, with a grin.
He laughed nervously.
"Look here, Aynsley," he said,
"you'l find the governor and Evelyn on
the terrace. Do you mind if run away
now?'
got up and laid hand on his shoul-
der in paternal fashion. "She is a
woman in thousand, Arthur. Au re-
voir and good luck"
He blnshed again-he was really a
most nervous young mainland hurried
away. l followed him out of the hotel,
then strolled leisurely through the gar
dens and round to the terrace. l espied
Mr.. Verney and his daughter sitting al
most Immediately in the rear of the ca
sino. walked up to them.
"Well, 'pon my word!' cried Mr..
Varney. A smile dimpled round Miss
Verney's mouth as she took my hand. l
explained lucidly how it was l came to
leave London in so unexpected a fashion.
"It enslaves us all, p" finished, with
a 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 a little mathematical expert
ment with trente ct quarante, and |
thought that if you would kindly look
after Evelyn I'd''-
"Delighted!" said quickly. II trust
the experiment will be brought to a 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 a mental note
that white suited her admirably-in
fact. better than any other girl of my
acquaintance.
Perfect weather." l remarked at
manner.
II have been wondering" " she said
after moment, "why you came here -
Ibid you not hear me explain?" |
began.
She smiled
"Oh, yes, butt
Surely nothing further is needed
famed"
~ 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.
"How uDsympathetic you are!''
1.-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
To-"
"Well?" l 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.
"How amusing! Nothing of the sort
The usual attraction, | assure you. -
Mrs. Fairfax"
"Gambling - or invalid's natural
aversion to chill, damp fogs'
Mrs. Fairfaxr' repeated Miss Yer
ney once again. with just a shade of
emphasis
gave it up.
"A very charming person, said.
"You admit it?'' and her voice held
a tiny note of triumph
Don't you?' replied wonderingly.
"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?"
Eyes, undoubtedly she is pleasant
companion.
"And I'm lonely bachelor manp'
remarked alphabetically.
She turned to me with SMILE "For-
give me-" she said kindly, "for re-
minding you of your pitiful condition.
l only meant to show you that I guessed
the reason for your sudden change of
plans. "
"Your intelligence is beyond re-
proach. But what made you think of
Mrs. Fairfax"
"My dear Mr.. Aynsley," she laughed,
"you forget last season.
tried to recollect.
1.-The episode at the Cartors; t 9 Mel
ba night at Covent Garden" she re-
minded gently.
"You take great interest in my well
fare" said with laugh. Il am very
glad to notice it," | added with a
glance at her.
"By the way" l continued after
pause, "where is Arthur"
II never trouble about Arthur" she
replied quickly, "he is so wrapped up in
his books and studies that even here at
Monte Carlo l see very little of him."
l was amused.