The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1898-07-14
THE REAL REASON.

the hotel. He was completing an elab-
crate toilet and drinking champagne.
"Aynsley' he cried in surprise. 81
thought you were i'll London. F."
THE spirit of restlessness, - l ex-
planned. My eye dwelt for moment ON
the champagne. "A little low, Arthur"
He blushed. Arthur was the highly
respectable son Of an eminently respect.
able father, who was NJ F. 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 II find the governor and Evelyn on
the terrace. Do you mind if | run away
now"
got up and laid hand on his Shout
der in a paternal fashion "She is
woman i'll a thousand, Arthur. Au re-
voir and good luclSr'
He blushed again--he was really
most nervous young man-and hurried
away. | followed him out Of the hotel,
then strolled leisurely through the gar
dens and round to the terrace | espied
Mr. Verney and his daughter sitting al
most Immediately in the rear of the ca
sine. | walked up to them.
"Well, pom my world" cried Mr..
Varney. \ smile dimpled round Miss
Verneys mouth as she took my hand. l
explained lucidly how it was came to
leave London in so unexpected fashion.
Ill I Ga; 81,
graceful wave of my hand toward the
casino.
Indeed - said Miss Verney politely.
After few minutes conversation
Mr.. Nerney pulled out his watch.
I'm very glad you came, Aynsley,
he said, las | left off last night III the
midst Of IA little mathematical expert
ment with trente ct quarante, and
thought that if you would kindly look
after Evelyn Fd"-
"Delightedl" said quickly. 81 trust
the experiment will be brought to IL sat
isfactory conclusion.
As soon as he had taken his departure
glanced at Miss Nerney She was eX-
amlning the handle of her parasol with
some intenness made ii mental note
that white suited her admiraby-in
fact better than any other girl of my
acquaintance.
"Pertect weather" / remarked. at
length She nodded in a preoccupied
manner
Il have been wondering, " She said
after a moment why you came here.
Did you not near me explainY' |
began.
She smiled.
ooh, yes, but
Surely nothing further is needed
The attraction of Monte Carlo is world
famed.
Il do not believe, Mr.. Aynsley, she
said deliberately, that you have ever
gambled in your life. y
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 upsympathctie you arel'
1.-The deep sea fishing last winter
must have been rather bad for you. No,
Mr.. Aynsley, IN clear sighted young
person and can quite see what has
brought you so suddenly to Monte Car
10. "
"Well?" | said, with an air of indif-
ference.
She played with the tassel ON her
parasol for IA 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 inyalld's natural
aversion to chill, damp fogs!
Mrs. Fairfax repeated Miss Yer
ney once again. with just Il shade of
emphasis
gave it up.
"A very charming person, | sad.
You admit lt?' and her voice held
Il tdny note of triumph.
Don t YOU replied wonderingly.
"She is talented, pretty, agreeable
and
"A widow, put in Miss Nerney
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 Il pleasant
companion.
And I'm lonely bachelor mani |
remarked apologctically
She turned to me with a smile. For
give me, +" she said kindly for re-
minding you of your pitiful condition.
| only meant to show you that 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 Cartons; the Mel
ba night at Covent Garden, She re.
minded gently,
You take great interest i'll my wei
fare, " l said with laugh. Il am very
glad to notice it | added with Il
glance at her.
by the way" | continued after l |