New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-20
AT THE LAST MOMENT.
BY W. PETIT Ridge.

! name when the special trains start for South
Africa 1t is desperate struggle while it lasts.
/ and the uniformed men have an exceedingly
warm time OF it. but they have always con-
qucrcd before and this encourages and gives
| them enthusiasm. Mr. John Beste-the name
was on the leather label Of his single port
manteau-Mr John Beste. down in good time
before the real tussle began. looked on with
interest. He was a tall. reserved-lookin man.
with short beard and the brown complexion
that comes to men who have looked at the South
African sun.
| mo to see me off said John Beste. CA
short mother stepping tptoe to kiss a
| burly youth. and the sight gave him thoughts)
"Of course there is no one to see me OF, he
continued argumentativey. why should there
| be-"
! Mr. John Beste placed his porimanteau in the
corner Of a nrst-class compartment. and laughed
a little bitterly at his grumbled soliloquy. a
| light touch on his arm made him wheel round.
| The sound Of soft voice made him flush.
| "Mr Beste"'
Miss Langhain! Are you here to say goodby
/ to me?"
THAT was the idea said the young woman.
brightly. Il suppose there are others How
long before your train goes?'
/ About twenty minutes, Miss Langham."
are going quickly. And you will see Mr.
Charterhouse. l suppose"-she stepped aside to
avoid juggernaut trolley Of luggagc-"as soon
! as you arrive?" she resumed.
! Il cant possibly avoid that. Is Mrs. Lang
ham here"
MY aunt does not know that have come
down Did you want to see her. Mr. Beste?'
Her presence" he said. gravely. lis not in
dspensable to my happiness
I'm afraid that you are inclined to be a lit
tie unjust to her You don't know her as well
as do. Mr.. Beste."
THAT is so. But Mrs. Langham has made
confdant of me during the time that ! have
been here and-wel think | understand her"
Tout comprehensive c'e3t tout pardonner,'
quoted the young lady.
Not in every case
Il should like to know what you talked about
1t occurred to me at dinner last night that
: Upon my word, Mss Lansham have half
a mind to tell you.
Half mind is plenty. Mr.. Beste. have
special reason for wanting to know. My dear
aunt has not always the best tact in the world
That" he said dryly. occurred to me-
Was it Of me that she talking. wonder?
Was l the object"
1T was of YOU" he said.
And my aunt said?
Am / bound TO answer these questions, my
lord?"
A band Of Jewish financial gentlemen came
along the crowded platform. forming an entour-
age to some important individual in their cen
| tire. With the enterprise of their race. they
forced the other passengers aside, and Mr.. John
Beste and Miss Langham were separated III tie
commotion
"You are bound" sad the young Portia. re-
turning. "to answer all the questions that are
put to YOU for the next fifteen minutes
Mrs Langham," said Mr. John Beste shift
! ing his rug from one arm to the other. and bend
! ing a little closer to the bewiidering hat ana
/ the charming face that it selfishly attempted TO
hide. Mrs Langham extremely anxious
that should convey certain information to Mr.
/ C,harterhouse AS manager to Mr.. Charter
bouses valuable mine Mrs. Langham seems to
have thought that should be a valuabe-what
shall say?-a valuable fellow-consprator'
Go on" she said. quickly, and with great
concern.
IL wonder whether you can guess what am
going to say"
al hope I am not guessing rightly 1t Is too
TERRIBLE"
Mrs Langham was good enough to say that
for anything / could say to my-my master
Mr. Charterhouse that would assist the object
sbe had in view, I should be we'll repaid. This
was, of course, very generous Of your aunt
go on Mr. Beste."
The time was flying. Passengers were settiihg
down in their compartments. and at every win
dow was a bunch Of heads. There were tears
! Ion hocausa sorne NJ those on the platform