The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-07-30


why, Egertonr'
''Standish l was on my way to leave
my card at your lodgings to let you know
| was in town.
Il am very glad to see you. When did
you come ur?'
Yesterday. I am putting up st Longs
| have given up my rooms in the Albany
| am thinking of trying a little elephant
shooting in Africa if Callander does not
want me. / had a letter from him cou-
pie Of days ago. Which way are you go
| ing? ! will come with you"
dorothy had a few lines from him. too
last week. said Standish. a they walked
on; "he had been to see his mother at
Nice, and spoke Of returning to England "
so he does to me. He is, for the first
time, anxious to know what success has
attended our efforts. trust he will re
turn quite himself"
There was an indescriba BILE melancholy
in Egerton's voice that struck Standish
and he felt some surprise as we'll as in
creased interest in his companion
How is Miss Wynn?' continued Eyer
ton; Il have heard of her now and then
from Miss Oakeley. and should greatly
like to see her before leave England if
she will see me-"
This was said in Il constrained voice
with pauses and breaks. as though he
forced himself TO utter the words me-
chaniCally.
Just now, | am sure Dorothy will not
see you or any one. The boy is rather
seriously i'll with bronchitis-rather a bad
business for so small a chap His aunt
never leaves him. 1t would be an awful
shock to Callander to arrive and find no
son. 1t is all very hard on such mere
girl as Dorothy. But she has more Of n
backbone than her sweet, pretty sister
had"
Yes, yes interrupted Egerton. hastily
Tell me, how is ii that Eighty Miss Oake-
ley has stuck so steadily to her role of
comfcrter?"
Her heart is better than her head :"
returned Standish. Henrietta Oakeley
has proved herself capital woman. |
have grown quite fond of her. She would
make an admira bic wife to any man who
knew how to manage her
"Oh. indeed." with a languid smile
Tell me more about the report Of that
consul of which you wrote to me. l don't
understand why they have not made more
dligent search for that fellow You a!
suspeCt-Pedro.'
I'VE suspect. Don't you? Come and
dine with me at the club tonight and we
will discuss it all; now | must go on to
Miss Oakeley's. | have not heard how
the boy is today
Let NE come with you. ! must see
them again" 1t seemed TO Standish from
the tone of his voice that the necessity
was not an aCreea BILE one
Come, by all means he returned
They were soon bowling along towards
Kensingtcn.
Miss Oakley was not at home when
they reached the house But Collins, who
remained as the factotum, protector and
semi dictator Of the joint household, said
that she would be in soon
The gentlemen were therefore shown up
70 the drawing room, where a tea table
was set ready for the absent MISTRESS
Il will go and see Dorothy, If YOU
don't mind. Egerton,' said Standish, af-
ter moving somewhat restlessy to and
fro. looking at the papers and periodicals
that lay about. ''She generally mounts
guard about this time. and the nurse,
you remember, Mrs. McHugh Egerton
nodded his head with slightly impa-
tent moyement-''goes to tea
Don't mind me, returned the other
Standish had hardly left the room when
Miss Oakeley entered it; she was richly
dressed. with abundance Of black fur on
her cloak and round her throat, and look
Cd very handsome.
"Oh. dear me. Mr.. Eg"rton. | am SO
glad TO see You. I could hardly believe
my ears when Collins said you were here.
But do you know YOU are looking fright
fully i'll? You don't mind my SAYING so,
do You? You ought to go away to some
warm. cheerful place. Really. the gloomi-
ness of winter in England is quite sui
cital. don't you think soF''
Il cannot return the compliment. Miss
Oakeley, You are looking remar ka bly,
we'll, 1t is m age since we met an
sorry | cannot see Miss Wynn. and for
the cause.-the little boy, Standish tells
me. is seriously ILL.,
He i. indeed, but he is n shade better
to-day. Dorothy has been 50 unhappy
about him. It would have been terrible
If Herbert had returned to find no BABY
boy ana Aunt Callandcr would have been
sure to say he died from neglect. ! am
very fond of Aunt Calander; she has
many good points, but she does fancy
such queer things. am dying to see
Herbert again, OF course. it has been
IN awful blow. but men don't grieve for
ever. He is really young man, and
ought 10 throw himself into his career
And he is such n good fellow. You know
my deep interest in him is Of old date;
won't you take i cup OF tca:'
''\o-no. thank YOU and Egerton. Who
had started mp and gone 10 the fireplac &c
while she spoke, now sat down and kept
very still while Henrietta insisted on Civ
ing him some tea, and cross examined
him as 10 his health, his life at his coua-
try seat, and a dozen other topics, while
he answered in monosyllables and looked
as if he were on the rack
Meantime. Standish mounted the stairs
10 the day nursery. where he had general
ly spoken to Dorothy during the boys
illness. The little fellow had taken a Sc
we're cold. which turned TO bronchitis
"Oh, Paul. he is better exclaimed
Dorothy. from the inner room, rs soon as
she heard his knock at the door
That's right; l thought the little fel-
low would pull through; he is a regular
Trojan"
He was in great danger Yesterday, but
the night was better, and now he breathes
much more freely"
And now, l hope you will take some
care of yourself, Dorothy, You look as
II you had not slept for a week"
Not 50 long as that. but should like
nice quiet sleep without any dreams"
and she sight-i
Are You still 50 frightened at night"
asked Standish. looking down into her
eyes with glance 50 wistfully compass
sionate that Dorothy felt the delightful
sense Of his affectionate sympa thy send a
thrill of pleasure shivering through her.
NO. AIN less frightened. but | dream
continuously
Il have left visitor with Miss Oake-
ley" resumed Standish. placing a chair
for Dorothy, while he stood by the high
fender "A visitor who wishes 10 see
you"
Dorothy looked up with a startled e1-
preston. Who is it,"