Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-03-04
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
A week went by, and by that time
90 member Of the Grafton household
and O social success at Sedgwick, the
lovely widow was an established fact
Everybody, as in duty bound, had called
within the seven days, Mr.. and Mrs
Merriam with the others and moi
among the last; but they chose Tuesday
evening, which was not a hop night
but the very evening on which dozens
of others would be calling, and even
then they went in company with the
Haynes, and found, rs they expected
indeed as they knew-the little army
parlor full Of people.
Mrs. McLane's welcome was charm
ing. Already the soft air and sunshine,
as she was saying, had been Of infinite
benefit, and her physician must have
known exactly what to prescribe for
her, for she felt ever SO much better,
AID her cough was so much less fire.
quent. Certainly she was looking won
drously well-whether Dame Nature
or some more subtle artist had touched
the rounded cheeks and the framework
Of those lustrous eyes. As the quar-
tette entered, Mrs. Hayne. the elder ma
tron, leading, and the men arose and
the women callers looked smilingly on
and Mrs. Grafton gracefully presented
the first conner, the welcome accorded
Mrs. Hayne was cordial and gracious,
with just tinge Of reserve, but It was
Florence. standing with flushed cheeks
Just behind her friend and ally, the
lovely blue eyes sought out and then
lighted instantly with Joy and recogni-
ton. Both slender white hands were
extended, and with little cry Of Mrs.
Merriam! Oh, how glad am to see you
agaln!" the accomplished little lady
stepped forward, uplifted her soft lips,
and-kissed her. What Florence would
have looked and said or done had she
not been fully forewarned cannot be
hazarded here. II think It more than
probable she will kiss you, Floy," Mer-
riam had said, $50 look as unconcerned
as you can" Look unconcerned Floy
did not. She Redeemed. She almost re-
coiled, but Randolph was at her elbow,
and bent quickly forward in admirable
time, with the most audacious pleasant
~. Anyone would have sworn that he
hoped to be similarly welcomed. TWAS
more than Mrs. McLane had bargained
for.
"why, Mr.. Merriam!" she exclaimed,
starting back in apparent confusion
and astonishment.
"Do not be Disconnected" said he,
with placid smile. 'rve always under
stood that man should share his wife's
joys as well as her sorrows," but the rest
was lost because everybody began to
laugh, and to believe % Mrs. Hayne and
Mrs. Grafton did not, that the relations
between the McLanes and Merriams
on that idyllic wedding journey must
indeed have been delightful. There
were two men, however, who laughed
not-Hayne and Whitaker. Grafton
was away on duty, and there was one
woman who felt q singing sense Of de-
feat-Fanny McLane herself. In that
one action Of Merriam there was mani
fest utter indifference to her former
destinations, utter defiance to her pow
ers.
A dozen people, altogether, must have
been gathered In the room at the mo-
ment, and some officers were seated on
the veranda without. There were not
chairs enough, so the men gossiped
about the piano, while the women
grouped about the guest, and Mrs. Nc
Lane had no opportunity Of singling
out and renewing her advance upon
Mrs. Merriam. Presently those who
had been there longest arose to 60, and
their place was speedily taken by other
arrivals; that soon let the Haynes and
Merriams out, aud as they tripped away
homeward each seemed to draw a long
breath.
won't you come and sit q little
while9" begged Mrs. Hayne, as they
neared the captains gate.
mot tonight, thanks" was Mer'
Rams reply, az he felt Floy's prompt
twitch at his sleeve. She was still nerv-
oua She wished to get sway and to
bear him with her.
Merriam" said Hayne, " admire
your nerve. perhaps should say your
cheek"
"Well, II was rather o trying mo-
ment," said Merriam, gravely. "Flor-
ence would rather be struck than kissed
by her, and feared she could not avoid
showing t."
"well, you created diversion, Ger.
tainly," said Hayne. Goodnight, II
you must CO." But Mrs. Hayue did not
speak until they were out Of sight. She
was anxiously watching Florence, who.
beyond barely audible Good nigh"
had not uttered q word.
Lawrence" said abe, finally, ''that
may have been astroke Of hnesse on Mr..
Merriam's part. and may have Great
ed diversion, asyou say, and distract
ed attention from Floy, but-She didn't
like It."
FRO N coNEIxuzD,1
---s----------.
An Arabian Proverb.
He that knows not, and knows not