The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-05-21

by Jove! hope she won't consider it part
of her duties to visit me in barracks" ex-
| claimed Jack, suddenly.
Inc prospect of an elderly colonial farmers
wife exercising her undoubted authority over
MIN IN the presence of his brother officers,
seemed something too horrible even to be
contemplated
In appointing the late Mr. Joyce your
guardian, your uncle knew that he was nam
ing thoroughly reliable and honest man, an
artlcle not always certain of being found
available said Mr.. jennings dryly
'By-the-by," said Jack, little later. when
they mad arranged for the disposal of his late
uncle's belongings at Cambridge, 81 run
ming rather short of ready cash Can you let
me have some, Mr. Jennings?"
"Oh, Mrs. Joyce is due in few days. and,
as matter of fact, unable to do any,
thing without her signature. You might drop
her line, and will send it with my letter
OF course, if you in immediate need of
small amount, will let you have some" said
Mr.. Jennings.
for few days." said Jack and he forthwith
sat down and indited the following elegant
and laconic eIistle, in very schoolboyish
hand:
my Dear GUARDIAN hear that you are
appointed in the place of my pastors and
masters, and hope thai you will not be too
rough on me, and are not given to use the
birch overmuch am nearly bankrupt and
shall be glad if you will send coin
at once. Yours truly
JACK FORRESTER.''
On the same day he returned to Brighton
and his regimental duties
CHAPTER III
Brighton looking it's brightest and
best week later, on the occasion of visit
paid by Royalty to some fashionable function
held at London-super-Mare
Jack had been on duty with the escort, and
was in full dress uniform, when letter
handed to him on his return to the barracks
in the Lewes Road.
The southampton postmark, by Jove This
is from my venerable female guardian" he
exclaimed to Jimmy Manners, who, like him
self had been in command of the escort
Has she sent you cheque? That's the
main point" said Jimmy, with whom his
chums affairs were no secret.
Never a cheque!" replied Jack as ne
opened the letter and shook out its folds un-
successfully. "I wonder what the old party
has to say for herGelf?"
;, Then he, read the following
tt'Southampton, May 10th
I . taSAYs Dear +BeY''-"It's like the old lady's
ifnpCdence!" indignantly calculated the young
dragoon-"My dear boy-On my arrival here
today, received the letters of Mr.. Jennings
and yourself informing me that I am ap-
pointed your guardian 1t is a very great
responsibility for anyone of my age to
dertake, but must try and do my best 1
really hope that you will not make it nee
eSSdTy IOr me TO use inc DTcn. your letter
is dated Cambridge, and you do not say what
school you are III at Brighton, so 1 must
forward this letter through Mr.. Jennings
will come to Brighton, however, before going
to London, so as to make your acquaintance,
and will go to the Metrcpole, which I am
told is a good hotel.
You ask me 10 send you some coin at
once, but L, do not quite understand what
sort of coin it is you want. Believe me, my
dear boy, I will do anything I can to please
you. and, If you will come or send your adj
dress to the hotel, 1 will get you the coin at
once if 1 can.
eve each of us all alone in the world
think, and 1 hope that we may be very
bility for me to undertake, as I wrote before;
but, dear Jack, I hope and pray that I may
be able to be good and faithful guardian to
you. Yours sincerely,
MARY JOYCE.
"P. ST. am starting for Brighton di-
rectly.'
Jack chuckled and guffawed prodigiously
whilst reading the opening phrases of the
letter, and was evidently about to show it to
Manners.
On reading further, however, his hilarity
somewhat decreased, and his handsome young
features softened little in expression, as he
folded the letter, and placed it in his pocket.
"The old lady must be at the Metropole
now!" he exclaimed, and hastily recalling the
groom, who leading away his charger to
the barrack stables, he mounted his opwerful
animal and rode quickly out of the yard.
Down the Lewes Road, through the Old
Steine, and along the crowded front" rode
Jack, and, as he did So he was the cynosure
OF many a pair of charming eyes.
With his gallant bearing and splendid
uniform and accoutrements it would have
been no easy matter to find a much moro
attractive figure than that of Lieutenant
Forester, as he swung himself from his steed
at the door OF the Metropole, and threw the