The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-12

vited to dinner on the spot, greatly to the
edification of the rectors housekeeper VINO
had begun to fear that the loss of his young
wife, some eighteen months befare, had de-
veloped inhosptable instincts in the reverend
breast.
During dinner, for the first half hour,
Murray talked trout, and other less-esteemed
fresh water fish, with fair show of interest;
then he contrived to introduce the subject of
neghbors and Pensioners into the conversa-
ton.
The rector responded promptly.
PLENTY of nice people? Oh yes; and it is a
fairly Sociable neighborhood. l shall be most
happy to introduce you to one or two houses
where wou will get a very good dinner; but,
though I say it in all humility, you won't
better this Bergundy at any Of them. Have
another glass;
Thanks: it is indeed fine. Any picturesque
old houses to be found near here Mr.. Camp
bell? have dabbled little in architecture
now and again."
Yes? Well, there is the Court-the Will
loughby's place-quite in the Gothic style,
according to the guide book. 1 know little of
such things myself. And Hamton House;
that's very old, but lot particularly beautiful.
And then you have The Elms, where those
dreadful Fitzsimmons live"
How are they dreadful?" inquired Muir
ray, ruthlessly interrupting his host.
80 entirely modern-up-to to-date' is, I
think, the term Mrs Ftzsimmons herself
uses. The house is always full of visitors.
rather fat-looking people, a rule. They
appear to sit up half the night playing cards,
or dancing; and there dinner parties on
Sunday, and all sorts of objectionable things
going I should give them up in despair;
only, the best trout stream in the neighbor-
hood runs through their grounds, and I must
say Mrs. Fitzsmmons is most pressing in her
invitation for me to fish in it. / think she
imagines that intimacy with her rector looks
we'll in the eyes of the world, and 1 fear l am
weak enough to play into her hands; though
strive to do my duty, too, and lose op
portunity of speaking word in season. as
sure you, Mr.. Murray"
Il can quite believe it, Clements tongue
was itching to ask if Mrs. Fitzsimmons kept
governes. He walked round the situation.
'Er-any children there? Somehow, children
redeem a place, don't you think?"
There is one daughter-a sweet young
thing. 1 pity her for not having wiser
mother. She-the child-is the LOWEST human
creature l have seen-al fresh, and
bright, and dainty, like "a sunbeam or
fairy; 1 not good at SMILES But she
will make perfectly beautiful woman. as far
as outward appearance goes"
You interest me. What age is this piece of
peffection?"
Her seventeenth birthday celebrated
last week. 1 very much doubt if she is being
wisely trained; on average, she has two
fresh governesses every year. new one has
just arrived, | believe, but 1 have not seen
her yet
Now thoroughly launched, the rector talked
freely of the great thorn in his fesh-an i'm
pcrtant household, who set bad example to
his other Pensioners.
However little inclined to be narrow mind
ed, a man cannot live long in a village with
out partaking somewhat of the SmallneSS of
all things usually existent in village life; and,
though good hearted in the MAN, Mr.. Camp
bell was not Suprlor to others OF his brethren
similarly situated.
Murray listened patiently SO long the
conversation hovered over The Elns and at
last ventured to say that he would like an in
PRODUCTION to Mrs. Fitzsimmons being anx-
ions n MaiSip the dream of lowell
ness, who had impressed even the unsuscep-
tible rector
Satisfied with the reference" he had
received, Mr.. Campbell suggested that Gle
n.ent should call at the rectory the following
morning, and they would go to The Elms for
lunch-there considered a sort of free and
open meal, at which strangers of decent ap-
pearance were always made welcome.
Murrays five-feet-ten of personal appear
ance, backed by a strong. shrewd, and by no
means bad-looking face won him welcome
at once from the volatile lady to whom he was
presented by the rector.
Mr. Murray, an aspirant to your trout
stream, Mrs. Fitzsmmons.''
THAT makes me appear less disnterested
than 1 wish, Mrs. Fitzsommons,' said Gle
ment, quickly. Believe me, the trout form
but a secondary reason for my desiring the
honor of this Introduction"
THE first being?"
The hostess arched her dark brows inquir-
ingly
Can you ask?"
The low murmur proved Clement Murray
an adept at reading character.
He had quickly fathomed the depths of Mrs
FitZsimmons shallow nature, and knew that
to obtain footing in this house he must
make open love to the vivacious widow, who
regned therein queen.
Does your daughter at all resemble your
sef?' he presently continued. Mr. Camp
bell says she is perfect dream of loveliness.
A mere child l beeve?'
"Oh, quite-still in the schoolroom, and
scarcely out of the nursery. The rector is too