The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-12-07

didn't stop the moment he had said
them and bow and smirk and wait on
abroad grin till Stanton had succeeded
in saying something equally silly in
contradiction or reciprocation.
Stanton smiled as he sat contcntcdly
listening, and commented with him.
self: IF he were to digress to insur-
ance, now, and ask me to take out q
policy in one of his companies, pre-
sumo I should do it," But Mr.. Ray
mond did not digress. He hardly men
toned insurance again. Speaking of
minerals, however, he said that he had
brought on a fine collection; it was at
the hotel, and if Stanton cared to walk
home that way and stop for moment
he should be glad to show it. :
The collection proved thoroughly en-
PERTAINING, and when, in the course of
conversation upon it, the subject of
California wines was touched, it ap-
peared that Raymond had brought on
some choice samples of these, too, in
proof of pet theory that with proper
care in preparation, and proper age,
the vineyards of the Pacific could be
made to rival the vintage of the world.
while ne was speaking OF it he poured
out glass OF the wine. This was a.
little different; for among other social
habits which Stanton had never con-
tracted was the habit of drinking.
II have very rarely tasted wine, and
should be no judge" he said, in an ef-
fort courteously to decline; but when
Raymond gently but firmly insisted,
it occurred to him that there was some
thing of social duty in accepting hos
pltallty, after he had been accepting so
much other entertainment, and he
drank the wine, much as he would have
taken out policy in one of the insur-
ance companies.
Unacquainted as he was with wine
stanton was forced to admit that it
was a wonderful product. Before he
realized what he was doing, he had
lighted fresh cigar and made himself
comfortable in one of Raymond's IN
holstered arm-chairs.
1t seemed but a moment later when
ne opened his eyes with start and a
confused chagrin at the conviction that
ne had actually dropped asleep while
Raymond was talking; but his ewes
once open rested full upon Sam, who
was laying his morning mail upon his
dressing case, and over Sans shoulder
upon the clock, which declared that i
was after ten.
slx days out of seven Stanton entered
MS office on the stroke of nine. and this
was not the seventh day.
Seeing that Sam had noticed his onen
eyes, he simply remarked: 81 am
ready for my bath, Sam;, but when
the man went out to prepare it. the
young lawyer rose slowly and stood
looking into his own face in the mirror
as though he might learn from it some
thing which he very much wished IN
know.
'Society!" he muttered. in unutter-
aole disgust, and began slowly pokine
the letters about that he might read the |
postmarks.
1t is pleasant to have broad shoulders
upon which to lay the burden of our
even the overloaded
shoulders of society.
One letter attracted his attention
more from it's weight than from the
[act that the handwriting was Miss
.ombard's. 1t had evidently been de-
lvered by messenger. He opened it
mechanically and held in his hand Miss
Lombard's card and their diamond en-
sagement ring-nothing more.
is 1T broken, I wonder?" he NUT
ered. slowly turning the ring over, be-
ore 1t dawned upon him that it was the
not the ring. which was
obviously the broken thing.
A creature of instinct, following in
unct, he stretched himself, yawned.
nd went into the bathroom, saying to
himself: THANK heaven, there'n be
10 more society, no more clubs, no
more wine, for me-
AS Sam was leaving the bathroom,
tanton turned upon him and asked.
oruPtly: "Was brought home drunk
asst night, Sam?"
100 sharp a question or command
ad always bewildered Sam, and always
'ould. \ man often speaks the truth
'hen he is bewildered. Sam muttered:
Yes, SIR and then wished he had de-
led it.
Did the Lombards bring me home"
Yes, sir said Sam; and, as there
as nothing more, he went out to kick ;
imsef about for the rest of the day.
AT the office Stanton found a letter .
'om the elder Lombard. He half ex- :
ected it. He swung his chair into the :
est light and made himself secure in
le seat before he opened it; but it was =.
ery short. He read: .>
Dear Sir:-After the disgracefule x-
lbition which you made Of yourself b
J our home last night, my daughter =
ishes me to say that love or respect :
ON her would be no longer possible. :
indy allow all intercourse with our !,
mily to cease with this letter. Wei re-
lire no explanation and would accept =
, apology" s
Slowly tearing it in pieces, Stanton a
id to himself: -. i
II rather like that letter. It's very :,
UGH to the mint nn1 +horn.c ~ ~ | :,