The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-11-26
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: 'TOTHER DEAR CnARMfR.

fBy Pauline Inez Buck)

imposed are by far the hardest to hear
With a scowl on his usually good bu-
mored countenance. he stood before tho
mirror, engaged in the dual OCCUPATION az
Fastening a stunning four in hand tie and
thinking seriously, for society young men,
strange as 1t may seem, do occasionally
think and act at one and the same time
now long he stood there cogltating and
tying that ravishing knot would be afraid
to say; the Ginning of clock broueh, TO
sudden end disagreeable thoughts and
occupations.
preston gave sigh of relief.
Plainly" he calculated, the only
course left for me Is TO drift with tho
tide"
win that he turned from the mirror,
having fist placed carefully, almos.
breathlessly, at Its exact angle. his shining
beaver on his handsome pate and sallied
forth, good humored self. satisfaction now
beaming from his dark eyes.
wen, he soliloquized. as he walked
priskiy up the street. though matters
nave progressed perilously far in both
"ht iooiicu W nave NOTIFIED SO
much. Doubtless some way out of the DIFF
ficulty will present itself, If only let mat
tiers alone
Heigho, though. How happy / could
De with either were 'tother dear charmor
away. There seemed danger of a re-
lapse into something very like gloom here,
which would never do. Pulling himself to-
se'hcr our hero continued In more cheer
tul strain
What foolishuess. I am actually sigh.
ing again, when l know that, whichever
Way rate decides the matter, am a happy
man. If Lucy wins, well and good--hElf
the men in Upton would be Wild with
envy, If on the contrary. Marion should
come out ahead the other half of the malc
population will wonder at my luck"
In spite OF his real concern, il must he
confessed our hero chuckled a bit here.
1t might be best after all" he sudden
~ siackened his pace, ito see Marion first.
Jenkins should be taught lesson. Too
intellectual for me. indeed! But. no. no.
Poor little Lucy, what would become of
her"
And Preston quickened his pace percep-
tipiy, quiet street interseoting the thor
oughfare he trod seeming TO give him
some uneasiness: but once safely across,
he breathed more freely. And now he be-
gan looking forward eagerly into the
semi-gloom for some familiar sight. At
last 1t doomed before him-a commodious
brick mansion with spacious, flower
scented grounds and numerous twinkline
lights christening low rnn gate. he
turned into Judge Payne's domain-Iucy
seems to be in the lead so far,
Miss Payne, radiant. bewitching. smil-
ing, arrayed in her most ravishng gown,
was evidently expecting him. Preston's
al,
The thought that this superb creature
onged for his coming What would be
easier or more appropriate than to taNe
me darling In his arms and declare him
elf hers forever? Somehow Marjon's
true blus eyes came between him ana The
hslf-formed, wild desire. So he contented
himself with gentle pressure of her hann.
men plunged into conversation. He talked
saily. heedlessly, of Indifferent things.
and Miss Payne listened with rapt, in.
tent expression that was quite new on her
charming face.
In spite of warning blue eyes and good
resolutions, Preston was only human. after
III. What wonder that he presently LOST
ms mead? Besides, what harm could come
d Venturing wee thrust of his oar
houeh he was drifting with the tlde?.i
with precipitation. born of infatura.
ion. Miss Lucy he began incidentally
1rawing his chair nearer the while u
want to ask you something. Were You
anybody this EVENING""
He ended lamely, the girls startled look
confusing him and rende ing Impossible
he sentimental words he would have Ut
cred.
The answer uttered in some evident con-
'usion, seemed reassurng enough.
Why. yes, but why do you ask?"
Because | wanted you TO know mo-
iced it,
Preston ooundered like a great bashful
'choolboy. Perhaps he realized that it's
somewhat delicate task TO undertake to
lsslst the operation OF drifting" -there's
he danger Of turning ones craft the wrong
Erection But he was not ready TO draw
n his oar yet, 1t seemed.
And you've put on the dress | admired
}, Lucy, If you only knew how these
title marks of your favor affect me- All
lay I've been longing for this hour: ]
must tell you
is that the train?" Lucy eagerly In
errupted this some what incoherent rhap-
ody. as the sound OF long, ssrll whistle
vas borps on the night breeze 10 their
rearing, 20 yes 1t is, she actually clapped
Ter hands. and was altogether so over
Dyed over something that she had not
ven heard his last words, Preston know
20. | must tell you" Miss Payne, In
err excitement arose and went TO the
window, where she stood peering out into
he night moment, before turning very
osy face to the bewildered Preston. Tom
: coming on that train--an--we'rc to be
married next month. Perhaps It's not con-
ientional to tell you In this way. but we've
,een such good friends. you and !, and
,esdes you had about guessed my secret.
Why you're not going?" for Preston was
.caching for his hat "Wait and meet
rom, won't you? know you will like
him."
mo doubt. but have an engagement.
IL call tomorrow. / wish you joy"
How Howard Preston reached the quiet
,treet he'd avoided SO determinedly brief
alf hour before. he scarcely knew. but
somehow he found himself there. mentally
banking his lucky stars he'd come ont o.
hat affair as well as he had.
There was nothing now TO prevent the
of his passion for Marion. This
vas the one lucid idea which emerged from
he mental chaos in.o which Miss Payne's
,tartIing confidence had thrown him
lighting the we'll nigh capsized baraue 1
which would not again attempt the hazard
nus plan OF drifting.
nut there was nothing but clear water I
head I'm this instance. THANK fortune. /
Narion was NOT belle like Lucy; she
was TOO superior TO care for men. as
General thing. Only he. Howard Preston,
vas allowed TO feel perfectly welcome al
IN times when he offered his attentions.
!, Was impossible that he could be de-