The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1899-09-14

[ turned to see what had become of
Mrs. Bristowe l beheld the familiar
figure of my old friJd ST. Alleyne
come round from the west side of the
house. He was strolling along in his
usual dreamy, casual way, very well
dressed, perfectly at ease, apparently
thinking of nothing. I knew the atti-
tude well; it meant that he was in
tune for any kind of fun.
Happily he turned into the pathway
which ran before the seat on which
Mrs. Vivian and l were sitting. He
paused for five minutes to talk with
Mrs. Bristowe, and then. sighting me,
ne bore slowly down upon us. l made
sudden move in his direction, which
caused my companions eyes to fol-
low me.
Who is that very distinguished
looking MANI" she asked.
Providence had indeed delivered Mrs.
Vivian into my hands! l engaged
her eye as replied, without any show
of surprise at the question: THAT is
Lord St. Alleyne."
never saw terror sit more palpably
upon a face: then, without u word
said, the terror changed to beseech-
ing. really felt sorry for Mrs. Vivian
at that moment, but thought of Jack
and hardened my heart.
ALLOW me to present you to him."
said. Before she had time to reply |
had advanced half dozen steps to
meet him.
Il want to introduce you to Mrs,
Vivian" l said. You know all about
my love affair"
(which one?" he asked.
THE one" said. He thought care
fully for minute.
do you mean Jack?" he asked.
"Of course / do"
"Well?"
Mrs. Vivian is Jacks mother"
l glanced across the lawn and saw
Jack herself alone, shining white
against some dark laurels. My mind
was instantly made up.
'Well?' he said, again.
Il want you to talk to her for ten
minutes. And, like a dear old chap,
say.all the nice things you can about
me, will your
you want me TO bamboozle her, do
your"
Il want to marry Jack" | said.
"All my friends are marrying" ST.
Alleyne murmured; they'll soon be
all gone. I'm always doing them good
turns, and they never do anything
| for me-"
III do anything you like for you il
you'll only manage this" | said As
l turned he caught me by the arm.
Look here" he said, what am l 10
talk about-rislDg artist, increasing
popularity and all that kind of
thing?"
81 leave it to you. But for heavens
sake don't give me away" He smiled
tenderly.
'As if l could" he said
/ saw that Mrs. Vivian's face famed
as l presented him. l had never seen
her blush before; but at the same time
there was kind of feeble triumph in
her expression that made me sick. ST.
Aueyne dropped languidly at her side
and l sped across the lawn. Mrs. Wv
ian was at liberty to look as much as
she liked; could trust my friend to
hold her.
Jack saw me coming and turned
away towards the rose garden; l
blessed both her and her acuteness as
1 followed. She paused when we
seemed fairly alone.
Where have you been all the after
noon2"
"Talkipc IN Mro Vtv;aoD
"Oh!" she said. vast interesting?"
Very. And your"
I've been waiting for you"
well, I'm here now. jack"
Yes" she said.
"You want to marry me, don't you,
Jack?"
"You silly boy" she said. took her
hand and held it so that no one could
see.
"You know you do. said; you told
me SO once"
Did II" she asked, closing her fin
gers tightly over mine.
Yes; and I'm going TO marry YOU"
You dear boy!" she said. But how
can you? Mamma will never consent"
l thought detected hint of tears in
her eyes.
But IL I gain her consent, and this
very afternoon?"
She looked at me with all her youth
on fire. | leaned towards her sudden
ly and she kissed me; the thing was in
evitable. If the world had been look
ing on l believe she would have kissed
me then.