Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-07-17

CHAPTER XIII.
Godfrey was in London one winters
night, two years after Margarets death,
and was making his way along the
Strand through dense fog, when, find
ing he had lost his bearings, he called
to a man whose step he heard close to
him: Can you tell me if 1 am near st.
Martins Church?' and, to his surprise,
a familiar voice replied: That's Just
what | am trying to find out for myself"
"You are Jack Dallasr' exclaimed God
frey instantly.
'..And-why, you're Helstone!' said the
other
And then the next moment, with a
hearty laugh, they were shaking hands
1t was a dozen years since they had seen
each other last
The hour was not late one, and, when
they had succeeded in discovering their
position, Mr.. Dallas made his friend go
home with him. He had comfortable
bachelor establishment in rooms looking
over the river.
Married? Mercy on us, nor he said
in answer to an inquiry that Godfrey
made. Il couldn't be married and go on
living here, you know; and when a man
has once got settled it needs a remarka-
bly, strong temptation to unsettle him
again.
Il think you are making mistake"
replied Godfrey.
He had told Jack already the bare fact
that Margaret was dead. Presently. sit
ting with him over his fire, he spoke
little more of her, and of his daughter.
II have been alone for two years now"
he said, and if it had not been for my
little girl my life would be very empty.
She was so quiet and retiring always that
you must have lived with her to know
how good she was. OF course, you never
knew her at all. That only time you
came to us you were very little with her,
l remember"
''No-ahem!-I didn't see a great deal
of her." assented Jack. ''She-didn't
seem to me to care for strangers"
4.She was very domestic woman"
said Godfrey.
''Oh, yes-so should suppose re-
sponded Jack quickly. Il am sure she
was-as good as she could be. She must
have been great loss to you"
"She has been great loss to us both,
said Godfrey. ''To Rita as well as me-"
And how is Rita?' asked Jack. why,
she must have grown out of al recol-
lection'
And then Godfrey replied with laugh
that he thought she probably had
''She is a woman now" he said. "She
will be eighteen next June"
And she has forgotten my very name,
[ suppose?" said Mr.. Dallas
well" retorted Godfrey, IF she has,
il is no ones fault but your own. She
isn't little. She is five feet six. / dare
say you would think her pretty. Most
people DO"
And her father agrees with them 2"
said Jack with a kindly laugh well, /
should like to come and have a look at
her again. ] would come after Christ
mas, ! am half disposed TO think, if
yoa. cared TO ask me-"
"Change your time a little, and come
before Christmas" answered Godfrey.
'Why shouldn't you? Come home with
me on the 10TH
What. next Friday? Oh, l hardly
think l could do that" said Jack.
But in five minutes afterward he had
agreed to it.
Papa is going to bring somebody back
with him." said Rita to her quondam
governesS, Miss Taylor, reading letter
that she had from her father day or
two after this "A Mr.. Dallas l re-
member he was here once before, ever so
long ago. And papa says, would you
please get room ready for him, as he is
coming TO stay over Christmas. Oh,
DEAR" said Rita. with little sigh, Il
am rather sorry that anybody who is old
is coming for Christmas.
us he oldY" replied Miss Taylor, in
nocently. "0h, but you know some old
Mr.. Dallas viii be. | think we via give
him the green room, dear. 1t IS the best
for an elderly person. 1t is so nice and
warm"
So then Miss Taylor had the green
room prepared, and kept good FIRE burn
ing in il for two days before Mr.. Dallas
arrived The old gentleman might per-
haps have rheumatism, or asthma, She
thought. 1t was mild weather, but with
considerable kindness Miss Taylor sent
closed carriage to the station to meet
the travellers.
.'why didn't You bring the deg cart?"
Godfrey asked his servant, when he
found his eQuipage waiting for them; bat
the man answered that he had only done
as h. was told.
"Oh. yes, os course; they know you-
tastes. Didn't / say that ven lived in
the lsp Of luxury 2" exclaimed Jack.
There was al open door to receive them
AZ their journeys end. and a warm glow
Of lamp and freight in the hail. and in
the mtdss Of the glow Rita's girlish fig
uve.
/ That locks pretty" said Jack. gazing
a. the picture as the carriage drove up.
In another moment or two he had
/ jumped out and was upon che doorstep.
I looksng on while Rita kissed her father.
All. you don't remember meT' he said
when thar ceremony was concluded. and
then he put ont his hand. and. locking
I asmure and pretty. Rita took t.
Nc, / don't remember you, she an
swered.
This Is nv friend. Mr.. Dallas. Miss
Taylor, Godfrey announced, ana Miss
Tayio- found herself gazing IN surprise az
/ the youthful iookius man who turned
/ sud greeted her.
/ why. I quite misunderstood Rita
/ said he was I'D. she exclaimed 10 God
frey afterward. 4 get the warmest