Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-07-08
CHAPTER XIV.
The First Step.

fro, smoking and chatting. One, the
younger, Mrs. Savile recognized; the
other, much older man of military
bearing, she guessed at, knowing the
names of the various guests. She
knew, too, that none of the guests lex
cept, perhaps, Mrs. Dexter) would in
trude on the invalids privacy, even if.
as now, they CHANGED to see him pass
Ing within such easy hail. as 1t were,
unless some sign of invitation were
given. So, when trifle nearer, she
threw a stone from the gravel path
for Scamp, whose joyous bark as he
rushed after 1T of course made both
men turn their heads quickly, and in
that moment Clare raised hand and
beckoned them.
They see as, they are coming to us, y
Erleston said, with a quick catch of
his breath as he sat leaning against the
soft cushions.
You won't mind; it is but the first
moment" she answered, and stopped
the chair.
AS the two men drew near, doffing
caps to the lady, Wilfred saw that the
younger, a fair, good looking fellow
about seven -and-twenty, flushed slight
ly, and his face lighted up.
The next moment they were beside
the chair, and the ordeal SO dreaded
was faced-over. Wilfred's hands were
closely clasped.
''Erleston, dear old fellow! How aw-
fully jolly to see you about again
Thanks, you are both too kind"
The rich, soft tones we're unsteady for
a second, then Wilfred rallied. But let
me introduce you, Major Thorne, Sir
Maurice Durant-Mrs. Savile."
Il have already the pleasure of know
ing Sir Maurice" said Clare, easily, as
she shook hands with both gentlemen,
for two years ago travelled with his
mother. How is she, Sir Maurice-well,
1 hope?"
Quite, thank you, Mrs. Savile. And
il she had known you were again in
England would certainly have asked
you to call on her." answered the young
man eagerly. Il had no idea you were
here till just now when we saw you
beckon us across
''Beckon you!" said Erleston, fash
ing covert look at Clare under his
long lashes.
Major Thorne laughed.
Eyes, we shouldn't have intruded I'M
invited you know. l hope we are to see
something of you amongst us here, old
fellow" he added.
A quick ooh, MOI" almost sprang to
Wilfred's lips; but he caught it back
and said, with quizzical glance at
Clare:
81 don't know, Thorne. My autocrat
there has all the say, she and Faber.
Ask her your question, not me-"
The Major turned to her with low
bow.
And what, then, says Mrs. Savile, the
fair autocrat?"
'She reserves judgment, Major, but
thinks that most likely Mr.. Erleston
will put in an appearance amongst you
all in a short time, perhaps some even
tn, b1,,r ~
That will be jolly" from both
Thorne and Durant, and the latter add
ed: And l assure you, Erleston, one
of the ladies at least, is most anxious
to know you"
Indeed! Who is that?" languidly
from Wilfred. He guessed.
why. Mrs. Dexter, OF New York, to
be sure"
"Oh,"
A quiet dry "Oh." that said volume.
Clare drew behind the chair and put
hand on the handle.
81 think we must go indoors now,
gentlemen, If you will excuse u.s." she
said, gracefully Diminishing them, and
both at once took leave.
by Jove! what handsome GIRL ex-
claimed the Major. directly they were
at little distance What a wonder
fully interesting face, too, which is even
more than mere beauty. And her man
ner and way with Erleston, how per-
fecti She might be his sister OF brother
for that matter. 1t isn't one woman in
thousand they could have had in such
a unique and delicate position as she
holds"
She is one in a thousand" said Sill
Maurice. quietly. but his fair face flush
ed, his blue eyes sparkled. "Faber
knew what he was about when he sent
her here. He knew she would never
take advantage of her opportunity"
Thorne glanced shrewdly at Durani
with an inward: $50 you have been
hard hit there But the matter stood
in the way. suppose"
But, my dear fellow, trusting her
wouldn't prevent the other side from
falling in love. and Erleston In fery
hIooded fellow In his fun strength