Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1903-02-20

great institutions for
5SSYIKsaI which England is justly
1GANAHESs famous Mr.. Harry Hart
ley had received the ordi-
nary education Of gentleman. At that
period he manifested a remarkable dis
taste fer study and, his only surviving
parent being both weak and ignorant,
, he was permitted thenceforv-ard to
spend his time in the attainment of
petty and purely elegant accomplish
ments. Two years later he was left an
orphan and almost a beggar. For all
active and industrious pursuits Harry
was untitled alike by nature and train
ing. He could sing romantic ditt;es
and accompany himself with discretion
Dc the piano; he was a graceful al
though timid cavalier; he had a pro-
nounced taste for chess, and nature
had sent him into the world with one
OF the most engaging eXteriors that
can we'll be fancied. Blond and pink.
with doves eyes and a gentle smile, he
melancholy and the most submissive
and caressing manners. But, when all
is said, he was not the man to lead
ornaments of war or direct the coun-
ellis of a state.
A fortunate chance and some influ-
ence obtained for Harry at the time
Of his bereavement the position of pri-
yate secretary to Major General Sir
Thomas Vandeleur, G. B. Sir Thomas
was man Of sixty, loud spoken, bois-
ferrous and domineering. For some rea-
son, some service the nature Of which
had been often whispered and repeat
edly denied, the rajah of Kashgar had
presented this officer with the sixth
known diamond of the world. The
gift transformed General Vandeleur
from poor into wealthy man, from
an obscure and unpopular soldier into
one OF the lions of London society. The
p0ssessor Of the rajah's diamond was
welcome in the most exclusive circles,
and he had found a lady, young, beau
tiful and well born, who was willing
to call the diamond hers even at the
price Of marriage with Sir Thomas
Vandeleur. It was commonly said at
the time that, as like draws to like,
one Jewel had attracted another Ger
tainly Lady Vandeleur was not only
gem Of the finest water in her own
person, but she showed herself to the
world in a very costly setting. and she
was considered by many respectable
authorities as one among the three or
four best dressed women in England.
Harry's duty as secretary was not
particularly .onerous, but he had a dis
like for all prolonged work. It gave
him pain to ink his fingers, and the
charms of Lady Vandeleur and her
toilets drew him often from the libra
~ to the boudoir. He had the prettiest
ways among women, could talk FASH
ions with enjoyment and was never
more happy than when criticising a
shade OF ribbon or running on an err
rand to the milliner's In short, Sir
Thomas correspondence fell into pitt
full arrears, and my lady had another
2dy's maid
At last the general, who was one of
the least patient of military command
ers, arose from his place in violent
access OF passion and Indicated to his
secretary that he had no further need
for his services, with one of those ex-
planatory gestures which are most
rarely employed between gentlemen.
The door being unfortunately open.
Mr.. Hartley fell downstairs headfore-
most.
He arose somewhat hurt and verv
deeply aggrieved. TIE life in the gen.
erals house precisely suited him. He
moved, on more or less doubtful foot
ing, in very genteel company. He did
little, he ate of the best, and he had a
Aukewarm satisfaction in the presence
az Lady Vandeleur which, in his own
neart, he dubbed by more emphatic
Aame.
Immediately after he had been ont
saged by the military foot he hurried
to the boudoir and recounted his sor-
rows.
You know very well, my dear Har-
~" replied Lady Vandeleur, for she
called him by name like child or a
domestic servant. that you never by
any chance do what the general tells
you. No mere do l, you may say. but
1nat IS dlfs''' woman can ear
ner pardon |. year OF disobc'
ence by Sill, :r: ..drOlI submission
and, besides, no one is married to Bis
private secretary. l shall be sorry to
lose you, but since you cannot stay
longer in a house where you have been
hsuited shall wish you goodby, and
promise you to make the general smart
for his beha vior.''
Harry's countenance tell. tears can't
INTO his eyes. az: 5e ::azaG OF Lac.
?a1c+:ruc ".ti 2 tt:1'ler reproach.
My lady," said he, what is an in
suit? l should think little indeed of
any one who could not forgive them
~ the score. But to leave ones