New-York tribune., 1903-06-30


and he asked me where my home lay
had anticipated this and answered that
letter addressed to under care OF Miss
Agatha Plinlmmon. at the Genevan Founding
Hospital. would certainly find me- And so
was granted two months leave of absence to
recover from my wound.
But you don't mean to tell me-" said Mr.
Jope. as we strolled down Union-st together.
that you haven't home relations in this
worId?'
Neither one nor the other" said I; but 1
have picked Up few friends"
AS we drew westward 1 noticed that he sensi-
bly, retarded his pace: but he had foresworh
visiting symonds's until as he put it. We knew
the worst; and I marched him relentlessly up to
the door of doom. with it's immaculate brass
knocker. And. when. facing it. he shut his eyes.
1 put out hand and knocked for him
But it was / who shrauk back when the door
opened; for the person who opened 1t WASN'T
George,-in pigtan and wooden leg unchanged.
but in demeanor $50 far as agitation allowed me
to remark it) more saturnine than ever
do the Widow Geake live here?" stammered
Mr.. Jope.
She do not" answered Mr.. George. slowly
and added. Worse Iucky'
Isis she dead?'
mo. she amt" answered Mr. George. and
pulled himself up
Then what's the matter with her,
There amt nothing the matter with her. as
know by" answered Mr.. George, once more in
non-committal tone But I'm her 'usband"
''You-Mr. George?" I gasped-
Thereupon ne recognized me, and his eyes
grew round. yet expressed no imnoderate sur
prise.
"A nice dance you've led everybody he said.
slowly: 'rbut vas never hopeful about you. L m
thankful to say"
Where is Miss PIinIinmon uvingT 1 asked
Has she left the hospital. too?"
she didn't leave it." he answered 1T left
her The hospitals scat"
"Ehr'
"@Bust-soId up-come to end ScougalIs
retired on the profits he feathered his nest
And Miss Plinlimmon's gone down into Cornwall
to live with Major BEooks-a kind OF relation
OF hers. so far as I can make out They tell me
she's come into money
I had a question my lips. but Mr.. Jope IN
terrupted.
| ''I haven't the pleasure o. your acquaintance
sir" he began politely. addressing Mr. George.
"and, by the look O. 'ee, you must date from
| before my time But speakin' as one man TO
| another. how do you get along with that boy
The door was slammed in our faces
Mr. Jope and I regarded one another. Ben
said I. its urgent. or I wouldn't leave you; I
I
His face fell And I was planning little
ktcIxup at Syrnondss," he said ruefully: "a
! fiddle or two-to celebrate the occasion; nothing
out o. the way. The first time you dropped on
US If you remember, We was not quite ourselves
owing to poor dear Bill and I'd ha' liked you
TO form brighter idea Of the place But II us
| duty my lad. England expecs and I'm not gain
saying. Duty. is II
Duty it is" said L You walked up 70 yours
nobIy and 1 must walk on 10 mine"
So we shook hands. and turned my face
| westward. for the ferry
7 had overcaIcuIated my strength and LimPed
so,e1v the last mile or two before reaching
Ntinden Cottage Miss PIinIinmon opened the
door 70 me- and forgot my pain for an instant
and ran into her arms But behind her lay an
empty house
"Tba Major is In the garden" she said You
will find him greatly changed. l expect Ever
since my coming have noticed the alteration
vaIxed through to the summer house The
Major was lingering his Virgil but laid II down
and shook hands graveIy. had much to tel
him. and he seemed to listen; but co not think
that he heard
Nries PIfnIimrnon-dear soul unknowingly.
had nraparad for me the very room to which
| Isabel had led me on the night OF my first ar
rival and in which she had knelt beside me-
Miss Plinlfmuon had scarcely known Isabel and
found her cheerfulness almost distressing
when she came to wish me goodnight
And 1 have composed a stanza upon you
she whispered "if you care for such things any
longer But you must understand that II mas
been-so to speak-improvised. and-what with
the supper and one thing and anotner-i nave
had no time to polish it
1 said sIeepiIy that. unpublished though II we're.
I wished to hear il. and here il is
Wounded hero you were shattered
In the ankle-dO not start.
Much much more IL would nave TnaCJered
In the neizhbOrhood of The heart
bullet sped comparatively WIDE
And he survives be Old EnGlan1's pride
fTHF END