New-York tribune., 1904-08-30
6be Next But One.

Maynard had come to town for the varsity match
1t his annual visit TO the metropolis. and the
card Miss RentOn had sent him for Lady Brandon's
ball had found him with for refusal
DO come" she had written across It; and May
nard had come. knowing, all the time. he had better
have kept away.
The sight OF Miss Rerton veritable queen in
the midst OF the homage her beauty exacted. only
made him feel more ashamed of his temsrity in
ever having dreamed of making her his wife lie
could but congratulate himself that had had
the good sense keep his folly to himself and had
giving her opportunity Of rebuki1g his presump-
tion. With her charms os face and manner. charms
that destined her TO shine in the world of wealth
and fashion. likely she would nave been con-
tent to become the wife of 4 country squire, vino
had as much as he could do TO keep together ais
ancestral acres?
Miss Rentor was to make a rich match. II was
with this intention. open and avCwed. that. her
aunt. Lady Brandon. had given her a season IN
town, and Maynard did dare datte- himself
that. in Lady BrandOn's eyes his paltry fifteen
hundred year would cable him to claim exemp-
tion from the stigma OF poverty.
1t Sir George Fareham. the owner Of
Fareham Hall, in Yorkshire house in Park Lane
and the finest moor in Scotland that had
bestowed the hand of the fortunate young lady and
rumor had penetrated even TO the wiIds of Corn
wall where Maynard had been busy with his estate.
knitting his brows the drouth ard fearing for
his wheat crop.
In interval between the dances he found him
SELF standing close to MS enV1ed rival. VINO
watching the doorway with evident impatenCe.
Miss Renton had promised the next dance TO May
nard as she entered the room both he and
Fareham fastened to meet her. The latter reached
her first and Maynard drew back
But Miss Renton smiled sweetIy.
NO, no, Sir George: II was the rext but one I
gave YOU" She termed to Maynard: This is
yours"
Fareharn could but bow and acknowledge his mis-
take wondering who the tall. sunourned could
memory.
You don't want TO dance. NJ. Maynard, do
yoU?" said she. Come and fnd breath of fresh
She led the way to the balcony and they stood
leaning over the cushioned baustrade looking into
the street below on the opposite side of the square
another dance was in full swing: the music sounded
across I13s BE interveni9g trees .,,u,,.. .,,s
To me it is said Maynard; but then.
is my annual allowance
oh" she said. tell me about the country-about
TrGvethan; II seems years since l left IT,
I'm afraid there is little noveIS in Trevethan.
The tide comes up the estuary twice day
usual: and we farmers Srumbe, usual about
You've told me- Just what wanted TO know"
she answered; there's nothing changed Do you
remember.one day when we picnicked on the golf
links-up there by the sandhills, where you look
perfect circle-do you remember some one said il
seemed like the centre of the world
down T11. on the the moving lights Of the carriages
and feel now as II II had been true as IF II bas un
been the centre of the world Everything seemed
so still there here the very edge
rushing round fast that il takes ones breath
away
Maynard had refuge in silence. hardly under
standing her mood.
49, I'm so glad you came tonight she said softly
Il feel as II you. at all events. the
think"
MAYNARD looked around involuntarily to that
no one was within hearing
Miss Renton noticed the glance and smiled little
YEARLY.
Yes, suppose it would sound strange" she said.
1t isn't quite the thing to talk seriously in
London. is IL? One has 10 pretend that life is a
game and that nothing matters very muCh-perha ps
II doesn't"
No. please don't think that he said
"Oh, il was easy enough in the country-there 1