Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-10-13
KISMET
Copyright. 1901, by Daily Story Pub. Co.,

l
WV HEN Henry Appleby went dow
w into Mexico to superintend tn
working of one of the big mines in whicl
he had an interest, he left behind him
lovely girl, Estelle Marston, between
whom and himself tacit understanding
existed of future engagement, though
no formal love-making or positive en-
gagement had been reached. Applet!
had been a college athlete, built almost
like gladiator, and had dark gray eyes
and dark brown hair, firm, but kindly
mouth, a positive chin, and manner
which was usually reserved, but which
could be aggressive II occasion author
lied or warranted. He was man among
men, but was inclined to weakness when
the wiles of women encompassed him.
Estelle Marston was q spiritual dream.
Blue-eyed, light-haired, fair-skinned,
yet healthy, v0latffe. and happy, as hap
piness goes, she was the ideal Of more
than one young man, and many were
the smiles Of satisfaction when Appleby
went away, and, as many Of them
thought, left a better chance for them
to win the fair Estelle.
But she was the star of Appleby's
thoughts, and her spiritual nature ap-
pealed to him constantly, acting as
lodestone to keep his heart true to the
magnet. She appealed to his better ma
ture. as pure woman Of that type in
variably does when man becomes in
terested in her.
So matters rested between them.
Though no engagement existed, each ex-
pected the other to be as true and faithful
till they should meet again.
Appleby attended strictly to his work
In and for the mine, and by his manage
ment the output was large and prohta-,
BILE. He saw and heard but little of what
was going on in a social way, except
among the half dozen American and
English families who lived in the vi
cinity, all Of them interested with him
in the mine. There were few young
people among them, and these not at
all to his liking. Somehow he had got
the habit, whenever he met lady, Of
comparing her with the fair Estelle, Of
course invariably to the detriment of any
Of those thus compared with her. He
was agreeable, and that was all. He
made polite calls, played outdoor
games when asked, and was looked upon
as desirable but impossible young
man.
There came change, at which his i'm
mediate circle was dumbfounded, and
the rest Of the population shrugged its
shoulders and awaited developments.
He had attended a native ball one
evening. and noticed figure rather tall
er than the usual squat and dumpy ones
surrounding her, and had inquired
about her.
"Hispano senorita," he was told.
His informant took 1t for granted that
IN introduction was desired, where one
took the trouble to inquire, and, SEEKING
him by the arm, took him almost by
force to group of which the girl was
he center, and introduced him.
What followed, Appleby himself
scarcely remembered afterward. He
lanced with her, be walked through the
courtyard conservatory with her, he
alked with her, he applauded her and
lis heart leaped with delight as she
anced fancy castanet Spanish dance,
md he had eyes. ears and tongue for no
me else during the evening.
That some Of the young natives nut
cred imprecations on him for his mo-
opoly of her did not concern him.
Il do not care" he said, recklessly.
She is worth taking desperate chances
Dr.
He asked permission to call and see
er. which was granted. rather more
han willingly, he remembered after
ard.
Il am live with distant relatives" she
I'D him when he called. do not mind
are nobody not introduce
Ou. Ny father one fine grandee; my
lother, HIspano senora-santa Martial
9th dead, poor soulsl He was 90 tall
nd stately, like you, senior. only more
ender; she was graceful, like what you
III TIA willov-and I with such q
Nothing could have been more certain
win Applsby's attention. II not indeed I
. love. than this sort Of talk. He had
theory, that, like parent like child.
be Law Of heredity, In his eyes. vAs one
which he most dsvoutly believed.
lille be could Amuss himself At q ball, ,
ia hirtation. either innocent or 9th
wise, with such = person a. this san
TIA Mercedes. be could not think Of
ing any further with ona of tha -