Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-02-25
, A C RO<S S /; : HIS PATH ;
aXN ELL, my lad, it's good to have
 wv vOu back once more"

baXXTELL, my lad, it's good to have
 w you back once more"
 Thanks. Uncle Harvey; it's very kind of you to say SOL
 Are you really better?"
 Sound as a drum! Never felt bet ter in my life. There Is nothing like New Zealand air, after all."
 "So I should judge!" exclaimed Sir Hervey Ralstor, a world of affection in eye and voice. as he surveyed the sunburnt face before him.
 Talking of health, you don't look much amiss yourself, Uncle Hervey; which under the circumstances, is not surprising."
 Sir Henry found his sunny smile infectious. Perhaps not. You will be able to judge for yourself this evening" There is function at Lady wolverton's. and, although am sorry it occurs on/ the night of your return. thought you would prefer to come"
 Stirling his disappointment, Ralston rejoined: By all means, Uncle Her vey. I would not have you change your plans on my account for the world. Besides which, am anxious to make the acquaintance of my future aunt"
 Sir Henry laughed. "I never looked at it in that light before. She Is younger than you, my boy"
 And so are you in many ways" ' retorted Ralston, stoutly. "You are generation younger than most men of 45, Uncle Hervey. You know you are."
 The deprecatlng, almost wistful look called forth by his words was not lost upon the younger man, who l1astened to aver: "'I was desperately glad to hear your piece of news; found the letter waiting for me at Santa Cruz. You are much too good to die a bach elor, so shall. kick my heels with light heart at your wedding, notwith- standing the back seat now in store for yours to command"
 The laugh with which he ended was not natural one, and his lips qulv- cred undero the fair mustache. The undivided affection of many years standing, affection that between uncle and nephew was almost unique. was undivided no longer.
 A drive of half an hour brought them to Sir Hervey's house.
 "H'm!' observed Ralston, with a glance at the newly painted front Festive arrangements beginning early. Which is the happy day?"
 "The sixth of April" replied Sir Hervey. leading the way into the house.
 And this is the tenth of February; 4f will ho here fy, ro fiYoe p
 T am glad you are back before April. lad. I began to think Dunedin was to claim you as as permanency, and I want you as best man for the occa- sion." 't'$ #
 Hugh Ralston's eyes shone with pride. ''1 feel honored. Uncle Hervey. Any pretty bridesmaids to the fore?' "You will probably meet one or two of them this evening. We have not much time to lose. You know your room"
 Lady Wolverton's receptions were always we'll attended. In her position as queen of society in which she moved she had been ably seconded by her daughter, Adelaide. whose en- gagement to Sir Hervey Ralston she viewed with unalloyed delight His immense wealth was an undisputed fact. their own property being known only to mother and daughter. How much of the achievement of Sir Her. vey's desire had been due to the ma~ ternal pressure brought to bear upon the girl was not realized by the lat- ter herself, so subtle and ingenious had Lady Wolverton's tactics been "Now for the fray" murmured young Ralston as they mounted the staircase; 'the usual crush is evident 1 ly in store"
 They had entered the reception room, and there. standing under the friendly light of a hanging lamp, Rals- ever in his life beheld.
 "Ah!" exclaimed Sir Hervey, the blood coursing through his veins with rapIdity almost boyish. Come, Hugh, and let me have the pleasure oi presenting you; 1t is one to which I have long looked forward"
 Adelaide Wolverton had seen them and was ready with gracious wei 1 come for the nephew about whom she had heard so much.
 And this Is 'Hugh,'" she said "You must not expect me to call you anything else, for your name has be- come household word among us, has 1 1t not?" She turned to Sir Hervey who met the shy, sweet glance with one of gratitude That these two whom he loved better than all the world besides, should be friends, was his one desire--a desire that seemed , likely to be fulfilled as the evening 1 wore away.