Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-11-14
CHAPTER XVIII,

Happy! If ever two young people
were happy, Una and Jack were. TO
Una the days passed like a happy
dream time Her sky was without
cloud; it almost seemed as if the
world had been made for her, so en-
tirely did everything lend itself to her
enjoyment.
Every morning, soon after breakfast
Jacks quick, buyant step was heard
ascending the stone steps of the house
in Washington Square and he would
come marching into the breakfast room
with some palpable excuse about hrs
lust happening to pass, and Mrs.
IDavenant would smile her gentle well
come, and Una-well, Una's eyes were
eloquent if her tongue was mute, and
would speak volumes.
And Jack would lounge about for an
hour telling them all the news, and
perhaps smoking cigarette, just in
side the conservatory; and Una was
sure to find an excuse for being near
him.
Indeed, if that young lady could be
within touching distance of her goo
and hero, she seemed passing content.
He was the very light of her life, soul
Of her soul; every day seemed to in
crease the passionate devotion of her
first, her maiden love, for the wild,
young neer-do-well.
And she was repaid. Jack thought
that there never had been since Eve
began the sex, such marvel of beauty
and Jasck, as proud of Una's beauty as
to the "White Horse" in Piccadilly,
and away they would spin through the
lovely Surrey valleys to that quaintest
of old towns in the hills. Sometimes
Jack himself would take the ribbons,
and, with Una by his side, tool the
truck" as he called the handsome
coach, back to town.
Then again, he never came without
box for one of the theaters or a
stall for a concert; and though not
over fond of classical music himself,
was quite content to sit and watch the
look of rapt delight in Una's face as
she listened absorbed in Joachim's
wonderful violin.
But most of all, think, they enjoyed
their days on the river, when Jack,
attired in his white fannels would
pull the two ladies up to Walton or
Chertsey, and give them tea in one OF
the quiet, riverside inns.
Ali those evenings, those moonlight
nights, when the boat drifted down
stream and the two young people sat,
hand in hand whispering those end
less exchanges of confidence which go
TO make up lovers conversations.
1t was wonderful that Mrs. Daven-
and did not catch cold, but Jack took
great care of her, and wrapped her up
in his thick ulster; and she never
seemed to grow tired of witnessing
their happiness.
Sometimes Jack would ask Stephen
to Join them, but Stephen would al
ways find an excuse. Now it was be-
cause he had an engagement with the
lawyers; at another time he had
promised to speak at some philan-
thropic meeting, or had promised to
dine at the club. He would, however,
occasionally dine at the Square, or
drop in and take a cup of tea; and
wore always the same friendly smile
and genial manner.
Jack had become quite convinced
that he had done Stephen a great deal
of injustice, and now thought that
Stephen was everything that was kind
and thoughtful.
Tt was only at chance times, when
Jack happened to catch the pale face
off it's guard, that the old doubts rose
to perplex and trouble him; but then
he always set them to rest by asking
himself what Stephen could possibly
have to gain by acting as he did.
Of course, all these outings by land
and water cost a great deal of money,
but Jack had found Moss, the money
lender, most suddenly and strangely
complaisant.
Instead of dunning him for what was
owing, Moss actually pressed him to
borrow more, and Jack, always too
ready to oblige him.
81 can pay him out of my salary
when 1 get the appointment" he said
to Leonard, in response to the latter's
circumstances and warnings.
eyes, when you get it, said Leon
ard.
what do you mean?" said Jack.
"Do you mean to hint that Stephen
isn't to be relied upon?"
81 haven't the honor of knowing
much Of Mr.. Davenant," said Leonard,
"and so can't say whether he is more
reliable than most public men who
promise places and appointments; but
/ / Go know that men have grown gray
headed while waiting for one of those
said places"
''You don't know Stephen" said
Jack, confidently. "He can manage
anything he likes to set his mind on.
He is not one of my sort. He can't
LOT tho GRASS GROW under his feet