The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1904-03-25
GRO s s !
HIS PATHj
[ATELL. my lad. it's good to have
wv you back once more"

Are you really better?"
Sound as a drum! Never felt bet
ter in my life. There is nothing like
New Zealand air, after al"
$50 1 should judge," exclaimed Sir
Hervey Ralston, 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 a function at Lady
Wolverton's, and. although I am
sorry it occurs on the night OF your
return, thought you would prefer to
come"
Sitting his disappointment, Ralston
rejoined by all means, Uncle Her
vey. I would net 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. 81 never looked
a. II III tudL llSuL OClOTe. DIG Is
younger than you. my boy"
"And SO are you in many ways"
fetorted Ralston. stoutly. you are a
generation younger than most men of
Is. Uncle Hervey. You know you are"
The deprecating, almost wistful look
called forth by his words was not lost
upon the younger man, who fastened
to aver: Il 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 bach
elor, so l shall kick my heels with a
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 a natural one, and his lips quiv-
cred under 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.
HIM" observed Ralston, with a
glance at the newly painted front.
Festive arrangements beginning
early. Which is the happy day."
1.-THE sixth of April" replied Sir
Hervey. leading the way into the
house.
"And this is the tenth of February;
1t will be here in no time"
"I am glad you are back before April.
lad. 1 began to think Dunedin was to
claim you as a permanency, and
want you as best man for the occa-
sion" k@a
Hugh Ralston's eyes shone with
pride. 81 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 Hndispute6
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 upor
the girl was not realized by the lat
ter herself. so subtle and ingeniou:
had Lady Wolverton's tactics been.
Now for the fray murmuret
young Ralston as they mounted tn,
staircase; the usual crush is evident
fy in store"
They had entered the reception
room, and there, standing under tn,
friendly light of hanging lamp. Rails
ton saw the most beautiful girl he hat
ever in his life beheld.
"Ah!" exclaimed Sir Hervey, tn,
blood coursing through his veins will
a rapidity almost boyish. "Come
Hugh, and let me have the pleasure o
presenting you; it is one to which
have long looked forward"
Adelaide Wolverton had seen then
and was ready with gracious we.
come for the nephew about whom sh
had heard so much.
And this is Hugh she said
You must not expect me to call 20,
anything else, for your name has be
come household word among us, ha
it not?" She turned to Sir Hervey
who met the shy. sweet glance wit
one of gratitude. That these two
whom he loved better than all tn
world besides. should be friends, wa
his one desirc-a desire that SCENE
likely to be fulfilled as the evenin
wore away.
TELL me- said Adelaide Wolverto
some two hours later, that you d
not look upon me as an interlopel
was desperately afraid of you befor
saw YOU"
Ralston laughed. "And what di
you fear in me?" he asked. &,
81 feared your jealousy" was th
prompt reply. for I knew how muc