Middletown transcript., 1904-04-23

But Tom set it lightly aside.
I'm not used to yonr rich wines. Si
Jasper. he said, laughing. We don't pc
them up at Kimberly; and / think, 10
my part, we should be better witlou
them oyer here. Before went to kim
berley, | used to be in the saddle, all day
and when / was at the diggins it AZ M,
an easy life, | assure on; SO you see Tn
not accustomed to luxury.
You must hunt, advised Sir Jasper
I've had to give that up too--smiIing rue
.fully-but, when | was Master OF tile
Hounds, I'd have given you as stiff ride
across country as you'd get anywhere III
the three kingdoms! Get good horses
my boy, and sport the pink as soon a.
the season commences By the way, the
old Baronet went on, Betty tells me YOU
are preparing the Dover House for youl
mother. Shall we go over it with you
tomorrow, and see how the old place car
be patched up fit to receive lady?
II you'll help me by your advice, Sil
Jasper, was the young mans reply
spoken with proud humility that
pleased the Baronet vastly-if You'll help
me to prepare it for as good a woman as
ever lived-I shall be grateful. believe,
when I bring her back, it will be the
first home of real peace she has ever
known in her life. don't know whv ]
speak thus to you, but you'll forgive me.
II I'd had such father He stopped
in strong emotion, which he suppressed
by mighty effort, adding abruptly, If
had had such father, should never
have gone to Kimberley.
Or made your fortune ! said Sir Jasper,
chuckling gloonily. If I'd been your
father, I'd have gone to Kimberley too
by George, would! And then, abruptly
changing the subject, as if afraid Of even
limiting that he wanted money go sorely,
the old Baranet took Toms arm, and they
went together into the paradise" room,
where Betty dispensed coffee and after
wards sang some simple ballads, whilst
Sir Jasper dozed in his chair, and Tom,
who did not know note of music, hung
over the piano in state of rapture he
had never known before, turning the
pages at the wrong time and otherwise
making himself ridiculous.
But Betty only smiled, knowing the
old songs by heart and, being graciously
disposed towards her companion, she was
consequently inclined to be lenient to his
faults.
It was cheerful party that met at the
Dover House on the following dav.
Parting from old port and obeying his
doctor had considerably benefited Sir
Jasper, and he seemed to like his new
role of adviser as much as Betty enjoyed
hers. Seating himself in every room
much after the fashion OF a magistrate
on the Bench, he lectured on old tapestry
and old china as if he had done nothing
else all his life, Tom making notes from
time to time, and Betty offering practical
remarks and wise little womanly sugges-
tions.
You must have this tapestry mended
BY an expert, Mr.. Archer, she said, with
pretty decision, and large fur rugs thrown
down on the polished floors. Then Of
course you'll keep the dear old fireplace
in the hall intact and the spindle-legged
furniture of Lady Anne's boudoir-would
your mother like it, do You think? And
would she care for blue and amber silk
curtains?
Whatever you think best will please
my mother, said Tom gently, looking
with grateful eyes at the lovely speaker.
And then they passed into the "Para-
disc" room, 80 like the one at Hilary
Manor, only smaller.
This must be Paradise regained said
Betty, laughing. But l never noticed it
before. Adam and Eve look quite happy
in their garden, and there is no sword
waiting to drive them out.
Tom looked down at his fair companion
and thought it would indeed be Eden If
she were there. But he was not used to
making speeches, SO he only walked
silently beside Betty, wishing he had
been 'born in the purple" instead Of
"in sackcloth and ashes"
Three days ago would not have be-
lieved it he said to himself, with a sort
Of dull wonder. But, looking at the
lovely face beside him, his wonder van
ished, and he thought it was the most
natural thing in the world.
And in a months time tile old Dover
House had put on its best "bib and
tucker" quaint and ancient indeed as
ever, but no longer a "thing Of shreds
and patches. :" Tom Archer had been
visited by many Of the resident gentry,
following Sir Jasper's lead and on
lovely July day the young man went
down to Southampton to meet his mother.
Smoke issued from the twisted chimneys
OF the Dover House, and all was ready
for the reception of it's mistress.
Betty had walked down to the Dover
House with Sir Jasper to see that all was
in proper order, and, whilst the Baronet
fumed and fretted in and out OF tile Quaint |
old house, his daughter filled large bowls
with roses and put the finishing touches
10 the suite OF rooms intended for tile
coming guest. Then she fitted into the
panelled room where dinner was laid for |
two, and stood admiring her handiwork |
with some little natural pride.
Dad, she cried, when Sir Jasper came |
in hot and tired from the garden, have I |
forgotton anything? Is it all exactly as |
It should be?
Well, perhaps it's triae too grand |
after the cattle ranch the Baronet said |
yruffiy. But, after all, Betty. women
soon get used to luxury. They're selfish |
animals after they're past forty!
Then I'm glad I'm not forty yet, dad |
When I've arrived at that critical age.
you shall tell me whether Pm selfish or
-