The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-02-03

well. my lad, it's good to have you
back once more"
Thanks. Uncle Hervey; it's very
kind of you to say So
"Are you really better?'
Sound as q drum Never felt bet
ter in my life. There is nothing like
New Zealand air, after all"
$50 | should judge!" exclaimed Sir
Hervey Ralston, world of affection
in eve 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 perhaps sur
prising."
Sir Hervey found his sunny smile
infectious. Perhaps not You will be
able to Judge for yourself this evening.
There is a function at Lady Wolver-
tons, and although l am sorry 1t oc-
ours on the night Of your return,
thought you would prefer to come"
Stifing his disappointment, Ralston
rejoined: by all means, Uncle Her
yey. l would not have you change
your plans on my account for the
world. Besides which, am eager to
make the acquaintance of my future
aunt"
Sir Hervey laughed. 81 never looked
Mt it in that light before. She is
younger than you, my boy
"And so are you in many ways" re-
torted Ralston, stoutly. you are
generation younger than most men of
forty-five, 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: 81 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 bache-
lor, SO I 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 q natural one, and his lip quivered
under the fair moustache. The un-
divided 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 al
ready. Which is the happy day."
THE 9Th of April" replied Sir Her
vey, leading the way into the house
"And this is the 10th of February
n will be here in no time"
Il am glad you are back before
April, lad. began to think Dunedin
was TO claim you as a permanency,
and want you as best man for the
occasion"
Hugh Ralstons 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 70 lose You know your
ROOM"
Lady Wolverton's receptions were
always well attended. In her position
ms queen of the society in which she
moved she had been ably seconded by
her daughter Adelaide, whose engage
ment to Sir Hervey Ralston she view
ed with unalloyed delight. His i'm
mense wealth was an undisputed fact.
their own poverty being known only
70 mother and daughter. How much
OF the achievement of Sir Hervey's
desire had been due to the maternal
pressure brought to bear upon the
girl was not realized by the latter her.
self, 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 evidently
i'm store"
They had entered the reception room
and there, standing under the friendly
light of hanging lamp, Ralston saw
the most beautiful girl he had ever
dn his life beheld.
"Ah!" exclaimed Sir Hervey. the
blood coursing through his veins with
q rapidity almost boyish. Come,
Hugh. and let me have the pleasure of
presenting you; it is one to which
have long looked forward"
Adelaide Wolverton had seen them
gnd was ready with q gracious well
tonne Tor the nephew about whom she
Dad heard so much.
And this Is Hugh she said. 'You
anust not expect me to call you any
thing else for your name has become
. household word among us, has II
notf" 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
. desire that seemed likely to be full
Sxlied as the evening wore away.
''Teil me-" said Adelaide Wolyerton
me two hours later, that you dc
Ut look upon me as an interIoper.
sas desperately afraid of you before
4 saw you."
Raiston laughed. "And what tiid
ron fear In maY" he aslkad