Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-04-01


From what | remember q, nv cors;n
[ think may safely predict that her
good sense and good feeling will preserve
her from a misalliance," Darcy replied;
then, fancying that lie saw Percy's brows
contract, he changed the awkward topic
L like your bachelor quarters, but I
cannot compliment you on the works of
high art with which you have surrounded
yourself. What has become of the head
i'll crayons of my aunt, that used to hang
in our study at Madrid?"
Percy got up, and in some confusion
began pulling down the Autographs and
dinging them into the fireplace, where a
few taps with the poker converted them
into shapeless wreck.
Il did not advocate or. even hint at
such wholesale destruction his cousin
commented.
"Pshaw. had forgotten the stupid
things, or they would have been con-
signed to the flames long ago." answered
Percy. Il wish l had the money l fool
ishly squandered on the rubbish
Experience must be bought How do
you like your brother officers?''
well enough; but I'm thinking of sell
ing out. It's such an expensive corps"
Selling out, or exchanging, which do
you mean?" Darcy inquired. ''If you
wish to see some active service, l COM
mend you. A year or two on some for
eign station would do you no harm.'
The lad eyed him suspiciously.
Have you been told to give me that
advice?"
Certainly not; spoke at the spur Of
the moment, though L believe l should
say the same after a weeks deiberation.
[ have enjoyed my own wanderings in
other lands immensely"
Il wish they had let me go with you,
old fellow! No, don't, though! But l
wish something had been done with me
when l was a child, to make ME differ
ent to what 1 am. l have been humored
and petted till I'm just an overgrown
idler; fit for nothing unless a war broke
out, when l should do very we'll to be
shot at.'
DO you often hold these opinions, or
are they merely the result of a severe
nights dancing, or a snubbing from some
pretty woman? Percy, my dear fellow, l
don't want to steal into your confidence,
but 1 should certainly like to know what
is at the bottom of these murmurings.'
Nothing more than you have learned
already" was the evasiye reply. Il have
grown sick of myself, as we leungers
about town must do at some time or
other. Where are you going to take up
your abode-at my fathers:
''At an hotel / think. [ have promised
to go back to my uncle to dinner, and l
took upon myself to say that you would
put aside any other engagement you may
have and go with me-"
Percy smiled, but shook his head.
81 should enjoy an evening with you,
above all things; but, frankly, my father
and l don't get on together, and we are
best apart. l have given him cause to
be displeased with me, but on the other
hand, he is prejudiced, unjust, unfeel-
ingw
Gently, gently, Percy. Say, if you
will. that there have been hasty words on
both sides, which should be regretted and
forgiven"
Percy bit his lip, and made an impetu-
Gus reply.
when my father will hear me pa
tiently, and acknowledge his injustice to
the woman his suspicious wrong, l will
try to be a better son to him, and not
before"
"Am [ to carry this message to my
uncle?7 asked Darcy, little sternly.
Am | to say that, unmindful Of the flllal
affection you owe to him, you propose
terms to which he must consent, before
YOU will return to your duty?"
TELL him nothing!" was the passionate
RESPONSE. Don't interfere between us;
if will do no good We are best apart.
with him and
vince him that he is i'll the wrong, he
curls his lip so scornfu y, that my oloou
grows hot, and we are obliked to sepa-
rate, or quarrel. Leave our chickering's to
time, Darcy"
81 must be permitted to remark, even
though I offend, that the influence which
some one evidently has over you cannot
be of good kind, if it induces you to
quarrel with your best friends.
Il have no better, truer friend than
the woman whom my father abuses; ana
knowing this, | will not bear word
against her from any one eIse! sald
Percy, haughtily.
Darcy sighed. 1t was no use arguing
with this hot-headed boy, who made 1t
a point of honor to defend his enslavef
against all corners. The striking of
height oring clock gave HIM an excuse
for ending the interview.
'"Then I must return alone; but L snail
look in upon you some time tomorrow
Il will stay at home for you TIL eight.
After that. l have an appointment
after that hour" his visitor men
tally concluded, ''he suns himself III the
smiles that are bestowed on all admirers
indiscriminateIy. Poor, foolish youth. he
is deep in the mire, indeed
Pointing to the chaos on the table as
he passed it, Darcy asked, with a smile
if il consisted of mementoes of past tn
umphs.
Past follies, if you will. | have dis-
charged my servant, or you would not
find my rooms so untidy."
Are you such veritabe hermit that
you even wait upon yourself?D MT. Les
mere queried in surprise
Not entirely The valet of ore OF my
neighbors comes in now and then. lt IS
cheaper"
vou Should be-