The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1904-03-24
aero S s
HIS PATH
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
WI ELL, my lad, it's good to have
wv you back once more"

Thanks, Uncle Harvey; it's very
kind of you to say So"
Are you really better?"
Sound as drum! Never felt bet
ter in my life. There is nothing like
New Zealand air, after ALL"
$50 | should judge!" exclaimed Sir
Hervey Ralston, a 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
%olverton's, and, although l am
sorry it occurs on the night of your
return, l thought you would prefer to
come"
Sitting his disappointment, Ralston
Tejoined: by all means, Uncle Her
vey | would not have you change
your plans on my account for the
world. Besides which, l am anxious to
make the acquaintance of my future
aunt"
Sir Henry laughed. 81 never looked
at it in that light before. She is
younger than you, my boy"
''And so are you in many ways"
retorted Ralston, stoutly. You are
generation younger than most men of
as 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
10 aver: 'I 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 | shall kick my heels with
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 natural one, and his lips quiv-
cred under the fair mustache The
undivided affection of many years
standing, affection that between uncle
undivided no longer.
A drive of half an hour brought
them to Sir Herveys house.
HIM" observed Ralston, with a
glance at the newly painted front
"Festive arrangements beginning
early. Which is the happy day."
"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"
81 am glad you are back before April,
Had. began to think Dunedin was to
claim you as a permanency, and |
want you as best man for the occa-
sion"
Hugh Raston'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 well 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 undisputed
fact, their own property being known
only to mother and daughter How
much of the achievement of Sir Her
veys desire had been due to the ma
ternal pressure brought to bear upon
the girl was not realized by the lat
ter herself, so subtle and ingenious
had Lady Wolvertons tactics been.
Now for the fray" murmured
young Ralston as they mounted tho
staircase; "the usual crush is evident
.3y in store"
They had entered the reception
room, and there, standing under the
friendly light of hanging lamp, Rails
ton saw the most beautiful girl he had
ever in his life beheld.
@'Ah!" exclaimed Sir Hervey, the
blood coursing through his veins with
n 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
and was ready with a gracious wei
come for the nephew about whom she
had heard so much.
''And this is Hugh" she said.
you must not expect me to call you
anything else, for your name has be-
come household word among us. has
1t not?" She turned to Sir Heryey,
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-a desire that seemed
likely to, be fulfilled as the evening
wore away.
Tell me-" said Adelaide Wolyerton
some two hours later, that YOU do
not look upon me as an interloper.
L was desperately afraid of you before
saw you"
Ralston laughed. "And what did
you fear in me?" he asked.
81 feared your Jealousy" was the
prompt reply ''for l knew how much
you and Sir Hervey had been to each