The Ely miner., 1905-03-17

chucked away the sport, made an ass OF
yoursef-which you have done once or
twice beforehand now you've got hope
lessly muddled between regenerated ag-
riculture and the King Cophetua and
the beggar maid business. Come down,
| man; come down, and break out into
something less dangerous; invent new
service rifle-any mortal tomfoolery you
like but tying yourself to an interesting
rural brat for the rest of your life"
Sir Henry arose with stiffness OF de-
pertinent unknown among the accom-
plishments of most young men OF the
present day. But, excepting in regard
to his ties. his hat, and his coats, he was
quite unlike his contemporaries.
Goodnight" he said, with crisp in
tonation.
my dear fellow!" exclaimed Boldero.
rising also.
Sir Henry Silvering turned his back
and walked toward the door
81 say!" called Boldero.
Sir Henry motioned with dignity to
the clerk at the desk that his bill should
follow him.
John Boldero whistled softly, raised
his eyebrows and sat down again.
On the third day of his visit, Sir
Henry decided that Lady Warrington
Tas the right person with whom to con-
suit, and he acted Immediately. Great
ly to the disappointment of his precip-
itous disposition, he found her out.
Coming away from the park, however,
he met Lady Muriel with a pair of bois-
ferrous spaniels on leash. They seemed
the natural attendants upon her gay
hearted person. but Sir Henry rather re-
sented the presence of all three-they
did not in any way accord with his pres
ent frame of mind.
"I'm very nearly dragged to death"
laughed Lady Muriel, gayly. Been up
to see mother? She'll be awfully sorry
to have missed you. Won't you come
back? Mothers sure to be at home again
by five."
"Oh-er-thanks, it's very good OF
you," began Sir Henry, Without his usu-
al readiness; but it doesn't matter In
the least; 1 only came up to" .......s. 4
He paused abruptly and Lady Muriel
looked at him.
"Oh, don't mind mel" she cried smil-
ing; I'm in the secret, and most In
terested party-she was one of my girls,
you know"
your girls?" queried Sir Henry, un-
certainly.
Lady Muriel shook her head emphat-
Ill
you see and little Eva Shelley used to
come-whenever she couldn't stay away.
Oh, you mustn't mind,' she went on,
seeing the expression of confused dis
comfort that was Overspreading her
companions features; ''but she was
rather a naughty little thing, and the
bad marks against her for bringing
taffy into class was appalling at times"
Even if the girl had possessed any de-
sire to disillusionize Sir Henry-which
she did not-she would have been pro-
ceeding in a futile manner.
He pictured to himself wayward
sprite, and murmured, almost uncon-
sciously: "She is very beautiful"
"She's jolly, pretty little thing"
LHo gin, ltSdl lily.
81 shall be very glad to do what can.
if you will let me-" exclaimed Lady
Muriel at length. rather breathless.
mo, will you?" responded Sir Henry.
giving vain tug at the leash. Tit
it will help me lot"
"Dear-dear little Eve!" painted Lady
Muriel. breaking into run again.
Eight days after Sir Henry Silvering's
departure. Boldero was sitting gather
ing useless information from an evening
paper at his club, when he experienced
tingling slap on the shoulder. It was not
the only cause of his springing from his
chair
my dear Harry" he exclaimed, shak-
ing horny hand and regarding sun
Drowned face. How are you?"
"Splendid-fit-sp pronounc-
ed Sir Henry, with a newly-acquired ag-
ricultural robustness.
"And-er-the lady?" began Boldero.
feeling the delicacy of the subject after
their last parting.
Splendid = wonderful - splendid"
cried the enthusiast "Her people are
coming up to town next week, he added.
with grin Of delight.
"And Miss-let me see. don't think
know her name, Harry, do II" inquired
Boldero, cautiously.
my dear Jack!" exclaimed Sir Harry.
in amazement; why, Muriel. of course
the only Muriel.'
"Of course" repeated Boldero. and no
one would possibly have known from
the tone of voice that he was mentally
taking himself by the scuff of his neck
and shaking it, as he added: my hearty
congratulations, Harry, old man.
Lets go into the snoking-room and
drink them," gayly suggested Sir
Henry.