The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-01-30

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cratic relations. Well. I must be worthy
OF an entree into Lady Annabel's draw
ing-rooms. / must answer this fiatter-
ing letter from his grace OF c.. !
hear he is a generous patron Of the arts.
He may make my advancement swifter.
shall elude all Lady Annabels inqui-
ries until have position her polished
brow may not frown upon.
Signor Vermont verified the proud re-
solves Of Walter Vernon. The two is
land pictures had made him famous.
Although they had endeayored to keep
it private, the story OF the beautiful
Lady Eleanor Collinwood as connected
with them was whispered from circle to
circle, and contributed undoubtedly to
their popularity. Orders from the high
est sources poured in upon him. Then
it was he responded to Admiral Lord
Collinwood's earnest invitation, and
presented himself at Collinwood House.
The admiral was fortunately in London,
and received him with the same friend
ly warmth he had shown on their first
meeting Lady Annabel, 100, was ex-
ceedingly kind and courteous, but Wal
ter was instantly aware Of an antagon-
istic feeling, despite her gentle express
sions Of gratitude She alluded quietly
to his own refusal to meet them before,
and acknowledged that 1t had grieyed
her daughter.
When their conversation first began
to flag, Lady Annabel arose with hei
inimitable grace Of manner and said.
Now, my dear admiral, if you please
you shall come to the library and have
a quiet little chat with me, while l send
for Lady Eleanor to come down to the
drawing-room. She is not yet aware Of
Mr.. Vernon's presence. It is natural
they should wish their first meeting to
be without witnesses"
He smiled in cheerful acquiescence.
"A good idea and very thoughtful in
you to remember it. Lady Annabelw
Five minutes Walter was left alone.
He needed thrice the time to calm his
heart; then he heard light, quick step
without, and the door opened for a
graceful figure robed in sea-blue satin
and sparkling with jewels. Both fair
white hands were outstretched, and she
said eagerly:
Cruel cruel Walter, why have on
delayed SO long?"
Then she paused abruptly. The tall,
handsome man. with his glossy whis-
kers and foreign moustacnc-was that
Walter?
The smile that broke over his face
reassured her.
"Ah, it is certainly you'll was almost
afraid. Oh, Walter, are you half as glad
as to meet again after this long inter-
val? Foolish Walter-as proud as ever,
are you notY | meant to scold. that Won
should wait till the honors we're SO thick
about you, but am too happy now;
and your father-he is not with you?"
She had not given him chance to re-
ply before Still holding her hand, he
said gravely:
My father never reached the land,
Lady Eleanor-his prophecy was full
filled"
Her ready tears showed how COM
pletely she had kept her old nature
Walter had meant to be very dignified
and reserved; but with her genial, old
time manner, it was impossible; and
when they parted although no word
of love had been hinted--they were
Walter and Ellie, as in days gone by.
If Lady Annabel's face showed sign
of uneasiness at Eleanor's affectionate
goodbye and earnest entreaty that he
should come often, there was no sign
of it in the courteous words with which
she echoed her daughters invitation.