The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-10-06
CHAPTER Iv.-lContinued.)


they probably got through more money
than any one in the town, and there al
ways seemed to be plenty more where that
came from. The Signorina was now about
23 years of age, and of remarkably pre-
possessing appearance. She became al
most at once a leading figure in society ;
her parlor was the leading meeting place
Of all parties and most sets; she received
many gracious attentions from the Golden
House. She was also frequently the
hostess of members of the opposition, and
Of no one more often than their leader,
Colonel George McGregor, a gentleman
Of Scotch extraction, but not pronounced
ly national characteristics, who had at
tanned a high position in the land of his
adoption: for not only did he lead the
opposition in politics, but he was also
second in command of the army. He en-
tered the chamber as one of the Presi-
dents nominees (for the latter had re-
served to himself power to nominate five
members) }, but at the time of which l write
the Colonel had deserted his former chief,
and, secure in his popularity with the
forces, defed the man by whose help he
had risen. Naturally the President dis
liked him, a feeling cordially shared.
But his excellency's disapproval did not
prevent the Signorina receiving McGre-
gor with great cordiality, though here
again with no more than his position
seemed To demand.
l have as much curiosity as my neigh
bors, and | was proportionately gratiffed
when the doors of "Mon Repos," as the
Signorina called her residence, were open
cd to nae. My curiosity, l must confess,
was not unmixed with other feelings; for
I was a young man of heart, though
events had thrown SOLDERING responsible
ties upon me, and the sight of the Sig
norma in her daily drives was enough to
inspire a thrill even in the soul Of a
bank manager. She was certainly very
beautiful tall. fair girl, with straight
features and laughing eyes. 1 shall not
attempt more description, because al such
sound commonplace, and the
Signorina was, even by the admission of
her enemies, at least very far from COM
1t must suffice to say that.
like Father O'Flynn, she ''had such
way with her" that all of US men in Au-
old and young, rich and poor,
were at her feet, or ready to be there on
tho least encouragement. She was, to
my thinking, the very genius of health,
beauty and gaiety; and she put the crown
ing touch to her charms by very openly
and frankly soliciting and valuing the
admiration she received.
1t may be supposed, then, that
thought my money very well invested
when 1t procured me an invitation to
mon Repos," where the lady of the house
was in the habit of allowing a genteei
amount of card playing among her male
friends. She never played herself, bat
stood and looked on with much interest.
On occasion she would tempt fortune by
the hand of a chosen deputy, and nothing
could be prettier or more artistic than
her behavior. She was just eager enough
for a girl unused to the excitement and
fond of triumph, just Indifferent enough
to show that her play was merely pas
time, and the gain Of the money or its
loss matter of no moment An, Sig
norma, you were a great artist!
At Mon Repos" soon became an ha-
bitual, and, was fain to think, vel
come guest. Mrs. Darlington, who enter
tanned a deep distrust of the manners of
Aureataiand, was good enough to consider
me eminently respectable, while the Sig
norma was graciousness itself. 1t was
even admitted to the select circle at the
dinner party. which, as . rule, preceded
her Wednesday evening reception The
Colonel was, not to my pleasure, an
equally invariable guest, and the Presi-
dent himself would often honor the party
with his presence, an honor We found rath-
skill or chance was extraordinary.
Il have always trusted fortune" he
would say, "and to me she is not fckle."
who would be tickle if your excellen-
CT were pleased to trust her" the Sig
norma would respond, with a glance Of
almost fond admiration.
This sort of thing did not please Nc
Oregon. He made no concealment of the
fact that he claimed the foremost place
among the Signorina's admirers, utterly
declining to make way even for the Presi-
dent. The latter took his boorishness very
quietly and could not avoid the concur
sion that the President held, or thought
he held, the trumps. was, naturally,
intensely jealous of both these great men,
and, although had no cause to complain
of my treatment, could not stiie some
resentment at the idea that was, after
all, an outsider and not allowed a part
In the real drama that was going on. Ny
happiness was further damped by the fact
that luck ran steadily against me, and I
saw my bonus dwindling very rapidly.
l suppose l may as well be frank. and
confess that my bonus, to speak strictly.
vanished within six months after I FIRST
set foot In "Mon Repos," and found il
necessary to make that temporary use of
the interest fund" which the President
had indicated. My uneasiness was light
ened when the next installment Of inter
est was punctuahy paid. and, with youth
ful confidence, l made little deabt that
luck would turn before LONG.
CHAPTER v.
Time passed on, all leading an appar-
emily merry and untroubled life. In pub
lie AFFAIRS the temper was very different.
The scarcity of money was intense. and
serious murmuring had arisen when the
President 'squandered' his ready money
In paying interest, leaving his civil ser
wants and soldiers unpaid. This was the
topic OF much discussion in the press at
the time when went up one March