The San Francisco call., 1906-03-25
Man MUST Conquer.

which invitation all had enthusiastic
ally accepted with the exception OF
Mrs winston, who had insisted that the
party was tar too gay for her to think
OF keeping pace with. The affair was
generally conceded to be a compliment
10 Edith, and to the desires Of that
young lady all had meekly bowed. She
had Immediately declared for the Wal
6Orf. when the all important question
Of the luncheon came up for considera-
tion; she had never been inside the
great hotel, and this, to be sure, was
a golden opportunity not to be neg
lected.
You are all right, Sis" Jack had
declared with gracious condescension.
You can be your brothers sister so
long as you possess such fine discre-
tion."
The little party was fortunate in Sc
curing a position affording an excellent
view OF the large dining room, and TO
the youngest member the scene was as
q glimpse of another world. Her eyes
expressed wonderment; her words
quaint impressions Of the people and
surroundings. To her all was gold that
glittered, and there was much that
shone resplendent. All were men and
women quite ideal-indeed, who shall
say TO the contrary! Princes and prin-
cesses there seemed to be in surprising
numbers upon this particular occasion.
and a king or queen might shortly
wander In II q certain Jack-better
called a knsve-did not desist from
ushertng In these notables and seating
them promisouously about the place s
best suited his diabolical purpose.
II the many were a source OF interest
to the few, the latter were accorded no
little attention. Cathalee numbered
among her acQuaintances many OF the
lunchers. Theirs was a one-stnr COM
pany, Jack had occasion to early re-
mark: indeed one could hardly fail to
note the very especial attention accord
ed that bright and particular luminary
by friends and strangers alike.
Not unconsciously, another member
OF the party was receiving rather more
than his share OF the attention from a
certain quarter. Miss Constance Hill
man and Mr.. Charles Francis Herring
don chanced to be present with a
party Of friends. Could that young
woman believe her eyes? Really.
there must be some mistake strik-
ing resemblance, surety" Did M. Her
ringdon know the gentleman? No
that is, yes. Really, my dear Con-
stance, it can't be, you know-By
Jovel-
Old Major Rothford came stamping
in briskly and pompously rs became an
ancient man of valor, and catching
sight OF the little group, all of whom
he had known from childhood with the
exception of waldron). charged down
upon them, and accorded his usual
hearty greeting. Delighted Believe
me, sir-delightedr he vigorously de-
clared, giving Waldron's hand cordial
grip.
II was Characteristic of the major to
accord a new acquaintance hearty
greeting, and TO declare himself De-
lighted-delighted. sir!" yet the pene-
trating glance Of the sharp old eyes,
which seemed to have lost none of their
youthful fire, seemed to say no less
plainly that this hearty initiative was
probationary TO the good graces of the
old warrior. AS for the opposite sex.
the major was far too gallant an old
soldier 10 lend himself to even a remote
possibility Of causing embarrassment
by such tactics, and, moreover. would
doubtless have averred in his charac-
teristic speech, 'Egad. you read in a
woman's eyes only what she pleaseS
you TO know" and he was merely De
lighted, madam assure you, delight
edr' bending his straight old back with
a gracious dignity a younger man
might we'll envy.
Bless my old souIv he vociferated,
lit does me good to see such youth and
beauty" glancing around the little
group. Edith. If some young fellow
doesn't catch you pretty soon and lock
you UP in a dark closet, you will break
more hearts than Cathy one Of these
days. All, yes, my dearl' he insisted, in
reply to Cathalees vigorous protest of
major" You don't know the havoc
your sex creates among US. We're a
sad lot, Waldron," he solemnly de-
clared, they dazzle our eyes. steal our
hearts, and call US tickle. It's wrong
all wrong" he declared, wagging his
ancient head. The odds are against
US"
The major is the most gallant old
beau in New York this very minute,
laughed Cathalee. Away down deep
in his heart is a firm and abiding con-
viction Of the very great superiority of
man, yet mark you the compliment he
pays u.s.
''Egad. and 1 mean it-every word
Of ib" he vigorously protested Ny
old white head, and a rebel bullet rat
tling around in my old anatomy, and a
gout, are all that keep me from max
ing as big a fool of myself as some of
the younger chaps" he declared. as he
bade adieu to his young friends, who
were much amused by his infectious
good humor.
The major had retired from active
service some years since on a compe-
tency sufficient TO afford his declining
years the comfort which a long and
faithful service to his country richly
entitled him. He had been fighting
for his country since he could tote" a
eun-"Fought for her, and Egad, sir.
bled for her too-and I'm proud of II.
And there's a chip Of the old block out
there in the West that will go on fight
ing for her so long as she needs de-
fender, just as his old dad did before
him"
The old fellow was a modern edition
Of the old school. He had kept pace
with the times, yet his underlying char
acter and principles were essentially OF
times long past. He was old-he knew
it. and had no objection TO being called
old. He was out of the running with
the young fellows-he was an old fool!
but DAMNED there are older fools who
have not discovered what everybody
else has known for twenty years or
more" he bad declared, with character
istic vehemence upon certain occasion
when his temper had been ruffied.
He lived at his club. and despite his
intimation of infrmities. enjoyed very
good health. and took life very COM
placently. He was a general favorite
with all his acquaintances, and his
mood seldom varied from that in which
he greeted his young friends. Cathalee