New-York tribune., 1906-05-06


some The honest Colonel
was delighted at her thoughtfulness, and humorous
interlude followed while they discussed menu
which would answer the requirements.
The first disappointment in store for Colonel
GanSbOrOugh came to him in the absence of his son
at the dock Everybody, it seemed. had a vel
come. Handkerchiefs waved. The air was full of
a warm-hearted buzz and hustle greeting firm
hand-shake, the quick trembe of voices IN glad
emotion. There was IN many eyes the keen fulfil
ment OF expectation For him, however, there was
one, and he drove of sadly, additionally his
ignorance OF the reason why his lOnged-for meeting
at the gangway had failed him. 1t was to have
been for him the first definite assurance and an
nOunCement that the weary routine OF military lie,
the eternal jungle the perpetual tension and rumors
Of the frontier had ceased Tor all to be replaced
10y new lie OF gentler and more humane interests,
Inaugurated and sealed by the glad greeting of his
boy. He not there, and the welcome of the
home country grew strangely cold and Indifferent.
At the old-fashioned hotel behind Burlington
House where he purPosed to stay there was no Cyrll
to greet him. Only letter placed in his hand
he went disconsoatelv to his room TO dress for
dinner. The handwriting Of it. bold and cultured,
was vaguely familiar: but he could not in memory
discover to whom II should be attributed. Without
the slightest forebodIng he tore II open paled turned
sick at heart almost staggered amid the ruin of
radiant castles, as he read II from Cyril's
headmaster, precise, cold almost indifferent on
paper:
Ny DEAR CoLoNEL GAINsBoRoUGH-It IS with sincere
made by OF my assistants concerning your Cyril
IN the course OF the examinations which summarize and
donable cheating whilst his form engaged upon
paper Divinity the Book Judges and the First Book
OF Samuel Upon interrogation, he confessed his dcln
quenCv with singular lack OF comprehension that he had
committed grave breach Of morality emphasized by the
solemn nature OF the subject always opposed 10
publicity matters of this solemn nature, Vet felt myself
obliged segregate him from his companions during the
few remaining hours of the therefore kept him
secsou with simple food and copy OF the New Ie
1nent. until the departure OF the other boys.
He VIII reach Waterloo at the day which You
VIII receive this letter and the assistant master whr
accompanies him London Is instructed deliver him
7I sr n lr II ir1N
regard welfare general reputation Of
nay school must lead to decline to take Your further
under MY charge With sincere regret and regards be-
heve me very faithfully yours
Colonel Gainsborough reeled TO chair The
fatal letter hung Imply IN his fingers For mo-
ment he could scarcely see, almost losing
consciousness. His ideal was shattered Life
all life. seemed suddenly empty and IneXpress-
ibly desolate. His son, the pink OF scrupulous
honor, as he had dreamed his son growing up
the highest traditions OF gcntleman-hIs
common cheating at examinations seemed SO
degrading that II almost IncOmprehenslblc
The pity Of II! Never IN the whole course OF
his strenuous, frugal and honorable life had SO
severe a shock fallen upon him.
Pale and erect on the morrow, he stood on
the platform at Waterloo Station and awaited
the arrival OF his son.
The train drew up. There was the boy, the
bright slim youngster Of the Photographs
coming toward him with pathetic tnIdity. At
sight OF his wave OF sel1-reproaCh swept