The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-02-03
HOW HE RECALLED THE Wild.
OW NATION TO HAPPY
GIRLHOoD DAYS.

cred by Mrs. Nation and her daugh-
tiers for entertaining their intended
English visitor, young Andrew Car
ten, who, it was understood, would
be attended by his travelling SER
want or companion, Mr.. Bearsley.
Mrs. Nation was a widow, having
married at an early age her daugh-
tiers were but II and IS.
What brought Carten to the
quiet home of the Nations the NAL
tons could not divine; the placidity
of their life in the New England
town of Harper, they thought could
present no attractions to their for
eign cousin, whom they had known
by report as wealthy son who had
lately come into his inheritance.
Mother" said Laura, the young
er daughter, 81 wish they were not
coming; l am afraid of Mr.. Carten
already. I don't think it is right
that he should come here to mar
our peace"
Eyes" said her sister Annie, who
had just returned from the garden,
"why should a man like that want
to contemplate an American girl
engaged at work as I've been?
Then that companion-I suppose
he has wig and quotes latin, has
thin legs and is afraid of dogs. In
deed, mother, they will both be dis
pleased with u.s."
Daughters" said Mrs. Nation,
"Mr. Carten's father, though only
a distant cousin, was kind to me,
and had l chosen to remain with
my kin in Eangland, I'd never have
had to see myself so poor as we
are now. I married poor and tried
fortunes with your father here
alone"
In the train approaching Harper
sat, Carten and Bearsley; the latter
was evidently nervous, as he re-
marked to his companion:
"Carten, my boy, it is good of
you to take me here to see Mary
Cresten, or Mrs. Nation, as she is
now. If | find that l ought not to
remind her of her former love for
me by revealing my identity, I can
go away again and she will never
know.
Arriving at the Nations place at
night, only Miss Nation received
them. The Englishmen were pleas
ed. The simplicity and natural
beauty of the surroundings assured
them of complete repose, while
Bearsley was more delighted in
finding Mrs. Nation still attractive
AT breakfast on morning soon
after their arrival Carten suggest
ed fishing jaunt, which the young
ladies were inclined to accept upon
Mrs. Notions being prevailed upon
to accompany them. Bearsley was
delegated and nearly betrayed his
feelings by Familiarity dropping the
Mr.. in addressing Carten and al
most falling into a further famili-
arity of a compliment to Mrs. NAL
ton.
On their way to the river Mrs.
Nation found herself committed to
Bearsley's charge. whose greater
experience, it was argued, would
be of much advantage to her. Their
conversation turned upon England,
as they sat watching their lines,
and Bearsley showed an acquain-
lance with her old home scenes
that surprised and pleased her.
Carelessly Bearsley remarked:
Did you know Thos. Welton. of
that section, great friend of your
cousins family"
With sigh Mrs. Nation said:
Yes and a blush with her re-
mark as to what had become of
him betrayed her interest, if not
her deeper feelings.
4 Bearsley told her that Thomas
was now Sir Tom; that after a life
Spent in travel he had returned to
his home, where he lived alone.
They say, too, he loved once, years
ago, girl who was Mary Creston:
that for her sake he will never
marry!" Bearsley added.
Mrs. Nation blushed still deaper
and said she had some knowledge
of the girl; and Bearsley, fearing
he might appear too bold for one
in his position, desisted.
On returning form their excurs-
ion Mrs. Nation sought out Carten