The Irish standard., 1908-05-16

81 begin to see how Miss Anthony
accomplished Vassar. She"
But you don't see. She's not a
protegee, but one of the richest WON.
en- in the city; and quite the rage,
though she returned less than month
ago."
Alfred's hope glimmered away to OBJ.
livion. His heart had sung Stella's
name through all the conversation:
yet nothing of this woman's life or
looks tailed with Stella. Still, if she
were Stella-oh, If she were Stella!
"All the Judge did was to manage
her mining property" Mrs. Harmon
went, mines she had owned for years
but supposed worthless. So they were
until the railroad made the valley Of
the Humboldt accessible"
"That was fortunate for her. Has
she finished school?"
"Yes, graduated with honors last
spring. You should have taken her in
to dinner if had known you were
coming; but I've promised her to Mr..
Montague. She's"
Hello, Vincent! Here you are maxi
ing love to my wife again! Beginning
right where you left off three years
ago, suppose, you young scamp!"
The Judge rolled in, fat, putting and
red with the exertion of hasty dress.
ing; yet man whose leonine head
and kind, fearless eyes would arrest
the most casual observer.
Isn't it good to have Alfred here
again?" she asked, as the two shook
hands heartily.
"Of course you think so! Most any
woman would enjoy this spruce young
chap. Never mind the old man, Vim.
cent. don't blame you. She's pret-
ty nice sort of an old girl, isn't shet
In in love with her myself. l."
George, you've twisted your tie.
; Let me change it," Mrs. Harmon in
terrupted, rising to adjust the knot
under the fat, shaven chin, giving 1t q
; tender pat or two for finish. Il do
wish you'd get you man; or-let me
help you"
"a mani" he snorted. when can't
dress myself to. suit you, madam, I'll
resign! Blast all this toggery, any,
how. Spike-tail coats, dinner in the
middle of the night Don't marry.
Vincent, or you'll be tied for life to
just such petticoat tyranny"
I've been accustomed to 1t in my
youth, sir, all except dinner at night;
that's new to me-"
Its the proper time to dine-at the
close of the day-the only time; when
there's leisure for guests, enjoyment
and digestion. AS for petticoat' tyran-
n.y." Mrs. Harmon smiled indulgently,
what would the judges social position
be with no wife to manage him? Why.
he'd go with one pump and boot to
a ball! In dressing-gown, too, per-
haps, if some sane person didn't look
after him."
: The Judge flung her merry re-
joinder and turned kind eyes to AL.
fred. Mother, the boys grown!"
Why the Judge called his wife moth
er" was mystery to their friends.
The more observant noticed that he
used the name only when moved;
seers read in it undying regret for the
son that came but never breathed.
Yes, it's true, judge" Alfred &C.
knowledged. I'm spite Of hardship and
roughing it I've laid on flesh"
The bell rang.
"There are the rest of the diners!
| Come on, Vincent, into the den with
me. Therell be time for good talk
before the madam's train and Toy are
ready fer dining-room conjunction. l
want to hear by eyewitness from the
Front"
The two went into a large rear room
overlooking the Bay, the Golden Gate,
Saucelito struggling down the Marin
county hills to the shore, Tamalpais
and all the rest of the blue and golden
brown panorama unrolled before them
in eternal beauty.
Alfred declined cigars, but the Judge
smoked serenely. quite Indifferent to
the nearing dinner hour.
"Tell me, how's the iron horse race
coming on out there in the sage-brush?
Crocker and Gregory getting in on the
last heat?"
Eyes, sir; they're making fair time" )"
Alfred replied. "They expected to be
at Salt Lake City in the spring, but
they've had to change the route, you
know, to the north end of the lake."
"Yes; on account Of the great
swamps, they said. Was that neces-
sary? 1t cuts out pile Of good ter
ritory."
"They decided it was necessary. The
detour would carry the road far out Of
line, and take too long. Our company
has already Tapped the Union Pacific
grade; still, it is uphill work; they
can't build as fast as they ought"
"The refusal of the government to
accept that 100 miles of Union Pacific
road will delay them; I'm glad Of
that"
But 1t hasn't Those people are
rushing right along, regardless Of
Uncle Sans disapproval."