Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1909-05-13
CHAPTER MI.

Jack Phillimore. speeding hOmeward,
has ample leisure to reflect upon the
heavy clouds that have gathered over his
love affair. Naturally one of the gayest
and lightest hearted officers in Her Ma
jesty's fleet, two or three acqualntances
he had on board could not at all under
stand him in his present somber mood.
But Jack was terribly earnest in his love
for his cousin. That Beatrice had thrown
him over for mere wealth he could not
and would not believe. and Mrs. Lyme
Wregis's letter supported him in his IN
credulity. However. one thing was quite
clear-the first thing he had to do on es-
tablishing himself in Eondon was to go
straight to the Victoria road.
Lord Lakington is not at home, but
the ladies are in the drawing room said
the man servant in response to his knock.
Glad to see you back, Mr.. Philllmore,
continued Jackson, as he preceded the
visitor up the stairs, for the young naval
officer was very popular with all the do
mestics.
Mrs. Lyme Wregis was ensconced in
her favorite seat in the window. She
had seen the arrival of the mail steamer
in the morning papers. and had been ex-
pccting Jack for the last hour. She well
coined him cordially of course said moth
ing about Bea atrice's abrupt disappear
aEce, and, upon second thoughts, came
to the conclusion that perhaps it was for
the best 1t would give her few min
utes in which to tell her story, while the
girl might well require a little time to
prepare herself for meeting with her
| old lover.
Jack Phllimore was soon in possession
OF all that Mrs Lyme Wregis had to tell
| him, which, after all. was very little
more than she had already marde him
acquainted with by letter. He certainly
| learned that not only was the marriage
most definitely settled, but that the very
day for it was fixed He was further in
formed that his successful rival was q
Mr.. Robert Pegram the son of a gentle
man of considerable property in Wales
that the Young couple were to commence
life upon an income of four thousand 8
wear; that Lord Lakington and Beatrice
were both most lavish regarding the
trousscau: and lastly, that she, Mrs
Lyme Wregis, felt perfectly sure-and il
spite of what her granddaughter nigh
saw 10 the contrary-that Beatrice wa!
going to the altar under some sort of com
pulsion, and that her feeling for her be
trothed was rather that of repugnanc
than mere indifference.
Having told her story which, as Jacl
phiIlimore remarked, contained not th
slightest allusiOn to the Niscount'
wealthy prospects. Jack came to the con
clusion that as yet he was a very Ion;
way from unraveling the tangled skein o
his love.
But where is Trixie? Surely she vii
seq me? She must feel bound to: if j
is only" he concluded, with a somewha
hitter smile, ito receive my congratula
tions on her wedding"
"Of course she will see you," replies
the old lady. Ring the bell, and | vii
send for her Jackson" continued tn
old lady. as that servant made his appear
ance in answer to the summons, tell on
of the maids TO let Miss Beatrice know
that Mr.. Phillimore is here, and anxiou
TO see her
A few minutes delay. and then a smar
lady's maid entered the room.
Miss Beatrice's love, sir, and she
very glad that you are back again; bu
she is SO much engaged just now tha
, il is impossible for her to come down.
at is useless, you see" said Jack Phi
, limore. as the girl left the ROOM "sh
: won't even see me"
He had hardly got down the stairs, tn
, sound of his feet had scarce died ava
in the hall. when the drawing room doc
was dashed open. and in rushed Beatrice
: flushed and almost breathless with e1
| citement.
What did he say, grandmamma? Fl
must look upon me as the meanest an
! most despicable girl he not only. eve
> met. but ever heard of. II was unkind G
YOU. grandmamma, TO bring him home ii
/. ALI was over. But what did he say"
: Like other people, he wants an e,
; PLANTATION Of your mysterious engagemsn