The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1915-08-24
Observation-Disclosures:
CLAIRVOYAHCE
BY ELLIS ROBINSON.

larkspurs and the nodding Canterbury
bells. A delicately pretty girl, full of
intangible subtleties, she could not
get over the surprise of finding her
self at Barton.
Her hosts, the Barton-Fairs, had sur
| prise of another sort-over her unflut-
tered acceptance of luxury. They knew
| very well why she was there. They
had made much money. Money in
turn had made them socially aspiring
particularly for Tom and Phyllis,
son and daughter of the house. Hence,
the transportation of Hilary Fon-
tame from the pinchings of genteel
poverty to the ease of lavish wealth.
Hilary was gladder for Aunt Pam
than for herself. Unless she, too, had
been asked, Hilary would not have
thought of going. But the Barton
Fairs had been anxious to have the
stately aunt. Aunt PANS only and be-
loved nephew, not yet thirty, but al
ready a man of mark, was coming
home to visit his people. Fontaine Dab
ney had the double distinction of be-
ing silver tongued, yet golden wise
for though he stood like a lion for
the poor, he had no antipathy for
riches.
Mr.. Barton-Fair had known all this
long before he knew the Fontaines.
He was entirely Of his clever wife's
mind, that Providence had made ready
in Aunty PANS young people precise
ly the right mates for Tommy and
Phyllis. He was prouder of his chill
dren even than of his fortune.
Aunty Pam liked Phyllis, even ad
mired her, although by contrast she
did make Hilary's April fairness APP
pear tritle wan. Tommy had won
the elder Miss Fontaine's warm heart
earlier than any of the others.
You nice boy, Please don't ever
grow up" she had said to him after
he had inveigled her into long ride
in his cara feat which heretofore
che had declared impossible. After
ward she had confessed to Hilary that
she should have thenceforth to think
better Of all rich young men.
Naturally she was very happy at
Barton. She sat in a garden chair
positively beaming as Tommy and
Hilary went up and down the long
border cutting flowers. Later, when
the flowers had been properly placed
a labor of JOY for Hilary-she said to
her niece: Really, Tommy is one of
thousand Fontaine even couldn't do
it better-being so much the host he
is not a bit the gallant. | hope Fon
taine will like all of them here-they
will be such good friends to you two
But there, won't talk"
Best not, Aunt Pam. Walls have
ears-how much more piazzas and
things" Hilary laughed, moving of
quickly. She knew what it was Aunt
Pam limited at-her darling plan to
match niece and nephew so that when
the family glories were again reful-
gent they should be concentrated, not
diffused
Fontaine knew it, too-and both had
been acquiesCent rather than eager
Hillary had even fancied she cared for
him, having seen hardly another man
of manageable condition.
She began now to think of him a
great deal - il the truth must be
spoken, to keep herself from thinking
good deal oftener of Tommy. The
latter certainly did not show signs of
being stricken but somehow, now
and then, something in his eyes-blue
and innocent almost as her own
some note in his voice-although It
spoke only commonplaces-stirr her
as Fontaine's look and speech had
never done.
Hilary was eager yet reluctant to
see her cousin. Aunt Pam had let her
know, indirectly. that she felt 1t in
cumbent to let the good Barton-Fairs
understand their prospective rela-
tionship. 1T will be more dignitied-
entire frankness," she had said
Hilary wanted to protest. to beg for
silence at least, but the habit of obe-
dience was too strong
So perhaps she was no more than
properly sympathetic when, just as
Fontaine was due, Aunt Pam devel-
Il
swelled her face grotesquely and kept
her out of view for full three days.
She would see nobody but the maid.
Wsen. upon the fourth morning, the
invalid came down to breakfast con-
valescent she found awaiting her the
surprise of her life. Standing her
stateiest self as she saluted host and
hostess. she began with an air on
finality that did great credit to her
dignity: Let me announce to you the
betrothal of my niece and my nephew"
"Why. Aunt PAM Are you a clair
voyant? However did you find it out?
We only knew it ourselves last night
and have just told the authorities
Fontaine interrupted.
And there he stood, with an arm
about Phyllis, while Tommy. grinning
like happy gargoyle. gently tweaked
Hilary's ear In twinkling. the Bar
tom Fair eldarc wara aitbar side IF tho