His Sombre Rivals

kind of you," she said, "to come over

ride of fifty miles in the cars s

are going

w hours' sleep I shall venture upon the cars again and plunge into all the perils and excitements of a real

is useless for us to protest, for when did

ault of man: we merel

ou please, but you are always obeying some profound law that we poor mortals know nothing about

nse. "'When she will, she will, and when

hist since you left us, and we are nearly an hour behind time to-night. Mrs. Mayburn, your humble servant. Excuse me for not rising. Why the deuce my gout should trouble me again just now I can't see. I've not seen you since that juvenile picnic which seeme

love for his only child was the supreme affection of his heart, and she by her choice had fulfilled his best hopes. Her future was provided for and safe. Then from the force of long habit he thought next of himself. If his tastes were not luxurious, he had at least a strong liking for certain luxuries, and to these he would gladly add a few more did his means permit. He was a connoisseur in wines and the plea

terials the greater the genius required for producing certain results. Now, I'm a genius, Mrs. Mayburn. You wouldn't dream it, would you? Papa sometimes has a faint consciousness of the fact when he finds on his table wines and dishes of which he knows the usual cost. 'My dear,' he will say severely, 'is this paid for?' 'Yes,' I reply, meekly. 'How did you ma

o give her as much pleasure as they afforded him, he had let them pass. It is hard for a petted and weary invalid to grow in self-denial. While the old gentleman would have starved rather than angle for Hilland or plead his cause by a word-he

e enjoyed the world's gossip far more when he could talk it over with others, and maintain on the questions of the day half a dozen good-natured controversies. When at the seashore the previous summer he had fought scores of battles for his favorite measures with other ancient devotees of the newspaper. Grace had made Graham laugh many a time by her inimitable descriptions o

please Grace, and would have to please her husband. Her mother when dying had committed the old man to her

with scarcely more than the difference that she was conscious that she was turning. When at last she ceased to wonder at the truth that her life had become blended with that of another-for, as her love developed, this union seemed the most natural and inevitable thing in the world-she began to think of Hilland more

yes during their play, which continued for two hours or more, with scarcely a remark or an interruption beyond the requirements of the game. The old major loved this complete and scientific absorption, and Grace loved to humor him. Moreover, she smiled more than once at Graham's intentness. Never had he played so well, and her father had to put forth all his veteran skill a

ble to Grace, and caused no misgivings. It is easier for a woman than for a man to hide emotions from a woman, and Mrs. Mayburn's gray eyes and strong features rarely revealed anything that she meant to conceal. The major acquiesced good-naturedly,

the rack, and said, smilingly, "Your enthusiasm is contagious.

ace asked, with an arch smile over her

you not re

illand is your best and nearest friend. This little girl of mine has been playing blind-man's-buff with her old father. She thought she had the handkerchief tight over my eyes, but I always keep One corner raised a little. Well, Mr. Graha

blushing face behind his white shock of hair. "

t interest Mrs. Mayburn, the best and kindest

omise you, Miss Grace, that I shall give Hilland a severer curtain lecture th

ank case of filial deception that was not in the least successful. This 'I came, I saw, I conquered' friend of yours, Mr. Graham, soon discovered that he was dealing with a race that was not in

nce at the young girl, asked, "Are you sure, sir, tha

e role of disinterested friend to a lonely young man condemned to the miseries of a mining town. I was often tempted to ask her why she did not extend her sympathy to scores

I appeal to Mrs. Mayburn if I did not keep my flag flying

lady, dryly; "I ca

it seems, Mr. Graham, as if you and your aunt had already become a part of our present and prospective home circle. I have seen a letter in which Warren speaks of you in a way that reminds me

tling up, "neither Grace nor I will pe

y, neglected boy, who had scarcely ever known kindness, much less affection, and his ardent, generous nature became an antidote to my gloomy tendencies. From the first he has been a constant and faithful friend. He has not one unworthy trait.

toward herself. To her surprise she also noted that Mrs. Mayburn's eyes were filled with tears, but the old lady was equal to the occasion,

ations might never have existed. I must ask your congratulations also," he continued, turning toward the major and his daughter.

e friend since you bec

accent of repro

you and your father as su

he glasses to Graham, and with the other in his left hand, he said, "And here I pledge you the word of a soldier that I acknowledge the claim in full, not only for Hilland's sake, but your own. You

t. Mr. Graham, if so many new friends are not an embarrassment of riches, will you give me a little niche among them?" "I cannot give you that which is

r. Hilland, who, according to Alford, seems to embody all human excellence. I have only this philosophical nephew, and even with him shall

is absence, and was cordialit

za. "Mr. Graham," she said, hesitatingly, "

on to my affairs in the city, I have some business in Vermont, and

look so very pale? His eyes held hers. Mrs. Mayburn had walked slowly on, and seemingly he had forgotten her. The young girl's eyes soon fell before his fixed gaze, and her face grew troubled. He started, and said lightly, "I beg your pardon, Miss Grace, but you have no idea what a picture you make with the aid of those roses. The human face in clear moonlight r

s?" the young girl asked, with an attempt to

ar him; "but when one's passions are of so mild a type

her hand. "You have promised to

p as he said quietly and firm

ut him. I hope it's only a passing disappointment, for we should