The Story-Teller.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume X, Issue 941, 5 September 1891, Page 4

The Story-Teller.

PRIMROSE DALLIANCE. (Continued,) ' Nonsense 1 ' she interrupted quickly. '•You take thines too seriously, my friend with uur inquiries into why and wherefoie. Tlte Ull va9 but an amusement to me ; >ou know how I love organizing anything, and— well, I thought, to teli the truth, it was the quickest and beat way of placing jou socially where 1 want to see you. You are fociallj cnworldly youmlf ; tut you must forgive your Friends for being ambitious on youi behalf. When we are m Rome we do as Rome does, and if one is m London it is best to be acquainted with the best people m it. I wished to set you afloat m the proper waters, and am glad to have achieved mj object. Are you sat- - Baed ? ' 1 With your kind interest m we ? Perfectly ; but whether your labour will prove to have been m vain hereafter, I know not. It is joet poesible fociety and I may have little to do with one ano tber m the future.' Lady Primrose looked up quickly. ' And why, may I ask 1 ' ' Because, Lady Primrose, I may have duties to perform which wpulJ prevent my developing into the gay idle man of pleasure you anticipate. No man can serve two mast, ra, you know.* ' Decidedly not. But why so vague ? May I not inquire more into this matter —this possible duty or duties, of the future ? ' 'Not at present. Later you shall know all,' Lady Primnxe was silent for a few minutes, evidently m doep thought 1 Did I tell you we are off to Primrose Castle m two days' tiae V she said suddenly. ' No ; this i« news.' * Yes \ it is a sud \en determination, lnt we think m the crisis of affairs, my , husband's presence locally may be benefiiial. I shall be terribly busy canvassing for him : running m and out of cottages all day long, kissing the babies, chatting with the mothers . Will you come and help me? I should be so thankful for your eloquence on these occasions.' ( How docs your ladyship know that my views are favourable to your cause ? that my eloquence, as you are good enough to call it, would be used m your aid ? ' eai I Mr. Durant, with a half smile, 'O, you must adopt my views,' said La<ly Primrose, with apparent carelessness. 'Cone, Mr. Durant, promise me aid ; help me m this, and you hiay command my gratitude tor ernv She held out her hand, with a swift upward gaze from under her long lathes. There was a pink flush* upon her cheek, and a seductive smile on her curled lijis. 1 Is it a bargain ?' sho said, m a half, whisper. He took the outstretched hand, and held it m a firm grasp, as he answered earnestly, ' 1 cannot answer that ques • tion now. It needs reflection. There may be reasons why it would be impossible to give you my aid. You shall have my answer later.' ' But when ? ' persisted her ladyship, leaving her hand calmly m his grasp. Mr. Durant reflected for a moment. ' You shall have my answer within one hour of your arrival at Primrose Castle,' he said. ' You art going n«rth, then, yourself ? ' ' Yes. I leave for home to morrow. You shall have my answer, Lady Prim* rose, most assuredly/ * You promise ? ' ' Yes, I promise.' And Mr, Durant kept his word. The first sight that greeted Lady Prim rose, m her drive from Primrose Station to the Castle, was a succession of flaming aposters, bearing theso ominous words - * Vote for Durant ! ' Ddraht, the Friend Of the People, FOR EVER !' And they did vote for Durant, and placed him at the head of the poll.

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