Casey's Love Affair....

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 115, 13 September 1902, Page 12

Caseys Love Affair....

A CHANGE came ovei Casey, and it was a startling one For t\\ o whole years the Redoubt had trembled at his coming, so quanelsome was he when in liquor. And a liking for di ink was not his only vice , he backed horses on every lawful day, pla\ed cards on Sunday, and pawned his fellow -lodger's gear lor the wheiewithal. In a moment, as it were, he stopped drinking, gambling, and thieving and dered. "That's the mission the^ie pieachmV' £>aid Rooney. ' Well, he wasn't at mass Sunday,' obseived Maeuire, "an' if it'd been that he would." Maybe his health's failin' p " suggested Nolan. Can't be," said Rooney 'cause he's woikin' more reg'lar. That's why I—"I — " "Tufc, tut," remarked Gallagher. "Where's the good uv spec'latin' ' More like he's made up his mm' to be manlike, an' has chucked foohn' wance an' for all " None of them had even a suspicion of the cause, which was strange considering that they were shrewd observers all. Casey had been returning from the Park on the preceding Satuiday afternoon, and had paused to refresh himself at the corner publichouse When he emerged he stumb'ed against a young woman, and knocked a basket sho was carrying into the roadway. "Can't ye luck where ye're goin'. ye blunderin' jackass '" was the lady's comment, and profanity suiged in Caseys breast, eager for expression But, he held his tongue when he saw her face. "Them's fine eyes." he thought "an luck at the roses in her cheeks." He stooped, and began to pick uti the provisions he had scattered, and all the time she continued to upbraid him with his clumsiness "Will you hould yer whist?" he said at last " 'Tis a poor use that to put a pietty mouth to." "Kape yer butter to versulf," said she, more ciuietly and just a little mollified. "Mebbe I'd better kape yours," replieu Casey, contemplating a mudstained parcel. "Tell ye what. Come, an' I'll buy ye another half-poun'." And he did , more than that, he offered to carry the basket home for the woman, and the service was accepted. To be exact, he was allowed to carry the basket. The woman never opened her lips, and she left him at the street top without even saying, "Thank you." Casey, of course, carefully noted the number. But what her name was he had not the slightest idea. At the corner. Brannigan hailed him. "Say, Casey," was the observation of the coalman, "she's a fine girl isn't she?" "Who is?" "Why, her ye tuk home there — Rosie Shields." "Brannigan " said Casey, 'come an' have a drink. You know her then ?" "On'y to luck at." "No matter. Tell me about her." And over the liquor Casey learned all he wished to know , that she was the daughter of Widow Shiels , that she worked over in Govan, and that she had a bit of a tamper. He knew of course, about the temper, but he did not say so. When he wakened next morning, and proceeded to refresh himself at the expense of his room-mate — who was a thoughtful man — he recalled the incident of the night before, and for the rest of the day he could think of nothing else. He declined a second drink, which greatly alarmed his comrade, and he cited his want of Sunday clothes as an excuse for not going out to play cards. "I doubt his head's wrong," said Hennessy, the Heater. "Luok'B like it," assented Dohorty. "Casey never was a dude." He remained in the house all day, and when the foreman wanted men the next morning, he almost died of astonishment to find Casey available. In the evening he declined three invitations to drink, and, as he stood smoking under the big lamp, carousels of the week-end type were eyeing him curiously from a respectful distance. He minded them not. "Mister I" said someone behind him. His heart gave a great leap, and he barely pulled himself together It was Rosie. "I'm vexed I spoke hard at ye on Saturday, but " "Ach' Where's the odds? Ye didn t hurt, Rosie." "Rosie indeed!" "I ax yer pardon — Miss Shields I shud say." "That ayther," she said. "What right have ye to name me at all ? I dunno ye." "That's easy put right then. I'm Casey— Phil Casey." "Casey are ye? I wish then I'd said more to ye." "Ye don't nowP"

I do, faith. I've been in terror uv ye when \e landed home bhnd, an' I've lost hours u\ sla.pe thiough yer drunken fighting c<uiyiiigs-on " Case> winced Then he said, quietly, ' I've quit." Quit whatr"' 'The — what aou sa\ " "That'll be a blessm' fin all, then. Good night to ye Casey 01 no Case- " she added in thought, "theie's good in the man " When they met aftei this they had a nod and a smile foi each othei Then Casey took to studying the movements of the hoise-feru, and managed to be always at the end of the load about the time she was gome home One ni^ht he was absent fiom his post and on the nevt she said — "Where were v<? las' night" 3 " He nearly mmped for joy at the thought that she had missed him "Up town," he lephed, "fittin' on new clothes Say — I can call ye Rosie, can't I?" "Ye will have ver way " "Rosie, then, the shute'll be home on Saturday. Will ye come up to town wi me?" "Up where, though?" "The Park fust, then we'll have tay an' go to the Trvoh." Rosie's eyes shone on him for a second, then she buist into hearty laughter. Phil's face fell "Ye'll — ve'll not come then?" he said "Won't I just though p Ye can nut money on me, Casey." "I thought ye were goin' to say 'no.' " " 'Deed, an' I might," she said seriously. "Mebbe it's wrong to go wi ye." "Wrong is it? Theie never was annythin' right if " "Luck here, then — I'd better say Phil ?" "I'll make all else call me Casey uv ye do now." "Well — ye mane yell on'y be Phil to me." "So. Your Phil." There was another peal of laughter, and he hardly knew how to take it. "Well," she said, "if my Phil comes up the night an' axes mother " "Not up town, though." "An' why not? Isn't she as good as army ?" "Yes. but " "Cxood night to ye, Casey." "Rosie" "That's enough." "I'll be up about eight," he shouted after her, but she did not deign to answer. There was thunder in her look when he called, and fear crept over him. The mother's welcome was effusive, however, and the daughter's temper passed quickly. Casey invited Mrs. Shields to accompany them. "No, no," she said , "I'd only be in the road uv young people." "But Rosie can go?" "Surely, man, surely. My jauntin' days is done, Casey. I'm ould now, but I was young wance. They were brave days, them. So, I'll just run over to Carroll's Rosie, while ye're coortm' " "Mother!" said the daughter. "Shame on ye '" "Well, well! Mebbe I never was a gerl myself." And she proceeded over to Carroll's. Casey, all alone with the object of his affection, was not by any means easy. He stared on the glowing coal in the grate and dared not to raise his eves. Rosie was looking straight ait him, and obviously enjoying his. discomfiture. "What ails ye?" she asked at last. "Have ye lost the power uv speech ?" "I'm all right," he replied. "I was on'y thinkm'.' "Thinkin'P What solemn thoughts they mus' be surely. Phil'" He looked up, and she was laughing. "I'm hstenin'," he said. " 'Tie good uv ye takin' me out a Saturday. 'Tis indeed ' What made ye ax me?" "Well, ye see — it was — fact is, I hardly know." She looked a little disappointed, and he felt that he was making a mess of it. "Hardly know," she said. "That's a strange answer." "Is it? Mebbe, Rosie — ye see, Rosie — the fact is— but what's the use uv explainin'9 Ye must know that. — " "Know what now?" "Thatf ' — Casey edged his chair tip to that on which she sat — D'ye think, now, I'm goin' to be in lodgin's always?" "What d'ye mane p " "Supposin I was to get married." "Oh I" "Yes. An' supposin' you was to get married ?" "Me, Phil I" "Yes, yes, Rosie , but to me '" "Me married, an' to you, Phil'" And leaning back in her chair she laughed uproariously. Casey felt humiliated, but he persevered. "Ye won't marry me then ?" "Did I say I wouldn't ?" "No. but " "An' did ye ax me?" Casey recollected that he had not, but

her laughter had rather embarrassed him. He sought a refuge in silence. Thought claimed her also for a time, and then she became all sorrow for the man. "Phil," she said softly, "tell me this Were ye makin' luv to me a while back ?" "Ye might've seen I was." "An' what ye wished to say was that ye liked me?" "Great laughin' matter, isn't it ? " "There's Casey goin' to be bad-tem-pered now, an' I like him better than army man " "Ye do, do ye?" "I do, Phil, an' we're goin' to be man an' wife when the moneys saved to make a house." "By all that's riveted'" said Casey "there's style fur ye '" And there was something like a sob in her laughter when he took her in his arms and kissed her. * * * "An' that's it?" said old Gallagher, when he heard the news. "Love, -^c see, still bates all fur findin' the man in ye. Good luck to them '"

Mrs. W. Bidwell (Featherston) has gone South for the polo tournament, which is coming off at Dunedin next week. Mrs. Clarke- Johnston gave a most delightful euchre party and dance last Friday, at her residence, Kennin^ton, Chiton Terrace. There were quite sixt> guests, but the house is so well-adapted for entertaining that the 100 ms were never overcrowded. The decorations were very pictty, foliage and soring flowers being everywhere, and the balcony above was cosily arranged for those who prefeired sitting out * * ♦ Two rooms weie arranged for piogiessive euchre, which was played with keen enjoyment until 10 o'clock. Then the pretty prizes were presented to the winners Miss Efhe Page receiving the ladies' first (a cut glass and siher bottle) and Miss Spragg a silver-mount-ed purse Mr F. Ashbolt home: the most successful gentleman, leceived a cigarette case. Supner was beautifully laid out in the dining-room, and the table artistically decorated with naicissi and trailing foliage was laden with the most delicious sweets. The drawing-room was ouickly cleared by the more energetic ones, and dancing occupied the rest of the evening. The music was bright and inspiriting and everyone was loth to say "eood-bve " Dunno- the ovimuiip, songs were splendidly sung by Messrs. Clarke- Johnson, Foster and others, and very much enjoyed The host and hostess received their guests m the drawing-room the latter being handsomely gowned in black Mrs Clarke-Johnson's three son* assisted a erv nicely to entertain the guests, some of whom were The Misses McKellar Wix, Macintosh, Newall, Blundell, Bathain, Brown, Shannon x* rouse, Tunbndsre, Page, Parsons, Grant, Wills, Logan Hammersley, Lambert, and Lockie and Messrs. Page Wills, Dodd, Soloman, Prouse, Myers, Wix, Foster, Cleland, Ashbolt, Bridge, and many others. • * * Mrs. Arkwnght entertained a number of guests at a very enjoyable dance, at her residence Tinakori-road, on Tuesday evenine, September 2nd The house was beautifully decorated with masses of jonquils and narcissi, which flowers' were also used effectively on the supper table. Mrs. Waldegrave gave an exceedingly pleasant little dance on Friday evening last week, in honour of her two guests, the Misses Waldegrave (Palmerston North). The dining-room was prepared for dancing, and a delicious and tempting supper was laid in the break-fast-room. Spring flowers were charm-ingly-arranged on a yellow silk table centre. The house was tastefully decorated, large bowls of laurestinas and foliage adorned the mantlepieces, and the drawing-room and study, arranged for sitting out, were brightened with quantities of lovely spring flowers. The music was sullied by Mr. Fleminer. Mr. and Mrs. Waldegrave received the guests at the foot of the stalls our hostess wearing a handsome black gown. Miss Waldegrave wore a very pretty white muslin with flounced skirt. Miss Muriel Waldegrave also wore white, with a pale blue sash. Amongst the guests were Miss Francis Waldegrave, wearing a soft cream silk, and Miss Margaret Waldegrave (Palmerston) in a pretty tucked and insertioned white silk frock , Miss G. Harcourt, m rose pink silk ; Miss Joan Hislop wearing white, Miss O. Fitzgerald, in white satin, flounced with lace. Miss Edwin wore black ; Miss Flo Brandon a tucked muslin dress. * * * Miss Joyce Fitzherbert (Palmerston) had on a black velvet frock Miss Logan, pink dress; Miss B. Miles, black dress with red flowers , Miss Ivy Allen, pretty white dress. Miss Stewart was in white satin; Miss M. Simpson a lovely gown of pink silk , Miss At Kinson, in a white saun gown. Miss Hursthouse was wearing black. Miss E. Miles also wore a becoming black gown. Some of the gentlemen were Dr. Allen (Dunedin), Captain Hu~h.es, D S.O Messrs Cooper Harcourt. Sloman. Arbor Fitzhprbert Atkinson Rhind, Allen, Seddo" Beere, and Handvside. • • * The visiting hockey teams, who took part in the tournament, had a very jolly time altogether. So many engagements were showered on them that the trouble was to fit them in. The local players entertained them on Tuesday, September 2nd, at a dance, held in the Sydney-street schoolroom, and the function was an unqualified success. The room was tastefully decorated with flags and hockey sticks tied with the colours of the different clubs. Supper was prettily laid out, the tables being decorated with spring flowers. The silver rose bowl, with ebony stand, which was competed for on the following Thursday, was on view on the btage, and greatly admired.

During the evernng, the gold pins which had been presented bv Mr H. Rawson to the winners of the lepiesentative match. weie, after a speech by him, presented to the- girls by Miss Coates Just bofore the erood-bye&" were said, Colonel Pitt, on behalf of the Nelson team, spoke very highly of the way m which the Pirls had been treated dm ing then stay, and asked foi three cheeis foi Miss Macintosh, the popular societal v of the Tournament Committee Mi&s Coates received the guests, and woie a handsome black gown. Amongst those present wolcw 01c Mis H Rawson, wearing black satin Miss A Rawson (Knu captain), in white satin covered with net Miss TC R-iwson aKo wore white satin. Mis. Simpson was in grey brocade. Miss Simpson (Aorangi captain) woie white satin Misses E. and R Simpson soft white silk fiocks Mi's Macintosh a tucked white silk Fowii Miss Jackson wore white relieved with pink Miss Seed was in pink silk Miss M Seed white net over glace silk Mi^s M MacOregoi wore black satin ?hss T) Fitzheibert (Hutt captain), white satin Mis^s M Blundcll, handsome dioss of while tiuled silk and insertion Miss James wore white Miss Ida Willis white silk Miss T *ora Willis a 15 ott\ whi o i "-(M | -io'i' i d mushn

The engagement has been announced of Miss Dora Scale, daughter of Mrs. Lanauze, Hastings, to Mr. C. Fenwicke, of Tomoana, Hawke's Bay. The Misses Lomsson (Christchurch) are staying in Wellington just now. * * ♦ Miss J. Elgin Page, of Napier, is paying a short visit to Wellington A very pleasant dance was given by Mr. C. P. and the Misses Shenett at their lesidencc, Sydney-street, last w eek I do not remember having seen a "patriotic hat" on Coronation day but a girl friend tells me they were very much in evidence over in Sydney. JNot yards of red, white, and blue ribbon on a khaki hat as you might imagine a "patriotic hat" to be, but an artistic and becoming arrangement of poppies, cornflowers, and white daisies on a fashionable shape, and the fair wearer is now regretting that she will have no further opportunity for donning the pretty ehapeau. * * * Amonest the latest novelties at Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stain's, I noticed a number of lonnc ties, fashioned of sue-dc in delicate srey fawn, ana drab shades. lam told bv a girl visitor from Sydney that these are quite

Miss M. Macintosh, a blue tucked silk frock. Miss E. Morrah was in black • Miss A. Edwin, white satin, and masses of violets , Miss Runcie, white satin , Miss H. Runcie, white muslin , Miss J. Haybittle, blue silk and chiffon , Miss W. Hannay, a nrctty gown, Miss S. Nathan, white silk , Miss E. Somerville pink covered with chocolate net, and effective touches of blue Miss N. Heath, had on a pretty white muslin, relieved with red. Miss Marjone Robinson wore blue. Miss Spear was in white , Misses H. and M. Trent (Nelson), white frocks , Miss Leggatte (Nelson), a handsome black satin gown, Miss P. Barnicoat (Wanganui), in white, Miss Cain an (ITuia) white . Miss A. Kennedy, black Miss Tv\ Alloii Dunedin), pietty white silk ot>'\\ ii 'innmed with biscuit inseition . Miss Theo. Shapter, black, with nink roses Miss E. Holmes, white satin skirt with pretty accordcon-pleated chiffon bodice Miss 0 Biewei pale blue surah Miss Nicholl (Huia) white and blue Some of the gentlemen weie Colonel Pitt, Captain Hughes, D.S.O Dr. Dixon Messrs. H. Rawson Nelson Mowbray, Hjorrinsr. BlundeH Prouse (2), BncW (3), Holmes, Macintosh, Didsburv, Richardson, Wheelei Gibbes, Rhind Leckie, Wills, Reid Arbor Abbott and Sloman

the latest craze. Prettily-shaped belts of suede, made to suit the present figure and pouched blouses, are also an innovation. * * * Mrs Ralph Fitzherbert, and her sister (Miss Kennedy) are at present staying m Wellington.