Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-08-06

tenant and F16y stayed behind and
whispered and kissed in the parlor'
Here Windward broke out laughing
again, but this time Stevens did not join
him; whereupon Windward laughed al
| the harder.
Evidently, Stevens" he exclaimed,
"you agree with Miss Sophia, that it was
no laughing matter"
81 must say don't see the joke" said
Stevens sternly.
"WeIl, the joke is" said Windward,
"that Miss Sophia got those kisses a little
confused, being drowsy and on the other
side of folding doors. 1t was Quire who
went up stairs and Floy and who tar
RED in the parlor."
At this Stevens did indulge himself in
a smile; but he grew serious again
directly, and said it was very fortunate
the error had been discovered and recti-
fed thus early and before it had made
mischief
"Of course L was very glad to set
things right" said Windward. ''And
Sophia, could sec, was relieved too,
though at her own loss in gossip. I'm
glad to know the truth she said, for
your sisters sake. As for Quire, it's so
like him that took it for granted At
this couldn't resist the temptation, Pc
ter, to tease her a little. 'Ah, so like
him? 1 said demurely. Yes she re-
torted with a toss. Hes always up
to such tricksP and then she saw
where she was, and began to blush
and fuss, denying and protesting and
laughing in spite of herself. Well, after
that was finally explained away she went
on telling otner tales about Quire, which
must say didn't increase my f0ndness
for him. He's regular profiigate,' she
declared, and guess she is about right"
'Now," continued Windward, ''Iuoth-
eF and Sophia like each other very much.
Said mother tonight, She is the most
sensible woman I've met here and it's a
pretty good test where ladies get along
so nicely rs they do in the same house.
l have heard that one roof is too few for
two women. Well, as matters stand,
you see Sophia will have great deal of
influence just now. Mother said after
my talk that she would speak with So
phia on the subject at once. Whew!
Won't the lieutenant catch it if she
dOesp And'eYen Peter had to laugh at
the picture Windward drew of Lieut.
Quire on the dissecting board under the
knife of Miss Sophia as demonstration.
'She has already suggested one scheme
of great value" continued Windward.
at shows her woman's wit. She told
me that some weeks ago the lieutenant
applied for orders to the Asiatic station,
and at one time he worked very. hard to
get them. He hasn't tried so hard
lately said Miss Sophia, but hope all |
the same he will succeed, and if You
have any influence you might help him |
along So kind of her, you see, PeterI"
''As you say, Windward," replied Ste
vens, too much in earnest to relish or
even notice the sarcasm, this is very
Couldn't we get some inhu-
ence at work in that direction?'
81 thought of McArdle," suggested
"The very man." said Stevens. "See
him tomorrow by all means"
81 might have to tell him something
IF the situation, +" remarked Windward.
Tell him anything that is necessary"
aid Stevens desperately. "Tell any
body anything that is necessary"
''Well, 1 will see him tomorrow"
promised Windward.
Il don't see as we can do anything
more just now" said Stevens after a
oause. Its getting late. There's one
hing, Windward--I don't want to be
,rying or cowarlly, but I'm very anxi-
nus, of course-can l know at all how
hey feel toward me? Now, don't say
word you shouldn't. I'm ashamed to
SIX, but l do want TO know so mueh!'
81 can say this much certainly" an
wered Windward, smiling kindly, ''that
our stock has risen greatly in the past
ew days. Women like mystery, and
our sudden intimacy with the old
Ian is mysterious enough to suit any
'Ody. 1t piques them, and invests you
With romantic interest. The ladies
ak about you a great deal, and always
'leasantly and favorably; and the lieu
enant is worried, which is a good sign.
Hiss Sophia is fairly awe stricken, and
las already mapped out for you a great
areer. You'd better be polite to Sophia;
he's good girl to begin with. and a
reat admirer now of you, and Floy likes
er almost as much as mother"
Il see,'' said Peter. "Well, 1 do like
er, and, as you say, she can be very
seful just now. And tomorrow you'll
ee the colonel"
''The first thing" said Windward.
"Well, good night" said Stevens
7earily.
"Good night, Peter" replied Wind
7ard. 'Don't worry; guess it will
ONE out all right"
81 hope SC" he answered hopelessly.
a