The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-07-26
"she doesn't look her age" i retort-


Bob grunted and continued:
Family renowned for rectitude OF
purpose, moral severity, generosity and
mercifulness."
Il could have told you that" inter-
rupted. Iris carries all that, and more,
In her face. Go onv
1.-The ladies noted for their endur-
ing beauty, innocence of mind and
splendid physique. The Maypels came
over with William of Normandy and
are hence of Norman extraction; their
-"
That's enough l interrupted an
grily. "Why will you continue to in
suit the girl you pretend to love-"
Bob laughed light heartedly.
"Confound your impudence and your
inhospitalityw he said. Haven't you
some whiskey or something to pledge
me with, Reggie?"
found him liquor, and he drank, but
mine stood untasted, though l did, in
a feeble way, wish him everything he
desired. My recent hope, quashed SO
soon after BIRTH left me limp.
"By the bye" remarked, presently,
:"you take Scrubbs report; for gospel
! notice. You don't question his-er-
NeraClJy
Bob laughed merrlly.
Question the accuracy of Norton
Scrubbs! Doubt the written word of
the smartest man in his profession
No, my boy, only an idiot would do
that. Why, even the bar acts upon It,
sometimes. Besides, look at his bill
of costs. Fare to Maypel Court, first
return-&3 1Ss. Lodging and board at
hostelry in the vicinity of the Court,
together with tips for information and
SO forth-& as. What do those items
mean?"
"Oh, suppose it's all right" l re-
piled. II don't doubt that one of the
hounds has followed the scent but it's
amazing to me that you can be satis-
fed with the report of any third person
and yet be incredulous of your own
eyes"
Now. look here, old man." said Bob,
with paternal flourish, whats mine
can't be yours-where a wife is con-
serned at all events; so make up your
mind to the inevitable, and If you must
love Iris Maypel learn to love her as
sister, though there's greater security
both for you and me, to say nothing OF
our friendship, if you drop loving her
at ALL"
He left me to ponder over his well
meaning hint and l was vainly en-
deavoring to perceive the truth in ii
when letter from Iris was handed
in. The first few lines led up to this:
why have you deserted us so long,
Mr.. Give? Failing to meet you at any
social gathering where you are usually
to be found we quite expected you to
call. l have, with great difficulty, dis
suaded dear autnie from the belief that
l have offended you. VIII you not
come and assert my innocence? Dear
aunties box for Wednesdays first
night is not filled, and If you will hon
or us by helping to fill it dear auntie
will be really delighted-as also yours,
etc.
"P. S.-Kindly drop us line to-day.
If you have the inclination to bring
your answer, auntie will be at home
as also yours, etc."
l read the lines and then endeavored
to read between them. Iris had never
before approached me in so intimate a
mood-in fact, / had been shown to
comprehension more than once that
Bob's friend was not necessarily upon
the same family footing as Bob. And
as for the auntie-certainly her cold
civility had often impressed me, but l
had never f1attered myself that she
would have concerned herself If Iris
had offended, ay, insulted me a dozen
times a week.
However, quickly resolved upon ac-
tion. l would call upon Iris, and if
things looked favorable | would prom
ise myself for the Wednesday, if not, !
could easily invent an excuse.
The fact is, Hope, so recently evap-
GRATED, condensed again, and drank it
with avidity.
/ fancied there was a smile on the
mans face when he opened the door
of the pretty fat in st. James, and
said:
Miss Maypel is in the conservatory,
sir, and expecting you"
The mans smirk spoilt what else
would have been my record heart-leap.
Still, it looked hopeful that Iris was
waiting for me in a place l knew from
observation her aunt did not frequent
The man left me hurriedly at the
door, and I walked around the con-
servatory twice and peeped behind
every available refuge-there were
giant palms and no less giant screens
in plenty-but Iris was not there.
stood perplexed, wondering If there
were any connection between Iris alb
sence and that ugly serving mans
smirk. But suddenly | heard a voice,
at first family, and then most dis
tinctly.
Don't you be fool" it said. you'll
get your money, right enough, if you
wait Only let me run alone. I've got
my head screwed on right, can assure
| you. If you interfere you'll suffer for
! it, that's all"
1t was Iris voice!
But. my dear"
There was the thin, piping voice of
her aunt.
Don't but at me" interrupted Iris,
angrily. Bob Pallant is off, | tell you
and all your arguments won't bring
him on again. Little Reggie Gives my
man now"
/ shank within myself. At the mo-
ment Iris spoke my own name they
had entered the conservatory, and ]
had arranged myself for a formidable
sneeZe with which to announce nv