Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-04-01

affairs. Her most recent idea was that
my society was not desirable for her
youngest daughter, Nora.
1 was not surprised, therefore, at the
manner in which she greeted me when
l called.
Good afternoon, Mr.. Aynesworth,"
she said, coldly, as Size laid aside some
knitting. Lady Carlingford was con-
tinually engaged upon the making OF
altogether impossible garments for peo-
pie who did not want them. II thought
we had agreed that"
Exactly, Lady Carlingford," broke
in, cheerfully; 1--WE agreed that 1 should
not call here for the present, but alas!"
] added, with a sigh, duty must be at
tended to-" And L held up a neat little
parcel in brown paper which l had
brought with me.
Young Clarence Carlingford, boy of
IA, who was sitting behind his mother,
began TO grin.
Does that" said Lady Carlingford,
looking Mt the parcel through her lorgn-
cites, represent duty?"
"Yes. AS you know" / continued,
with modest air, 81 take an active in
terest in social work amongst the poor"
Lady Carlingford appeared surprised.
'Indeed?" she said, politely. Young
Lance, catching my eye, deliberately
winked at me.
Being aware of this, Mr.. Stafford,
who usually audits the books of the
Pear-lane soup kitchen, came and asked
me to undertake the work; he WIS so
busy"
'Mr Stafford busy!" exclaimed Lady
Carlingford. 81 did not know that he
had ever done anything in this world,
beyond the work you refer to!"
80, no. I explained; "that is quite
mistaken impression. Stafford doesn't
talk much, but l can assure you he gets
through a tremendous amount of hard
work"
Young Lance suddenly crammed his
handkerchief into his mouth.
"Well?" said Lady Carlingford, the
tone was not encouraging.
drew myself up, and assumed bust
ness like manner.
Tomorrow" l said, ~ have to sub
NIT my auditing report TO the commit
tee. / have examined the books, but
there are few discrepancies, which l
should like explained. AS Miss Nora
keeps the accounts thought you would
pardon my calling; 1t is quite business
matter"
Young Lance rose from his seat and
made for the door; he seemed to be
agitated.
"It was quite right of you, Mr.. Aynes-
WORTH" said Lady Carlingford, gra-
ciously. Having all the details OF the
soup kitchen work at my finger tips,
shall be pleased to answer any ques-
tions."
This almost unnerved me; however,
young Lance behaved in a most intelli-
gent manner.
"All right" he cried, as he banged the
door open. "I'll fetch Nora in n jiffey!"
"Lancelot!" cried his mother, sharp
ly; her son obliged me by pretending
not to hear.
Lady Carlingford was thoughtful for
n moment or so; then, resuming her
knitting, she remarked
You know we are going away to-
morrow, Mr.. Ayncsworth?"
As if that was not the very reason that
had bullied good-natured old Stafford
into lending me the books! The facts
were these: Nora was a girl of spirit,
pnd, what was better, had attained her
majority. IF she had consented to be
my wife, / did not think her mothers
views on the subject would have carried
undue influence; the difficulty was.
| that matters had not reached this happy
stage when Lady Carlingford had de
voted her attention 10 the affair. Since
| then, of course, | had been allowed nc
opportunity, and now they were leaving
for long visit. The thought of wha'
might happen during this time hac
| made me resolve upon desperate ef
| fort.
Nora came into the room. Never, ir
my opinion, had she presented dain
! tier appearance.
"Good afternoon, Mr.. Aynesworth,'
she said, slight blush on either cheek
! Lance tells me there are some errors IL
| the soup kitchen accounts Are they
| very drcadful?" she added, n suspicion
OF n smile playing round the corners o:
! her mouth.
well" ! said, efIiciously, "there arc
! several matters TO be gone into"
1t was a long room, with rather low
ceiling, and the afternoon was dra wing
! TO "A close.
Bring the books to the little table
in the window" said Nora; you viii
q see better"
! followed her up the room. Lady
Carlingford glanced after us with &
doubtful expression, but said nothing
The first thing" ! began as united
the parcel ! was rather curious TO sex