Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-07-24
"Well, not exactly, but She knows 1t

"Well, not exactly, but she knows II
as well as though l had done So.
"Oh. lust So" said L; still, perhaps.
of YOU were little more explicit
"Pve finished with the girl, SAID
Gerald. gloomily, and I'm not going
70 see her again if can help it."
For the next few days Gerald acted
upon this resolve, and certainly dur
ing that time he was not altogether d
desirable companion.
1t really was too absurd.
Here were two foolish young people
genuinely fond of one another, and yet
determined to quarrel about perfect
>Iy trivial matter, simply because both
were too proud TO make the nrst over
tures 70 bring about reconciliation.
Amv was moping because Gerald
made no attempt TO see her, ana my
nephew's manner was daily pecoHiins
more and more morose IL Gerald ;
mamma had been IN town, or IL lhe
girl had had mother to whom she
could have confided her trouble, tne
whole thing mirat haze been put ~
rights in five minutes; but as tninsS
stood there was every chance or-%nese
two misguided young people enafTe
their days in single blessedness:
After four or five days Of this klnd
of thing | came to the conclusion .that
II was desirable for me to do some
thing to help matters along a little, as
anything would be better than the con-
tinuation of the existing state Oh al
fairs.
| thought the matter over carefully
one night as | smoked my usual AFTER
dinner cigar, and by the time | had mn
ished nv weed | had decided upon my
plan of campaign.
what are your plans for to-mor-
row, Gerald?" said !.
Il haven't any" replied my nephew
moodily. IL.
'Well. then, you might come with
me and leave a card at the WIZARDS |;
we haven't been near the house since
we dined there last wednesday.
I'm sick of the whole farce OF 80
cial intercourse, but I'm ready 10 aG
anything you like, Uncle Jack salo
Gerald's was clearly bad case.
1 rose from my comfortable chair,
put on my hat and overcoat and
strolled down to the club.
1t really was a striking instance OF
self-sacrifice on the part Of an old
fogy, for hadn't the slightest person
al desire to go out that night.
When / arrived at the club l went
straight to the telephone box and rang
I'D the Hotel Albemarle. Miss Creswell
was "at home"
Gould she speak to Mr.. Steevens?"
awaited the reply to this question
with considerable anxiety. Presently
the little bell rang.
Miss Creswell will be at the tele-
phone in minute.
/ had made up my mind to attempt
manoeuvre which required some little
nnesse Tor the securing OF its success.
Presently Miss Amy's voice came
family along the wire: Yes, who is
it,"
"Is that you, Amy?" I replied bold
ly.
Eyes, who are you?"
Gerald Stevens, said /, with men
tai reservations.
| fancied that l heard a little excla-
nation of pleased surprise, but whe-
Their this was so or not | could not pos
itively be certain; however, the next
sentence which reached my ear
through the instrument was spoken in
tones of perfect unconcern.
What is it you have to say to me,
Mr. Steevens?"
"Oh, Amy" I replied, in the most
beseeching tones could muster, don't
speak to me like that; I've been so
miserable ever since we quarreled the
other night"
THAT only serves you right" came
clearly through the ear trumpet; but l
fancied that l caught two little words
in a much lower tone that sounded
like Poor boy"
But, Amy" l continued, don't be
so cruel as 10 say that you won't for
give me, for it was only because l am
so fond Of you that | was so rude the
other evening"
well, Gerald, you were rather hor-
rid, | think; but if you will promise
never to be unkind to me again / will
forgive you for this once"
I promise" said l; "but wish we
could kiss and make friends"
THAT would hardly be proper, I'm
afraid; besides, you see, you could only
kiss my ear, which would not be very
satisfactory, would it? And how do
know that you are the only person at
the end Of the wire?"
Il swear there's nobody except my
self" said / equivocally; besides, you
might put the trumpet TO your lips"
Il shall ring of If you say another
word"
Don't do that" l entreated; 1.-The OPP
orator might intercept the message"
We'll, then, you must not talk nom
sense"
II was never more serious in my
life" I replied; and, really, it was
rather a serious situation for an old
bachelor getting on for so 10 be talking
nonsense to one end Of the wire with
a charming girl Of is at the other.
4 shall be calling on the Williards
tomorrow afternoon, said /.
Il hope you viii find your visit
amusing"
Il shall If somebody else happens to
be there"
Somebody else Will think II over,
perhaps, though it would serve another
somebody else right if she didn't"
But we are friends again, now,
Amy" saidI tenderly.
~It would serve you right If said
No. Gerald after the way you hIrted
with May Wklshe the other night
But you 8ere just as bad with my
Uncle Jack, aid !.