Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-04-21


to pay us visit. OF course he shall
the sooner the better. Why, it's
twenty years since L set eyes on the
dear old fellow"
Now, when Mr.. Clinton mentioned
MacPherson's name, Miss Nabb, his
guest, gave a slight jump.
''Is that Major MACPHERSON of the
--?'' she inquired, in an unnaturally
natural voice, If the expression may be
used.
'Thats the man. I was at school
with him--let me see-why more than
thirty years ago, and, though | have
seen nothing and heard little of him
since he went to India, we are sworn
friends for life. Have you met him,
them" And Mr.. Clinton cast quick,
scrutinizing glance poor Miss Nabb.
81 rather think" she gasped out,
"that he must be man 1 used to see
n good-at least. something cf, once
upon time.
Then Miss Nabb took long sip of
tea, being apparently under the i'm
preston that the large breakfast cup
would conceal the color of her cheeks.
If ever there was a typical old maid
it was Miss Nabb. She had nerves"
and some years before had consulted a
doctor, who had given her medicine
which, as he cynically remarked to
friend, would act powerfully on her
imagination.
After the conversation at the break
fast table already described, Miss
Nabb's nerves were much in evidence.
Not that they We're in pain, but they
were all in a hutter.
81 think, perhaps, I had better be
off in day or two," she remarked to
Mrs. Clinton.
"Why?" answered her hostess. with
feigned surprise. ''We were hoping
Sou would stay with us for at least II
fortnight"
''But won't you want my room for
for another visitor? He's coming soon,
1 suppose?"
"The day after tomorrow, I hope.
But there are plenty of spare bed
rooms"
Now Miss Nabb knew there were
plenty of spare bedrooms and Mrs.
Clinton knew that she knew it, but
Miss Nabb had got information she
burned to receive and she actually
thought her willingness was not dis
covered.
And then she thought that perhaps
it was her duty to stay and recruit her
health, and her thoughts took IA new
direction.
Two days after carriage drew up
to the door. There was as great re-
moving of rugs as if it had been mid
winter and then the cheerful sounds
of old, long-separated friends greeting
in the hall.
Come into the library cried Mr..
| Clinton. Its warmer there, but l m
ofraid there isn't fire, and the tenn
perature is under ninety degrees.
Why, you don't look a scrap changedr'
Miss Nabb did not put in an appear
ance till tea time. Then she entered
/ in casual sort of way, and with such
remarkable composure that only her
heightened color betrayed her inward
| agitation.
''Miss Nabb, Major MACPHERSON.
Miss Nabb tells me that she rather
thinks You are an old acquaintance. -
"Oh-ah-uml How do you do?'
said the Major, shaking hands with
stiff courtesy and a most elaborate
bow.
Glow do you do?" said Hiss NGbb.
ooh! is that my tea, Maria? Thank
you so muchl"
Then the Major pulled his moustache
and sat on the edge of the chair.
while Miss Nabb nursed her teacup
on a sofa at the other side of the
room.
Next morning was wet, and Miss
Nabb discovered for the first time that
the drawing room was draughty-a fact
which Mrs. Clinton did not believe.
but under the circumstances woulc
not deny The result was that the
spinster had to take her knitting into
the library.
Il hope the gentlemen won't make
an incursior." she said, "but if they
do | can clear ont.
She had not been seated there Ions
in solitary state before the door opened
and she was alarmed by the appear
ance of both Mr.. Clinton and Major
MACPHERSON. She Immediately entered
upon a furried explanation and apol
ogy.
"Quite so, quite so, said her host
"but we don't object to ladies society
do we? Eth, Maior?"
"Not at all, ierked out the Major
and then he gave dry little cough.
"Well, now, L must be off for hal
an hour to interview that confoundet
gardener of mine. You will excuse me
won't you?"
For some time silence reigned il
the room, the Major to all appear