The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-11-02
HIS FAMILY SPECTER

A>-~~~~~~ ~~-c~~~~~~~#
''By Jove, Gordon, I don't know
what to make of youl'' exclaimed Tom
Fairleigh, drawing on his gloves, with
considerable show Of vexation. fanny
Hepburn's happiness is dear to me. In
fact, came here tonight to tell you
that love her.
''To tell me' broke in Gordon.
''Why don't you tell her?''
"Wait, can't you? Let me finish.
have told her, and she has declined me-
It was done very gently and with the
greatest possible regard for my feelings,
but nevertheless was declined. Don't
think me fool because I come here
and make a confession which can be
nothing less than notifying. I'm do
ing it for Amy's sake. -
"For Amy's sake?'' echoed Gordon.
ayes; want to see her happy, and
you are the man to make her SO. She
declined me on your account. OF course
knew long ago that you were my
rival, but did not know until two hours
ago that you were the successful one.
You aren't worthy of her and don't de-
serve her, but don't think for moment
that I believe myself more worthy or
more deserving" Pausing suddenly,
Fairleigh walked to his friends side
and laid hand on his shoulder. II
can't understand what you mean by
leading Amy to believe that you care
for her while all the time dividing
your attention with Nell Forthdyke
Would you be inhuman enough to
break a heart as loyal as Amy's?'
Don't get tragic, Tom. I'm not 60
ing to break anybody's heart. Nell is
rich, you know ...
"And so are you" sneered Fairleigh,
walking hurriedly to the door and lay
ing his hand on the knob, "but Amy
Hepburn is poor. Society dares you to
wed with poverty. If you love Amy,
are you man enough to take the dare
Examine into the financial condition
Of the Hepburns, reflect upon the cause
of their downfall in fortune and then
let me see if you are strong enough to
leap this Brahminical barrier of caste y
With this parting shot Fairleigh
passed quickly out of the room and
slammed the door behind him. Harry
Gordon gave vent to a long whistle,
settled himself back in chair and
thoughtfully lighted cigar.
'That was quite a JOLT, he NUT
tered, looking upward through the
curling wreaths of smoke GO How
happy could I be with either were
t'other dear charmer awayl' It's as
sure as can be that love one and fancy
the other. But who will unravel the
Gordian knott Which is it to be-Amy
or Nell?"
A knock fell on the door, not on the
outside door, but on door leading into
a closet. Harry Gordon stirred uncom,
fortably in his chair, vexed look com
ing into his eyes as he fixed them upon
the closet door. After a brief interval
; of silence the knock was repeated.
t3Now, what in the world aroused
your" cried Gordon.
Cuisines is business, came hol
low voice from the other side Of thu
closet door. "I'm here for purpose, ani
if do not make that purpose manifes
/ once in awhile you'll forget all abou1
me-"
This remark was followed by clank
ing, cachinnatory outburst that seemed
to CRATE harshly on Gordon's ear
! "Well, what do you want?'' b,
: asked.
II want to come out and show my
self. You know I'm here, but littl'
=. ocular demonstration won't come amiss
/ take it. Remember, I'm showing con
: sideration for you. I might have kicked
f open this door and stalked out into tn
room. But didn't. I raped.
"Can't you put it off? Come out to
morrow: I've got something else t
= think about now
''The high and mighty order Of fam
lily skeletons are not in the habit O
playing second fiddle or taking bacl
seats for anybody I'm coming at once
, "Al right, Them groaned Gordon
squaring himself about in, his chair
"Come on
The closet door few open and a wei
e developed skeleton strobe out and drop
q ped with a rattle into chair. The cav
d ernous eyes were blankly expressive
g to Gordon. For him also there wa
+ something sarcastic in the grin of tn
fleshless jaws.
|, sDust me off, said the skeleton. g
y want to show up as frightful as posi-
e BILE tonight. -
e The request presented itself to Cor
: don as command which he was pow
= erless to disobey. Picking up feathe
y buster, he piled it vigorously about tn
n cleaning white bones.
"Achool'' he sneezed, dropping tn
buster and falling into his chair.
"You ought not to neglect me- sal
the skeleton. ''I'm one of the famil
and should be treated as such. Now
then, let's have chat.
The skeleton crossed its bony legs an
settled back comfortably.
evil it do me any good to have
chat with you queried Gordon.