The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-02-18
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LORD BOD been around iately?" he ask
ed. with an undertone OF resentment in
his voice.
IF you mean Lord Monmouth. GER
tainly saw a good deal OF him at the
Saranacs."
"Ah; You did not mention him In the
house party. Any one else fnte.esting?"
Several. An elderly widower who was
frightened out OF his wits every time I
smiled on him. until felt like showing
him the letters l received weekly
From TOMB
Yes: poor old Tom who never takes
no FOR an answer"
Any other Offers" persisted Jack
Lighting another cigarette
Theoretically dull ones and conven-
tiOnal 10 a degree-a merchant and n
banker who 'hoped'they might have the
happiness Of passing the remainder OF
their days by my side as though / were
4 piece OF artistic furniture to orna-
ment their parlors."
and then?"' g,ls5
An offer from married man."
To take the train to Utah?"
No; only to wait until he got Jer-
sey divorce. because his present hearts
incumbent had ceased TO be fresh and
blooming"
THE 'lnsolent brute" and he inward
~ ragged that he could not; kick the un-
known Individual then and there.
And your petit aifaIres?" asked Mrs.
Brandeth.
Only few mild flirtations and two
proposals."
I'VE women are certainly advancing"
"One was from an elderly spinster
who suggested that might cheer her
lonely life. and the other from widow,
who . Z
Take care. Jack"
oh. there are widows and widows
This was the type that lowers It's voice
to confidential! asides. flatters you OPEN
ly. and by no chance ever introduces
you to n pretty girl" tg
rs this peculiar alone to that type?"
No. and ii is a sure sign OF designs
on mans peace of mind matrimonial-,
~ when woman. married or single,
avoids introducing him TO possible
rivals"
The young widow laughed with a
clear conscience. ''And this is the end
OF your amorettes?"
Except the ingenue." he replied
With blue eyes, red pouting lips, Win
ming ways, and all the rest. She was
dangerous. II you like. l was glad to
clear out, or should have fallen slave
10 her charms"
Serious as that"
"A close shave. sent her valen-
tine to-day. Did you get any,
Il always get one from Tom" and
Mrs. Brandeth's eyes twinkled as she
spoke. Being cousin as we'll as a So
called lover. he never falls to recall
childhood's happy days and sends me
satin sachets with manipulated flowers
and the rest of it,
Il wish somebody would give me an
old-fashioned valentine: l feel quite left
out in the cold" grumbled Jack. II like
those affairs with big heart and two
little hands and the words I love you.
III had known that you were pining
for one. I really should have tried to
evolve one for YOU out of my inner con-
seriousness and paint box" laughed Mrs
Brandeth
Jack Standish looked at her n little
suspic!ously. You always ridicule any
sentiment on my part"
My dear Jack. on the contrary ap-
preciate 1t. but. considering the escape
from your insenuc. You certainly must
love your freedom
You appreciate the delights OF free
DOM" put in Jack. tentatively.
Certainly; freedom OF thought and
action"
1T is jolly 10 be able to start for the
north pole at a moments notice with
out let or hindrance; and that reminds
me that was forgetting my best offer.
which came from n man. to take a trip
around the world with him.
jack The fire screen fell on her
lap.
Yes: to take it leiSurely and be gone
about two years" he continued.
Two years. This Is sudden. When
do You start?"
Have not yet decided to so at ALL"
"Oh. l began to think that'this might
be farewell call" and she laughed,
but not naturally.
Perhaps you may be starting on
your honeymoon when I am ready for
my trip" he observed meaningly.
Perhaps"
Have you told me the real state Of
affairs between you and Lord Bob?" he
jerked out. awkwardly.
This reminds me OF game called
Truth that we used to play at the Sara
macs" she replied. calmly.
Jack volunteered that he knew the
game, which required that all the ques
tons be answered truthfully, though re-
serving the right not TO commit ones
self. and he suggested that they try the
game now.
Very well: I'll begin. Were you not
Il bit cpris with the lovely ingenue?"
came the first attack.
oh no: not matrimonially. Arc you
engaged to Lord Bob?"
NO: but
You may be-"
II did not say that" There was
something in her smile that irritated
him.
Jack got up from his chair. well.
I'm off. Goodbye to our chumshp IL
you marry"
Not at all; only should see less of
you"
II should see next to nothing OF you.
Celia va sans dire" he said. gloomlly.
Don't be absurd, Jack. Sit down."
This bit sharply.
Il am not absurd-only anxious to
pack my trunks"
Tonight"
why not? If ! may ask. when is
your engagement to be announced?"
when you decide what day you start
on your trip"
AS II You cared whether 80 or
stay" he cried.
Il should miss you" she replied soft
~.
Not as much rs l should miss you"
Remember, we are playing at Truth,
Jack" -
Give up your Lord Bob. and I will
reconsider the ACCESSIBILITY of my trip
around the world"
81 rather fancy the idea OF Il menagc
n dcuX again. Even the best of chums
Dreadful