The Atlanta constitution., 1900-07-09

about him. but have n strong suspicion
he is A regular dare devil. What is itg'
breaking OF suddenly and laying down the
curling tongs which she had manipulated
dexierously as a tap at the door caught
her ear.
III you please m. Mr.. Lsle is in the
drawing room"
Very well: am coming"
A few adroit touches and the handsome
widow was ready for action.
Come with me. Mary" she said au-
thoriiatively.
Are you sure you want me?''
do you suppose I'd ask you II l did
not?'
Both ladies' descended the stairs 10 a
pleasant sitting room considerably smart
ened by prints. books. flowers. which dld
not belong To IL. where a young man dis
tingu,shed. well dressed and well set UP,
was walking TO and fro slowly anG
thOughtfully.
He was tall. rot very tall. slight. grace
ful. almost delicate looking. with light
red brown hair. small youthful mustacho.
a straight aristOcratic profile and large
speaking. caressing brown eyes. His loES
lashes and straight. well defined eyebrows
were shade or two darker than his hair.
Well. MIR. Lisle. | am longing 10 kaow
why you want TO see me specially. Miss
all this miserable eXhausting afternoon. 1
protest the plains in the hot season are
bracing compared TO London on a warm.
damp. drizzling May day. Is 1t conndcn-
tisl communication? Shall ! send Miss
Gilmore away They shook hands as
she spoke.
NO. by no means!' returned Lsle.
Miss Gilmore is a party concerned. You
both expressed a wish last week To hear
Ficcoionini in the Traviata. 1t is not
easy 20 get a box aow. she is quite the
rage. but / nave secured one by iiuke
for this evening. ] hope you are dis
engaged and Will allow ne TO escort you.
ana sup with me after the opera AZ
Verey's.'
why! you are just the sweetest boy
in all the world cried Mrs Merrick. "Of
course we'll put on our best blbs and tuck
ers and be ready at the moment appoint
ed! I've managed TO see great deal oi
London. and enjoyed IL. Oh! haven't L.
but the opera has been a bit above me!'
Don't tempt me 10 exact TOO ample a
reward by your praises!' exclaimed Lsle,
laughing. but with glance that brought
the COLO To Mrs. MerriclIs cheek in spite
OF her common sense ana superiority in
years. Il am unfortunately engaged for
dinner. ana it IS partly business en-
gagemcnt. or -
''Businessr' interrupted Mrs. Merrick.
What in the world have YOU to do with
business. or business with you. Monsieur
Cup;don?"
'Ah. isn't il unjust and cruel that a
butterfly like myself should be shattered
by such tluncerbuss as business How
ever curiosity has something TO do with
my dinner tCdayl a runior has reached
me that my Uncle Marmaduke is about
20 commit matrimonyl and r there is any
truth In IL, the family solicitor Will be
sure TO know, so ] offered 90 dine with
him today. He is not a bad old boy, and
has excellent port. 1 dare rot put him
orr
''oh, Geofrl my dear boy. who is this
evil-dispOsed uncle?"
''Lisle of Linton Chase. The man who
stops the way-Iny way at least / say,
Mrs. Merrick, you have been some time
In India and they have lovely subtle
pOIsons there. Could you get me an ef-
fective th----.,leful to arrest this delin-
quent before he accomplishes his diabol-
ical purpose?"
''I wish / could. believe you might
coax me into fearful criminality"
Hush. Pray remember that Miss Gil
mores serene though accusing glance
IS upon u.s. and she does not under
stand the innocent harmlessness of my
nature. understand you have n birth
day party for that sweet little Sissy.
May 1 be permitted TO join the rebels
for n brief space. brought small Of
fering for the young heroine of the
fete.'
You are too good natured really!
Yes. We promised to so down. but your
delightful plan put the juveniles out
OF my head. Poor Sissy. 1t is her last
treat. She goes to school on Satur-
day"
WHY do you send her TO school? Let