The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1900-01-30

she simply overdid things a little yes
teroay."
MY sister wanted me to give you this
for your trouble with the gown. i don't
suppose a mans judgment on dresses
counts for much, but IT seemed to me
that she had one OF the snsTtest gowns
at the dance, thanks to you"
He handed her an envelope and rose
10 go. For a moment a surprised look
dswned on her face. Then she promptly
opened the envelope and picked out the
crisp 80 note II contained. Borden had
directed his attention to a print OF iii
let's "Angelus" on the wall and fastened
10 say: Il see you are fond Of Millet. Do
you like this picture of his more than any
other?'
I am very fond of it, she replied
CURLY. Mr. Borden, did your sister send
this money herself?' she asked Her
eyes were fixed on him, and Borden real
lied that he was getting red. Subtle d.
plomacy was not the young mans strong
point II it came 10 a plump. innocent lie
IN the interests Of decency or justice or
somebody's comfort, he was not unequal
10 that but he was too candid and honest
to be Machiavelian at all.
There was no fixed agreement about
H." he said. But she had mentioned
the matter and, being here, / knew she
would be glad to have me attend to ii.
She was very much pleased with the
gown"
1T was very good Of you to feel this
way, but really ! can not accept the mon
ey from you unless you assure me your
sister sent It 1t was not your dress,
you know" she added with faint smile.
''Oh, but have an interest I'm her pay
ing her bills, and 1 know she will be glad
that l thought OF this" he retorted
quickly. How can you refuse what IS
due because am the intermediary
Il can" replied Miss Swift quietly.
There is no haste and Miss Borden will
have plenty of time to pay for this-if
she wishes to-
Borden took the bill with a sense of be-
ing baked. He regretted that he was so
clumsy at anything like this. But every
thing the girl did he liked her the better
for. He adopted another tack
Don't you think it would do your
mother some good TO take a drive some Of
these pleasant days? She will get the
air in that way without wearying herself
too much. I drive a good deal, and !
should be awfully glad to call and take
you out for an airing If you will per-
nit it,"
The girls eyes softened. She knew It
would be great benefit for her mother.
The young fellows good will was evident,
ana nothing could be more respectful than
his manner. But her pride was I'D in
arms What could he in his position have
IN view by this beneVolence to her mother
and herself? They were too poor for her
TO accept such favors from a rich Young
man. But the drive would do her mother
so much good. Why should she not &C.
cept it?
You are too kind" she replied with low
toned earnestness. "If you can do this
without mountaineering yourself, / am
sure my mother would be pleased and
helped by the drive"
The result was that the next afternoon
Borden appeared at the door in a two
seated team and took Mrs Swift and her
daughter for a turn through the park and
on riverside drive. The visible way in
which her mother drew in fresh strength,
while her worn eyes frightened under the
excitement of the motion, was a great
consolation to Margaret Swift and seemed
to be justification enough for her accep-
tNAANN VI thC gOuilS
But there was a spot on the DAVIS
brightness for two of the party. AS they
were bowling along In the park they
passed a victoria in which Miss Borden
was taking the air in solitary grandeur.
She glared stonily at the interesting spec
tacle of her brother and his guests and
! then tossed her head and looked else
where without a sign of recognition.
That evening at dinner she sarcasticaIly
remarked 10 her brother: 81 was quite
charmed at the charity spectacle In the
park this afternoon. But if I were you I
would send coachman to drive this
! friendly dressmaker around You looked a
| trite absurd, and people will think YOU
are very bad form. / really object, too,
to having my dreSsmaker spoiled. You
will want to ask them to dinner here
soon"
Borden REDEEMED with anger. He had
expected some feline exhibition from mis-
| sister, but at her cutting remarks he felt
positive hatred Of her. 1t was too soon
! 10 declare that his feelings toward the
/ dressmaker were those of d young fellow
/ who feels that his heart is subjugatad by
a sweet girl and who desires to win her
/ regard. in beauty, refinement, mind, and
feeling he knew that Margaret Swift could
/ give points 10 his Querulous sister.
Haven't you learned yet that for you
/ to oppose any step Of mine is the strong
] est way to confirm me in it," he asked
contemptuously. You can't feel as dis
! tressed over my acquaintance with this
charming girl as / am mortified TO feel
/ that it won't take her long TO get your
| amiable measure. If you weren't a rich
girl l don't see where you would come in
/ at all. Please bother yourself as little
about my affairs as / do about yours"
We'll. l should think IL was time fol
. you 10 be a little Gisgusted with me i.
you saw your tailor or shirtmaker driving
me through the park in dogcart," she
/ answered, sneeringly.
1T might be "A good thing for you Il
they had the bad taste TO wish TO do IT,
I don't find that there is a rush Of men
for that honor" he retorted. coolly.
The next Gay when he called at the
Swifts and asked when he might take
them for another outing Margaret's face
wore a troubled look She hesitated 2
moment and then said firmly, though with
N CRIMES.