Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1901-03-29

vas q pOllSned gentleman, ana Jn6
head of a world-known engineering
lrm. To be smiled upon and shyly
worshipped by an adorable girl is bad
enough when you have done some
hing to deserve it, but when you
lave done nothing, and are in addi-
lion a contemplate fraud, it Il too
embarrassing for words. However,
after a glass or two of champagne,
pulled myself together. and did my
pest to be agreeable. though ever and
igain would halt in the middle OF a
sentence, and look for the writing on
he wall.
Indeed, Judging by the running Tom
was making with vivacious lady in
black and magenta ribbons-a widow
! [ Judged her-it seemed that he h adj
indeed changed our identities. Tom
was quite loQuacious. while | was fit
'ul and restrained. But | managed to
get little Of my own back when the
Mayor proposed my health in terms
which made me blush--for Tom-and
vas also good enough to alude to
Iome small affair in which THAT Is,
myself, not Tom; oh. this is most con-
'using-had played part not wholly
acking in distinction.
This gave me an opportunity of say
! ng in my reply that felt that Tom
10, fought to have been in my
Tom 's-no my-we will not argue
! his matter-place. A remark which
)ccasioned frantic applause, and
,aused Tom to turn bright purple.
After luncheon there were more
] oh
speeches. the last delivered from the
balcony of our hotel, where we had
invited our hosts to tea. Feeling that
might as well Ego the whole hog" |
booked four dances with Miss Mayor
ess. If the four subsequently expand
I'd into eight it was really nobody's
business but my own. and | quite en-
ioyed my undeserved glory. had
some words with Tom when at last we
we're left alone, but he only jeered at
me, said I had done splendidly. and
ended by asking how l liked hero wor-
ship.
"Confound you" said angrily,
it's all your fault. Anyway, We'll be
out of this first train tomorrow morn
ing"
But we did not leave Westchester
with such despatch. Reflection con-
yinced me that it would be poor way
o make full confession before leaving
the first opportunity, and, besides, |
telt that it would be a shame to drag
Tom away from his fascinating wild
ow. He was feebly sarcastic when
explained this to him, and it is not
worth while repeating what he said.
The end of a week found us still
lingering in Westchester, and myself
at once the happiest and the most
miserable of men. | felt sure that
enid returned my love, but how much
was for myself and how much for the
Y. c. ! could not determine. We
practically lived at Highiield, the
Mayor place, but / would not stay
there, though we were warmly pressed
to do so. 1t is such a nuisance to have
your bag thrown after you when you
have been ANONYMOUSLY kicked out
Of a house, and that that would be my
fate sooner or later | felt sure A
hundred times a day | funked it when
t came to the point Tom was far
90 busy with his own affairs to both
+ about mine, and grew moody and
desperate.
At last, one morning. after we had
been dining at Highfield, and Enid
had been more bewitching than ever,
felt that | could stand it no longer,
and set off for the house, determined
to mack full confession before leaving
Westchester, broken and despairing
man. had informed Tom of my in
tention at Notwithstanding, | may
say, consisted Ola brandy and soda
and the wretch had only laughed at
me when | told him that he had ruin
cd my life. | was never so near being
downright angry with him before.
[ was halfway up the avenue when
[ met Enid coming down. To my
mind a pretty girl never looks so
pretty as in furs on frosty morning,
When the keen air has deepened the
,armine of her Cheeks and ,--e sparkle
If the snow crystals is reflected in her
eyes. Almost unconsciously | LED
her to a friendly seat, took her hand,
and floundered through my mingled
tale of love and humiliation.
And you see. darling" | concluded,
Il am not Tom Cason. V. c., but Jack
an unmitigated fraud, and not
worthy to spea kto you.
II knew that last night" she said.
regarding me gravely, though laugh
ter lurked in her eyes.
The deuce you did" | cried, star
tied into forgetfulness OF the proprl-
cites. ''Who told you?''
"Jack-that is-Tom, suppose
should say" she replied.
And-and and" | queried,
breathessly.
"And think it was disgraceful OF
you to win a poor girls heart under
false pretences.
Then you
perhaps | do. sir, but I made up
my mind when | was little girl that
would marry V. c., or no one at
ALL"
"Oh."eI said, lamely, my temporary
hopes dashed to the ground.
Enid looked at my forlorn face, then
burst out laughing, and handed me an
envelope, saying: There, you silly
boy, read that!
read it in dumb amazement. 1t
was an official letter. Oh, Tom. Tom
and you told me there were no letters
| for me the previous morning. And II
informed me that in recognition OF
certain services, which Il need not
specify, her Majesty had been gra-
| ciousIy pleased to confer on me the