Holbrook argus. (Holbrook, Ariz.) 1900-1913, 1901-07-13
;9HE canon had had a worrying


were other things. The canon had
conscience and that conscience was
pricking him for having stayed so late
at dinner party the night before that
he had no time before going to bed to
revise the notes for his speech at the
meeting of the Peace Association, and
dinner party in a cathedral city at
which one stays later than one had in
tended leaves its mark upon the morn
ing's temper, even though one be a
canon. However, Canon Beckford re-
Elected that between Bristol and Lon
don he would have two clear hours In
which to revise his notes. So having,
we will say, prayed for the bacon's
happiness in another world, he ate it
and turned to his letters.
1t was just his luck. On the very
morning when he wished to preserve a
calm and equable mind, he must be
bothered with that boy Reggie and his
preposterous proposal You must ad-
NIT that the canon had reason for his
annoyance. The eldest son of a duke
can afford to marry a chorus girl, or
indeed, commit any social enormity he
pleases short of marrying two. But
/ the eldest son of a canon has no right
to kick over the traces. Now Reggie,
who was articled to solicitor, had
stated his intention of marrying a
young woman whose name-as it ap-
peared on the play bills-was Cissie
Morrison. The canon WINGED as it
occurred to him. He WINGED again as
he reflected upon the career of her par
ent, who had driven cab in Bristol
until drink had landed him in the prison
ilfrmary. The canon was old-fash-
Toned and objected to the mixture of
the classes. He was old-fashioned
enough to write to Reggie and threaten
to cut him off with a shilling If he
persisted in his ridiculous course of ac-
ton. And here was Reggie's ultima
tum, definite declaration Of independ-
ence. The canon forgot the bacon, for
got his forthcoming speed and stamped
up and down the dining-room in I'M
canonical rage, until faithful wife re-
minded him that a hanson awaited
him at the door. He threw his notes
into bag, and plunged into the han
som.
Good graeiousr' he murmured as he
caught sight of the driver. ITO think
that l and such a man might be CO.
equal grandfathers"
That was why the canon was nearly
late for the train. He was known in
Bristol society as the Smooth BORE"
: being canon much given to suave COM
monplaces. But it was very different
kind Of a canon who raced, heralded
by porters, up the platform by which
the London express was straining at
the leash, a hurried, furried, warm
canon.
"Now, then, 'urry up, please" cried
the guard, with his whistle at his
lips.
5 mot smoking" painted the canon as
he ran behind the porter. who carried
d his bag,
you don't mind the lady, sir7" wills
pered the porter, opening a carriage
> door.
: mot at all, not at ALL" gasped the
q canon, fumbling for sixpence.
{ The train moved, and Canon Beck
= ford, aided by the porter, plunged into
{ the compartment, and into the lap Of
!. i. the lady who occupied it. She gave {
y little scream. The canon picked him
: self up and settled his collar.
:. Really, must apologize for my I'm
= ceremonious entry" he said. 1T wal
= due rather to the-the precipitancy O.
the train than to any desire on my par
fo folro c0 I1nUorro ptoI ,la n IiIar+x, n
AS sitting where Sat"
!. 1t was lame ending, but the canol
being no more than human, had notet
that his companion was young, well ia
vored and lowered with q merry eye
; and the discovery had, SO to speak
: thrown him off his peroration.
" "Oh, don't mention it." said the lady
J. 81 trust I didn't hurt you%
:. "Not in the least"
d "Ah, more frightened than hurt
IL suggested the canon, dropping into hi
y jocular manner.
'e mo, not even frightened" said tn
g young lady calmly, smoothing out tn
= newspaper which the canon had crun
E. pied.
By this time the train was dipping |
r and out Of the tunnels on the way t
ID Bath.
a. y; Are we to be companions as far 8
- Paddington" asked the canon plea
antly.
The lady laid her paper down on hi
: knees, indicating her willingness I
talk
e well, it depends on you." she r
piled, with an engaging frankness. "I'I
going up to town for the new piece.
al don't suppose you've heard of it'll
a. new piece"
a. "Ah, quite coincidence" said IL
M canon, his thoughts turning to the not
ty of his speech to the recently esta
lished Peace Association. $50 am 1
> "What, you don't mean to say "
are interested In it2"
81 am very deeply Interested" sa
- the canon.
y You mean you are one of the pr
motors 2"
81 have done my best to further 1
interests"
"Well, that is funnyl You've got
II. stall?"