Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1901-02-02

IF this isn't a easel ConRratula-
tions on my engage mentl Now, shall
90 or shall L not? This hardly reads
like Chris. It's too gushing. She is
more reserved. Perhaps her own en-
gagement has changed her. I've heard
Of such things I'll go.
Wish l knew the man she is engaged
20. Wouldn't 1 meet him cordiallvI
I'D grip his hand until it would be use
aess for month"
Worth Brice set his hat savagely on
his head, tore a small note into dozen
pieces, threw them into an open CRATE
and went out, locking his door with
auch force that the key was bent.
Ten minutes later Christabel Love
was extending her hand to him in
rather a constrained manner. There
was an additional warmth in Worth's
greetings because he had determined
TO carry the matter off without finch
ing.
I've answered your congratulations
In person, Chris" he began, in iovial
way, sinking into his favorite arm
chair. Your note broke in upon the
most doleful reverie a confirmed old
There / sat-" Worth went on, "my
elbows on my knees and my head In NV
hands, grooming over the prospect Of
dull evenings soon to come, when You
would be so deeply engaged in dress
making and letter writing and what
not, that you wouldn't have time TO see
O fellow"
"Dressmaking and letter writing"
Chris. interrupted, in a wondering tone
Her eyes had become large and round
and pucker appeared between her
Arows.
Worth laughed rather loudly, and
slapped his knee, a thing Chris had
never seen him do before.
I'D just given up lamenting alone
and decided to come and condole with
myself in your presence when your
note came"
Worth INDUCED in another mirth-
Jess laugh. Chris leaned forward and
sooked at him intently. The pucker
ead extended half way up her fore
Aead.
now Chris, it's bad enough for you
20 go and get engaged, without putting
mp such big bluff on me In that way."
futting-up - bluff" puzzled
Chris, but the pucker began to smooth
itself out. $50 far you are an enigIn.
20 me"
Worth sighed.
Well, Chris, suppose the Christian
way to do would be to offer you both
bands and wish you all the happiness
Eouu be sure not only to get, but to
give, that lucky fellow, whoever he is"
Worth's voice was perilously ar be-
ing shal1y.
happiness I'll get and give" Chris
was still following helplessly.
When we meet" Worth went on, in
ais gayest tone, trife forced, don't
oe surprised if give him the fat of INV
nand for depriving me of my best
ekum."
Chris leaned back and spoke reso-
lutsly.
> Worth, if you will be kind enough TO
explain yourself, I'll be convinced. per
eaps, OF your sanity. Whom are Won
k1ng about, or don't you know your
worth became suddenly sober, as
sober as he really felt.
mo, Chris, don't know whom Tn
Giscussing--that's the trouble-but it's
shat mysterious some one that you're
engaged to-"
Il engaged? That's news to me.
Worth, your own engagement has af-
fected your head as well as your
heart"
But Worth did not wait for her to
hnish. He broke in eagerly, bringing
himself forward in his chair with an
tmpetuous jerk.
Say, now, aren't you, really, honor
bright? I'm not, Of course. How'd you
hear? It's all fake with me"
"a fake with you? Why, It came
straight from Miss Maltby, this morn
sng. She said she knew it,"
Miss Maltby go to-that is, Imean
abe knows too much. I'd like to know
where she got her precious informa-
Eion. I'm sure should know of NV
own engagement an soon as anyone"
Chris laugh would have fallen on
anprs5udiced ears 40 hystsrical gig
Hae.
~wAat . Aix ~ tAis h. Whs ever
naas Pea that l-Aew tis yse ret IL ts4e
-.