The Lamar register., 1901-06-05


plaid shawl thrown over your head,
requires considerable amount OF
courage and nerve At every step OF
the way Miss Marjorie's scruples grew
atronger-her sense of outraged pro-
priety more clear. At last she came to
a dead stop. just as they reached the
outer gate of Hollow Ash Hall.
What is 1t now?" asked Cowley.
E-atting her hand encouragingly.
81 really can't go in, Charles"
"Nonsense!"
"They will think 1 am mad. Only
Gee! konw that my hair is half down
; and 1 have no bonnet! Don't make
me go there. Charles. till 1 am more
presentable-there's dear"
Madam. do you intend to obey your
lawful husband or not?" said Mr.. Cow
ley, with mock solemnity.
But. Charles, do hear reason"
>"No, won't! I've had enough of
ason in my life. So come along, my
love. The moment you enter yonder
door you will get warm greeting for
/. my sake. and no one will stop to thinl,
whether you have bonnet on or not.
But that is Just like you women! You
can't even die comfortably unless you
have a fashionable winding sheet to
be wrapped in!
Men never study appearance-that
is fact we'll known!" said Miss Mar
jorie. quietly. He laughed, and led
her up the avenue.
The shutters of the house were all
closed, but through crevice in one of
the low windows came bright line of
light, testifying to the presence of Its
occupants.
Now look for 1t! Look as digni-
fed as you can. Marjorie" said Mr..
Cowley, and rang the bell.
A light came rapidly through the
hall. The door was opened. and a
stout female. with candle in her hand,
peered doubtfully out into the night.
'Is 1t you. master?" she began. And
just then catching sight of the muf-
fled figure of Marjorie. she gave a shrill
yell of horror and ran away.
ITS ould Queen Bess herself. and n
tall black man with her." they heard
her scream-and then came a Babel
of voices from the inner room.
shut the door! Lock it! Keep
them out!" said one.
II do wish papa would come! 1t is
too bad to leave us in such a place
alone!" sighed another.
APut some one is really at the door,
spoke up third. "It is all nonsense
about Queen Bess: l am going to see
what they want!"
"Oh. don't, Rose!" cried her mother
and sister.
Indeed. Miss Rose, 1t is Queen Bess
as natural as life!" put in Mrs. Ma
earthly.
Nonsense" replied Rose, and TAX
ing the candle she went out to the
door with firm step.
who is 1t, and what do you want?''
she asked. quietly.
Mr.. Cowley stepped in, and let the
light shine full upon his face.
Don't you know me. Rose?"
"Why Charles-Cousin Charles, can
it be you?'
"It is really me-"
But thought you were in Austria
lia."
so was till few weeks ago. Don't
be alarmed. Rose; am no ghost, but
solid flesh and blood. And here is
some one else. for whom must crave
a welcome-my wife. Rose. whom your
servant mistook for the apparition of
Queen Elizabeth"
Rose stared, as well she might, when
he drew in Miss Marjorie beside him.
But Cousin Charles was her great IA
vorite. and she had faith in every
thing he did-in everybody he loved.
So she held out her hand to the bon
netless stranger. with a pleasant smile,
and then led the way to the drawing
roo
Mamma. you will never guess whu
has comet" she exclaimed. Cousin
Charles Cowley from Australia, and his
wife,
Greatly bewildered. Mrs. Cowley
came forward to welcome her guests.
She had the widest notions about the
manners and customs of foreign coun-
tries and seeing tall, stately lady
with plaid cloak doing duty for head
and shoulders. as bonnet and shawl.
she instantly fancied that it must be
the native costume of the land from
which she came-the ne plus ultra
of all elegance and grace among the
ladies of Melbourne and Sydney. 1t was
good to see Mr.. Cowley's face as the
consciousness of her mistake dawned
upon him by degrees.
Dear me! Charles from Australia,
and his wife! My dear, you are most
welcome. VIII you lay aside your
She was at loss how to designate
the article of dress. but finally hit upon
the word "burnous" as being the most
suitable to the purpose. "WiH you
take off your burnous, my dear?"
At that Mr.. Cowley burst out laugh