The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-11-30

81 have some war medals" Clay an
swered smiling doubtfully. But I'm not
in uniform"
'Oh, that's all right" declared MacWil-
Iiams. Put 'em on, put 'em all on. Give
the girls a treat. Everybody will think they
were given for feats OF swimming. anyway;
but they will show up well from the front.
Now, then, you look like q drum-major or
a conjuring chap"
II do not" said Clay. 81 look like a
French Ambassador. and I hardly under
stand how you find courage to speak to me
at ALL"
He went up the hill In high spirits. and
found the carriage at the door and King,
Mr.. Langham and Miss Langham sitting
waiting for him.. They were ready to de-
seated herself In the carriage when they
heard hurrying across the tiled floor q
quick, light step and the rustic of silk, and
turning they saw Hope standing in the
doorway, radiant and smiling. She wore
a white frock that reached to the ground.
and that left her arms and shoulders bare.
Her hair was dressed high upon her head,
and she vas pulling vigorously at a pair Of
long. tan-colored gloves. The transfOrma-
ton was so complete, and the girl looked
SO much older and SO stately and beautiful,
that the two young men stared at her in
silent admiration and establishment.
why, Hope!" exclaimed her sister.
"What does this mean?''
Hope stopped In some alarm, and clasped
her hair with both hands,. What is it?'
she asked; rs anything wrong?'
why. my dear child said her sister,
you're not thinking OF going with US, are
your"
NO golng?" echoed the younger sister,
in dismay. why. Alice, why not? l was
asked"
But, Hope-Father." said the younger
sister, stepping out Of the carriage and
turning to Mr.. Langham, you didn't in
tend that Hope should go. did you? She's
not out yet"
oh, nonsense" said Hope, deiantly.
But she drew in her breath quickly and
blushed, as she saw the two young men
moving away out Of hearing Of this family
crisis. She felt that she was being made
to look like u spoiled child. ut doesn't
count down here" she said. land 1 wan to
go. l thought you knew I was going all
the time. Marie made this frock for me
on purpose"
Il don't think Hope is old enough the
elder sister said. addressing her father,
land If she goes to dances here, there's no
reason Why she should not go to those at
home"
but / cont want to 60 to dances at
home" interrupted Hope.
Mr.. Langham looked exceedingly uncom.
Portable and turned appealingly TO his elder
daughter. What do you think. Alice?" he
SAID, oouDttully.
I'm sorry" Miss Langham replied. 'but
1 know it would not be at all proper. I hate
to Seem horrid about 1t, Hope. but indeed
you are too young. and the men here are
not the men q young girl ought to meet"
You meet them. Alice" said Hope, but
pulling off her gloves in token of defeat.
But, my dear child. I'm fifty years older
than you arr"
perhaps Alice knows best, Hope" Mr..
Langham said. I'm sorry if you are dis
appointed"
Hope held her head a little higaer and
turned toward the door.
II don't mind il you don't wish 1t. father
she said. Good light" She moved
away. but apparently thought better Of 1t
and came back and stood smiling and nod
dirg to them as they seated themselves In
the carriage. Mr.. Langham Ieaned forward
and said In a troubled voice, 1--WE will tell
you all about it in the morning. I'm yery