Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-09

port. I suppose said John, heartily glad
20 have got of the unfortunate subject
started so suddenly by Johnny. Indeed, !
could not face my father on any other sup
position. But really I have thought little
about tho matter one way or the other. l
had always supposed that the high-fyers
were nothing but self-advertising humbugs
and ranters. That has always been taken
for granted among the men with whom (
mostly associate. A man takes these things
on trust, as one is mostly born whig or
tory. 1 happened to be born tory, that is
ALL"
1T is a good religion to be born Of, even
now" said Mr.. costoun, with an air of
philosophic consideration, that is, when
the estate goes with 1t. For a second SON
am not so sure"
well in this case there IL the family liv-
ing for him!" suggested John.
"Ah," said his friend, shaking his head.
eff only / could see you thinking for your
self, and-well, taking things a little more
seriously"
That is Just what Veronica Caesar says,
SIR" cried John before he thought, and at
the words the ~rector's wife looked up with
q quantity q~uizzical expression on her face.
Perhaps the Doctors Johnny has revela-
lions to make at table, too2" she suggested
oOANAJH ~ AANAAC ebANo VI VII 1871
are apt to grow on a young man, l have
noticed"
mo, madam" said John, with that great
calmness, which he could always m
when speaking OF his nominal finance,
Veronica and l are such good friends that
there is only one thing in the world about
which we agree"
II am interested-tell mel" said his
hostess, her eyes Frightening.
That Is, that neither one OF US shall
ever be persuaded to marry the other"
But the long-standing engagement?"
suggested the ~rector's wife. who had her
W reasons for being curious in the mat
ter.
"Our several parents made that. 1t
h an affair for them said John. Vera
and ], for our part, are unanimously Of
the contrary opinion"
"Ah! l wonderf" murmured Mrs. Henry
Colstoun, meditatively.
At the close Of this simple feast John
and the rector sat awhile talking. The
young man was always at his best In his
old dominie's company. The Arm, gentle,
conscientious Brightness" Of his every word
and action were for the time being reflected
In the pupil. Presently, however, Mr..
Colstoun announced that he must betake
himself on back to school and John said
be would stay and say goodby to the rec
tors wife. with whom. spite of sundry sus-
pieions Of beak and claw, he was a prime
l~avorite.
A slight noise at the door attracted the
young mans attention, as he sat idly
looking out at the playground aud watch
ng the hurrying spate Of boys.
From the outer dark Of the passage a
tear-stained face peeped for a moment
within the dining room. John recognized
bis tormentor. 1t was johnny p~enitent
Johnny--a hungry Johnny. For the order
of the master OF the house had been strict
and-Johnny had not yet seen his mother.
II sowwy," said Johnny. "vewwyi Is all
zee nnKs tieared away9"
81 am afraid So" said John smiling.
Then he added. See here. you little ras-
cal. why did you tell such a story about
about your teacherf"
"'Twasn't stowwy, nuther-there!" said
Johnny. stoutly.
Look here" said John. ~'teatzer wouldn't
, like It II you ever said q thing like that
again. You won't. will your Because l
ask your
Johnny pretended not to understand,
falling back instead on actualities, upon
which he felt himself more competent to
converse.
Use vewwy. vewwy hundry," he said,
patting his blouse to show how slack Il
was at the part chiefly affected by hunger
or reolstion.
Then you won't say It again, will you,
Johnny And I'll ask father to forgive
you7"
Johnny looked out At the window with
an afr OF great detachment and disinter-
tstednesA. polishing the toe OF one boot with
the sole OF the other In q circular manner.
zere's an ohul nice pastwyeook dust at
90 corner yonder-Miss Parton Is her name
She has tarts an diam roils-and-oo"-
here he sunk his voice to a luscious whisper
ninth piesl"
Johns right hand executed a hank move
meat toward HE pocket. returned unob-
t~rusivsly and passed something over 20 a
set Of remarkably dirty and tear furrowed
hngeFs. which closed over the mysterious
gift like 50 many claws.
Flank 90" said johnny. Never will tel
no more Eat you"
lei out, you young ruhhanl" cried John
hearing the returning footsteps OF hii
hostess on the passage.
And John olendonwyn. looking out OF tn,
window, saw the broadest part OF q pail
OF checked knickerbockers and a very mucl
bent back ''scoot" along the piaygroun,
wall. dodge through and disappear, in tn
direction Of diam %rolls.'' the ''tarts" an,
the 90. ninth pies" which render famous
forever the name Of Miss Emily Parton.