The Washington times., 1902-12-14

vowed that By hook or by. crook. he
would have his answer then. There was
q BAH that evening. SO he would GER
tainly get Grace alone at one portion
Of the entertainment Roy would be in
bed. that was one thing TO be thankful
for. and old Lyttleton was nobody.
He secured three or four dances. care
fully selected by himself for convenient
times and felt certain OF victory.
4She knows what to expectI~ he mur-
INJURED several siss===. She's shy and re-
strained which is a good sign"
When his first dance with her was
over ne tried to lead her away 20 the
conservatory but her next partner
claimed her.
The second dance was before the in
terval. so he was safe from the intru-
sion OF the next partner. Without ask
ing her, he led her away to a quiet spot:
she appeared reluctant. but he paid no
heed. II he lost this chance
Miss Lyttleton-Gracei must tell
you," he began, losing no time in pre-
liminaries. Il cannot"
4 say. it's late for me TO be up. sis,
and dad is cross, DO you think that Mr.
Maxwell Oh. that IS Mr. Maxwellr'
Roy looked as though he had said too
much. Guy was on the point Of telling
him to clear on when Grace spoke:
II am afraid father will be cross. Roy.
but must take the blame. I'll 20 and
find him and explain You viii excuse
me. won't you. &r MaxweU2"
She was gone before he had time to
realize the fact. He gazed sternIy at
Roy; if De could get that young rascal
out Of the way. there would still be a
chance after one or the other dances.
Roy said Maxwell impressively. 7
want to have a quiet talk with YOUR
sister. and you come in every time.
See here. I'll give YOU this half crown
If you'll 90 10 bed-go anyGhere, aud
leave ust'
Roy's face lighted up and his arra
began 20 stretch itself in the direction
of the piece OF silver; then his face
grew somber. and ne shook his head.
THAT would be treachery. he *
planned Grace told me this morning
that she expected you would try and
say something to her if you we're with
her alone. and she didn't want YOU 10.
So she gave me a shilling to keep near
her all day so as you shouldn't have
chance, and I agreed. I'll stick to the
bargain. even if lose by it,"
Maxwell Daled
did she tell you why she didn't wish
me to speak TO hor2" ne asked. as IN
idea crossed his mind
''Yes," admitted the boy. "She said
she didn't want TO hurt your feeiings
by saying something you wouldn't like.
so il would be better 20 prevent you
from saying anything 20 her Girls
are funny, aren't they"
Roy" said Maxwell. after pause. Il
understand now. I'll give you this half
crown on condition that you say Moth
ing whatever about this chat we've hai''
'Done," exclaimed the boy. and the
money changed hands.
so that's my answer" groaned Max
well. as he uode his way to bis rcom.
yet it was kindly on her part to wish
20 spare me q refusal a refusau I'm!
That must be pretty uncomfortable for
a man to hear when he expects to be ac-
cepted. Yes. il was a strange way Of do
Ing it. but Well-meauing way. Vow
/ understand her apparently shy glances.
I'm or 10y the earliest train tomorrow.
wonder if she is in love. and whom she
loves7"
This question was answered six weeks
later by the announcement in the news
paper Of the engagement OF Miss Graea
Lyttleton and Mr.. Digby Grant. the ria
ing young barrister.