The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1902-08-05
"she doesn't look her age" I retort-

%.
! Bob grunted and continued:
! Family renowned for rectitude OF
purpose, moral severity, generosity and
nerc.fulness."
/ 81 cocld have told you that" inter-
rupted. Iris carries all that, and more,
in her face. Go on!'
: "'The ladies noted for their endur-
ing beauty, innocence Of mind and
splendid physique. The Maypels came |
over with William of Normandy and
are hence of Norman extraction; their |
-"
That's enoughw I interrupted an
grily. "Why will you continue to In
suit the girl you pretend to love-"
II Bob laughed light heartedly.
"Confound your impudence and your
inhospitalityp' he said. Haven't you
some whiskey or something to pledge
me with, Reggie?"
| found him liquor, and he drank, but
mine stood untasted, though l did, In
feeble way, wish him everything he
desired. My recent hope, quashed SO
soon after birth, left me limp.
by the bye" remarked, presently,
:''you take Scrubbs' report; for gospel
notice. You don't question his-er--
yeracityT
Bob laughed merrily.
Question the accuracy Of Norton
Scrubbs! Doubt the written word Of
the smartest man in his profession!
No, my boy, only an idiot would do
that. Why, even the bar acts upon 1t,
sometimes. Besides, look at his bill
Of costs. Fare to Maypel Court, first
return-G3 1Ss. Lodging and board at
hostelry in the vicinity of the Court,
together with tips for information and
30 forth-a As. What do those items
| mean?"
"Oh, suppose it's all right" I re-
piled. II don't doubt that one Of the
hounds has followed the scent but it's
amazing to me that you can be satis-
fed with the report Of any third person
and yet be incredulous Of your own
eyes,"
Now, look here, old man." said Bob,
with paternal flourish, whats mine
cant be yours-where a wife is con-
cerned at all events; SO make up your
mind to the inevitable, and IL you must
love Iris Maypel learn to love her as
sister, though there's greater security
both for you and me, to say nothing of
our friendship, II you drop loving her
at ALL"
He left me to ponder over his we'll
meaning hint and 1 was vainly en-
deavoring to perceive the truth in 1t
when letter from Iris was handed
in. The first few lines led up to this:
why have you deserted us so long,
Mr.. Give? Failing to meet you at any
social gathering where you are usually
to be found we quite expected you to
call. / have, with great difficulty, dis
suaded dear autnie from the belief that
! have offended you. Will you not
come and assert my innocence? Dear
auntie's box for Wednesdays first
night is not filled, and If you will hon
or us by helping to fill it dear auntie
will be really delighted-as also yours,
etc.
"P. S.-Kindly drop us line to-day.
II you have the inclination to bring
your answer, auntie will be at home
as also yours, ETC."
read the lines and then endeavored
I to read between them. Iris had never
before approached me in so intimate q
mood-in fact, had been shown to
comprehension more than once that
Bob's friend was not necessarily upon
the same family footing as Bob. And
as for the auntie-certainly her cold
civility had often impressed me, but
:
would have concerned herself If Iris
had offended, ay, insulted me dozen
times a week.
However, quickly resolved upon ac.
ton. I would call upon Iris, and II
things looked favorable I would prom
Use myself for the Wednesday, If not,
could easily invent an excuse.
The fact is, Hope, so recently evap
Grated, condensed again, and drank 4
with avidity.
fancied there was a smile on tn,
mans face when he opened the doc
of the pretty fat in st. James, ant
said:
Miss Maypel is in the conservatory
sir, and expecting you"
The mans smirk spoilt what els,
would have been my record heart-leap
Still, 1t looked hopeful that Iris wa
waiting for me in place knew FRO,
observation her aunt did not frequent
The man left me hurriedly at tn
: door, and walked around the con
servatory twice and peeped behin'
every available refuge-there wer
giant palms and no less giant screen
, In plenty-but Iris was not there.
stood perplexed, wondering II ther
; were any connection between Iris alb
!, sence and that ugly serving-man'
,, , smirk. But suddenly l heard a voice
!, at first family, and then most dis
, tinctly.
!, Don't you be fool" 1t said. "You'l
get your money, right enough, If yo
/, wait. Only let me run alone. I've 60
. my head screwed on right, can assur
you. II you interfere you'll suffer 10
i, 1t, that's ALL"
: It was Iris voice!
0 "But. my dear"
9 There was the thin, piping voice q
{ her aunt.
= Don't but at me-" interrupted Irii
q angrily. Bob Pallant Is off, tell yol
d and all your arguments won't brin
b him on again. Little Reggie Clive's m
= man now."
}, I shank within myself. At the me
b ment Iris spoke my own name the
t had entered the conservatory, and
q had arranged myself for formidabl