Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-11-14
/ s6HE OTHER MAN
~ rREDERIc REDDALE
Copyright. 100. BY J. p. Lippinco,, Company.


make any objections. do you taink P"
he inquired, the Sigh. tenor of
anxiety in his voice seeming perfectly
natural to the girls quick perception.
L think Sir Arthur will be glad to
get me off his hands," she said rogu-
ish'y. "As for Rick. why, he does not
know you very well, you see, and he
must take my word for it that you are
perfectly eligible, of legal age, and
sound mindi"
I'm not SO sure about that last"
he responded, catching at her gay hui
NOR, and answering in kind. when
a man is bewitched, you know"
The rest of the sentence was unfin-
ished, for at that moment Stella was
claimed for the next dance, and Kane
saw her no more until supper was
served, when he had expressly re-
served the privilege of taking her in,
and she sat on his right hand with
Richard on his left.
BY all rules of social precedence
these places of honor belonged to
others, but at the last moment Kane
gave orders which resulted in the ar
rangenent named. The evening had
begun and continued auspiciously.
and with his customary cool hardi-
hood he resolved to then and there
test to the utmost the possibility of
Richards recognizing him.
During the repast the talk naturally
drifted to the Cape. Nearly everyone
knew that Rick had just returned
thence, and he was kept busy answer
ing questions as to his adventures. so
that Kane was spared the necessity of
originating or replying to any direct
inquiries, but by a judicious remark
here and there he showed his knowl-
edge of the subjects touched on, nor
seemed to manifest the slightest de-
sire for concealment.
Every word he uttered had for it's
Interior object the creating o. a favor
able impression upon Richard Dysart,
but it was all done with such con-
summate tact that the younger and
buffer man was completely captivated
by the elder, as was proved when, on
kissing Stella goodnight, after their
drive home, he said
well, Sis, your Rossiter Kane
seems to be triumph"
Thank you, Rick" was her reply.
II just knew you would like him.
and, covered with happy bushes, she
disappeared.
So the ball was an unqualified sue
cess, and the star Of Rossiter Kane was
in the ascendant house.
At noon the next day he cantered
up to the entrance of Denecroft and
inquired for Sir Arthur Dysart. On
being ushered into the library he
found the baronet alone and apparent
ly expectant, for. true to her promise.
Stella had expressly asked her elder
brother to remain at home that
morning.
'Eh-eh-what's in the wind now.
Stellar" the baronet inquired, looking
up from his letters, and blinking near
sightedly at his sister. More sur
prises?"
Stella, to conceal her embarrass-
ment, came around to the back of his
chair and leaned over his shoulder.
roughing and ruffling his hair in a GER
tain tormentingly lovable way as was
her wont
Aren't you glad Rick is back?" she
inquired, woman-like talking of the
thing that was farthest from her
heart at that moment
why, OF course" assented 81,
Arthur. Il believe we killed our fattec
calf in proper fashion. 1t will be the
happiest Christmas Denecroft has seer
for many year."
Stella oh 81
said, Il am very happy girl"
The baronet grunted an assent in
preoccupied man-fashion, and opened
another letter. Stella wriggled a lit.
tie nearer, seating herself on the arm
of his chair.
We'll, what is it?" asked her broth
er, leaning back with an air of resig.
nation. Let me know the worst, and
set it over"
"Oh, it's nothing alarming" CUR
sled Stella-"at least l hope not. Are
you in a very good humor this morn
ing, Arthur"
L was" he answered gravely, "but
the most patient man has his limits,
you know"
Stella-the dignifed little Stella
fairly giggled-there is no other name
Tor the sound of suppressed delight
and merriment which rippled from her
hps-and Immediately went off on
another tangent
Don't you think it very nice that
Richard and Mr.. Kane seemed to like
each other so much last night?"
why, yes-since we are all neigh
bors | should say it was most fortu-
nate. Perhaps we ought to feel de-
lighted that Mr.. Kane likes us so
well-eh?" and he pinched the girls
cheek mischievously, while a quizzicai
smile twisted the corner of his mouth.
DO you really like him?" she muir
INJURED, hiding her face on her brothers
shoulder.