The Washington times., 1903-11-15

wore them thin. The new valet Jared
better. as he was deferential. and had
been an attendant in a lunatic asylum.
Moreover, he took a great interest in
the majors ivory leg, and when it was
upstrappeS at night. he always car
ried II 20 his own room TO polish up
for the morning. These little attentions
pleased the crusty old man
One evening In April the curate came
to dinner. He was a handsome. earnest
young fellow. much In love with Kate
Dreux6eld. His affection was returned
and it seemed probable that there would
be match. Every one favored the idea
save Major Onslow, who hated the
curate like poison. All the scandal he
could gather about the parson he re-
ported to Cecil, but as he had dis
counted his veracity by ivory leg
stories, this gossip merely provoked dis
trust. After dinner the curate followed
Kate into the drawing room, where he
made love. with the consent and IN the
presence of Mrs. Dreuxheld. Cecil. left
alone with Onslow, drank his wine
smoked his cigar. and listened TO the
major raging. He was particularly Of
fensive this evening, and his speeches
need expurgation.
/ II hate that snealking parson." he be-
gan, without preamble Dreuxheld in
terrupted him smartly.
You are in the minority, then. Jen-
him"
Particularly Kate sneered the ma
jor. 'I suppose she wHl marry the fell
low"
If by the fellow you mean Clarence
/ Newall. I have 10 doubt she will" re-
torted Cecil. pointedly. 81 know of no
man to whom would so willingly give
my sister"
I Thought YOU didn't like parsons"
Then You thought wrong. sir. am
not aware OF having manifested any
particular dislike to the church Be
sides. was at college with Newail,
and I know him 10 be good. honest
fellow"
i've heard different stories" said
Onslow. enraged by these lcontradic-
tions; 'it is said that Newall was in a
fast set"
Maybe: but he was not fast himself
You are thinking of his cousin. Give
Newall-the initials are the same. the
natures are not"
You believe in him. I see," said the
major huhily. making for the door. but
mark my words, he'll sell you yet. I
never knew person that didn't"
"Newall is quite sound. major-as
sound as that ivory leg you"
His speech was interrupted by the
+, banging of the door OnsIow did not
/ like his leg being made a jest of, and,
! moreover. finding he was getting the
worst Of it. he retired to bed. BY no
means sor-y to see the back of this can
tankerous elder. Cecil finished his claret
and went to the drawing-room. Here
he found the two ladies and Newan in
| eager conversation.
1.-The major has gone to bed. Jenny. -
he said to his wife Lost his temper,
as usual
What a cross old man he is" said
/ Mrs. DreJ zfield, Struggling her should
! ers. Cecil dear. I hope he has not
vexed yoii. I really think we ought to
take away his ivory leg until he prom
/ ises to behave better"
Never mind, Jenny" whispered Kate,
''he is going to town tomorrow, and will
be away some days"
You look tired. Newall," said Dreux-
field, patting his friend on the shoulder.
II have been busy today answered
the curate, "and besides I'm worried
over a family matter"
That scamp Give again. asked Cecil
in low voice.
NewaH nodded and would have con-
tinued speaking but that Kate inter
posed.
What are you two talking aboUt?"
| she said; then. without waiting for an
answer. added. "Oh. Cecil. want you
to show Mr.. Newan the necklace. He
has never seen It. and you promised me
this morning at breakfast 10 bring it
| out"
Come 20 the next drawing room. Mr..
/ NewaH." said Mrs Dreuxfeld. amia-
bly,. "and you shall see it on my neck"
( Il think he would Ike closer In
spection." laughed Cecil. 1I'n fetch it
down here
DO" said NewaH eagerly. you have
no idea how anxious 1 am to see the
/ Dreuxheld diamonds"
What a curious odor." observed
Dreuxheld. shifting: you haven't any
drugs in your pockets. have you. New
au2"
mot that I know Of" replied the
curate. smiling. but I was taking some
medicine to a parishioner today. and the
cork came out OF the bottle No doubt
/ some Of the contents were spilled"
"Oh. that IS It! You ought TO be more
careful ! declare you scent the room
like a-perambulating drug shop. Sweet.
/ heavy. sickIy-ah! an. Chloroform!'
finished Cecil. and departed for the
strong room
- H. ,,.,-o 49,. L., -