The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-06-08
A RANK OUTSIDER.

Mackay-
"Of course your opinion counts. Ave
ton; STILL in This case. I think you are
unreasonable" His mother spoke with
her usual suavity; but the snap of her
fan told Of suppressed irritation.
My dear m0theri the fellow is an
outsider"
Pooh. Francis; no one is an out
slider nowadays. you are behind the
times To say so. reality I see no reason
why Pamela should not marry James
Ma kay Lord AVetOn frOWned-
His very name is an otense, ne
grumbled. james Mackay.'
The library door opened as the head
of the family was saying the obnoxious
name in tones of Contempt, and a gay,
fresh voice exclaimed.
Here you are mother. I am back
early. OH Francis, how are you? You
look more than ordinarily solemn
Lord AVeton's dried-up face stifened.
II think I have some cause to look
solemn, Pamela; 1 have just heard Of
your engagement tO-er-Mr Mackay
Pamela's creamy skin became tinged
with pink she threw up her head with
"a naughty gesture.
II don't quite understand" she spoke
in measured voice Why should my
way2" Her clear brown eyes looked
straight into her brothers face
"A girl Of your age" blustered Lord
Aveton, has no right to engage hreset
N'' Gay mag W A~+tf~'- ---
Her sister moved slowly across the
room and stood behind her mothers
chair. ner dark eyes flashed as she an
sWered.
j have the consent of the only senior
whose authority 1 recognize She laid
her arm around her mothers neck with
a loving pressure. and the elderly lady
strokei the girls fingers.
Dear she murmured. your brother
means TO be knid. you must listen to
what be mas to say
The fact is Pamela you have been
100 mueh INDUCED all your life, and
now do not recognize any authority
at al" His lOrdship gave forth his
opinion with a pompous snort. and
cleared his throat with an air of fnality.
Lady Pamela laughed low, soft
laugh and dropped her tawny head over
her mothers shoulder.
Mater" the wvds came I'm a gurgle
of laughter you hear what Francis
says you must have brought me up
"Pameia.7 expostulated the countess,
but her voice had culver Of mirth
The earl Strengthened his thin back
and buttoned his coat.
My dear mother" he said stifIly,
"since you permit Pamela to make sport
of very serious subject there seems
no use ia my discussing the matter any
longer. ] wish you to understand, how
ever. that 7 shall not recognize the
young man as my brOther-ln-la law >nd
my wife and 7 shall not be present at
the Wedding-if it ever takes place The
finish of his remark was leveled at
Pamela.
"Oh. don't disturb yourself Francis;
it'N take place all right enough" Pa
mela's voice was gayly defiant and she
smiled serenely as Lord Avet0n wished
his mother good day and marched out
of the room.
Pamela flung herself into a chair with
faTl show of fil~11n
The head Of the family is a distinct
bore. mother mine. What are his lord
ships objections go my fiauce2"
The Dowager Lady Aveton fidgetted
with her eyeglasses.
Francis says Mr.. Mackay Is an
outsider she answered. and of
course, dear you must be prepared for
few remarks of the kind; it takes
more than one general iOn for people to
forget that a mans fortune was made
from the sale of-er-ah"" The
countess paused
"Pigs-out with it. mother" broke in
Pamela There is more of a man in
Jim Maclay's little finger than there
s. in the whole of Francis aristocratic
body" she added contemptuously
"I like Mr. Mackay very much" her
mother said with warm sympathy; but
darling. YOU would have made a lovely
duchess. Lady Aveton's voice ex-
pressed regret, and Lady PamelA
stopped her proud head to kiss the soft
cheek
II don't wish to be a duchess. and
wish TO marry Jim" She blushed slight
ly as she spoke. and. humming softly to
herself she left the room
Alone IN her own ROOM She stood be.
tore the glass and looked steadily at
her reflection.
II believe I am a bit of a snob at
heart. she murmured, and 1 hate nv
self for it.: but" she paused ann
clenehed her handsZ"these pigs do
rankie little. and yet I love Jim-Im
sure 7 love him."
ri saw your brother today, Pamela.
James Mackay announced when lie
called the next day
Did you2-and was his lordship era
cious Pamela bent over bowl OF
roses 50 that her face was partly hidden
from her lover
No. he was -Maczay's voice
was stohd. He said 7 was not good
enough for YOU. and that he did not in
teAa 20 acknoWledge me as a member o.
the family"
ana what did you say2"
Aackay rose from his chair and
wa4Nea across the room and back be-
lole ~ answered. and the girl watch
HanN times been struck before with fine
1ecntiar grace of his 1.-the. well-knit
7 sold" he paused in his walk close
beside her chair and looked down at tile
-oEeis ace that I would not marry
you lnti ] had made him acknowledge
tnat was worthy of you"
Jim She rose and faced him: the
M1Iin 9lood rushed to her face and then
fectly colorless.
10 You mean that you care more for
FRANCIS feelings than for mine2' She
sloAe quietly. but he could hear the re-
hand i'm his
Dear one YOU should know better
imam ask me a question like thata-his
soi- scotch voice was very gentle-'but
surely you do not wish to marry a man
VINO is tabooed by the head of your
famiiye" 5~-
don't care a rush for the sayings
on the head of my family she spoke
Mackay smiled. Il don't believe Won
90. ana 7 must confess I am not so in
o-uer.nL- and. aftar AL Earnala 49,