Evening star., 1903-08-01

is, may / come. and if SO, when?'
In twenty minutes more the parties to
this compact had exchanged references.
which Were satisfactory on both sides and
Aunt Carolina, the spinster "dowager," and
Halliburton. the Young American had
gone their several ways But young Hall
burton was not yet satisfied. while ]
am about it, he said to himself, Il may
just we'll run down this other one
There's a possibility that there'H be some
fun in that one"
A short time, later, IN another part of
town, he stepped up to young and busi-
ness-like young person. Il beg your par
dom he inquired. but is this -er-that is,
are you Miss 'Church Mouse?"
at him. Yes. she returned "but-but-
there must be some mistake. My-my no
tce referred solely to members of the
feminine"
Sex" responded Halliburton, exactly,
but
And" went on the young lady, your
answer was signed Mary Witherspoon.' :"
Halliburton blushed. Exactly" he went
on, somewhat awkwardly, "one-one of my
noms de plume-er-I should say, noms de
guerre-er-that Is"
The young lady, whose poise was excel
lent. executed a curt little bow.
Good day. Miss Mary Witherspoon," she
said. And then Immediately turned upon
| her heel and left him
Now" said Aunt Carolina Southdown
two days later, to Halliburton as they
drove IN from the StatOn. 'yOu-yOu viii
not forget that you are one of the Hall
burtOns of Hertfordshire and the only son
of my mothers cousin 1t is quite impor-
tant, 1 assure you for my niece knows
nothing Of
II understand" replied Halliburton grave
ly, Il shall respect your wish
Peggy" announced Aunt Carolina, some
short time later to her niece, "this-this is
| William Halliburton. our-my cousin whom
| mentioned to you"
Halliburton, who had been standing some
what confused, with his eyes upon the
sround, made an obeisance. Then he look
ed at the girl for the first time AS he did
so. he started So did the girl
Dear me- exclaimed Halliburton. I'm
very glad to meet you. Our people In Hert-
fordshire so often speak of you.
The Honorable Peggy smiled. And you"
she said genialy, do not seem a total
stranger, for singularly enough you bear
strong resemblance to London girl /
| know
halliburton WINGED, but the girl kept on
| That London girl" she said, is Miss
Mary Nitherspoon." Then even as she had
| done in London she turned and went away
Halliburton, who had brought some of his
| luggage down. felt. as he looked about upon
the old Southdown estate, and as he kept
| in mind the countenance of Miss Peggy
| that he was beyond question making his de-
| but into good society.
The Honorable Peggy was quite as fond
| Of fun was Halliburton himself. but for
| that fact might have held herself aloof
from him But She understood the situation
| at glance, and realized the fact that
Aunt Carolina. in her concern for her neice
| had done quite the same underhanded thing
| that her niece had done for her.
| Therefore, by way OF no harm at dinner
| that evening the Honorable Peggy. who had
| spent good hour in the solitude of her
| room, examining several bulky volumes
| under the letter H. this irrepressible Young
| lady plunged forthwith into an anima ted
! discussion of that portion of the kingdom
| known by the name of Hertfordshire. Hall
| burton WINGED and so did Aunt Carolina
| But Halliburton was fairly good liar and
| lie piled his avocation unblushingIy
| Lady Carolina, true to her engagement
! announced her intention Of introducing o.
| Cousin William Halliburton" as she called
| him. into the neighboring exclusive society
| OF the Immediate vicinity, but Halliburton
| begged of He explained that he was ba sh-
| ful. nervous, timid and unused to the ways
| of the upper world. and that he desired
| more time to prepare himself.
As matter of fact, he confided to him
| self that before entering upon his active
! social career considerable amount of daily
| instruction by the Honorable Peggy would
! not be amiss The Honorable Peggy, whose
appreciation of the circumstances made her
| him on the qui vfve. and amused herself by
| calling him by the name of WitherspOon
! Time flew for Halliburton. And as for the
| Honorable Peggy-well that's another
| question
Ono day. late in June, however Aunt
| Carolina took her youthful niece into the
| library and closed the doors.
! Now, my dear" she said and she said 1t
| apprehensively, II have something to tell
| you. Lord Southdown Is expected here in
just about q week. Lord Southdown my
dear, she continued, placing her arm about