The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-03-26
CHAPTER IV-Continued.

threshold. l had told Brandon of the
bantering conversation about the title
and estates of the late Duke Of Suffolk,
and he had laughed over it in the best
OF humor. If quick to retaliate for an
intentional offense, he was not thin
skinned at a piece of pleasantly, and
had none of that stiff, sensitive dignity
SO troublesome to oneself and friends.
Now, Jane and Mary were always
bantering me because was short and
inclined to be, in fact, round, but I
did not care. It made them laugh, and
their laughing was so contagious it
made me laugh, too, and we all en-
joyed it. I would give pound sterling
any time for good laugh, and that, I
think, is why I have always been
round.
So, upon entering, said:
''His grace the Duke of Suffolk, la
dies"
They each made a sweeping courte-
sy, with hand on breast, and gravely
saluted him:
"Your grace, good even"
Brandon's bow was as deep and
graceful, if that were possible, as
theirs, and when he moved on into the
room it was with a little halt in his
step and big blowing out Of the
cheeks in ludicrous imitation of his
late lamented predecessor that sent the
girls into peals of soft laughter and put
US all at our ease Immediately.
All, what thing it is to look back
npon-that time Of life when one finds
his heaven in ready laugh!
"Be seated, ALL" said the princess.
'"This is to be without ceremony and
only we four. No one knows word Of
1t. Did you tell any one, Sir Edwin?"
Perish the thoughtv' exclaimed.
She turned her face toward Brandon.
"But I know you did not. I've heard
how discreet you were about another
matter. Well, no one knows it, then,
and we can have a famous evening.
You did not expect this, Master Bran
don, after my reception of you the 9TH
er morning? Were you not surprised
when Sir Edwin told you?"
II think I can safely say that l was
prepared not to be surprised at any
thing your highness might graciously
conclude to do-after my first expert
ence," he answered, smiling.
"Indeed?' returned Mary, with ele-
waited eyebrows and rising infection
on the last syllable of the word It
was now her turn for a little surprise.
well, We'll try to find some way to
surprise you one Of these days." And
the time came when she was full of
surprises for him. Mary continued:
"But let us not talk about the other
day. OF what use are other days. any,
way? Before the evening is over, Mas
ter Brandon, we want you to give US
another sermon" And she laughed, set
ting off three other laughs as hearty
and sincere as if she had uttered the
rarest witticism on earth.
The princess had told Jane and Jane
had told me of the "Sermon in the
Park as Mary called it.
Jane needs it as much as H. said
the princess
Il can't believe that" responded
Brandon, looking at Jane with a sof-
eSAAAAAS SAeA11NC iu1lC lOO anu
commendatory to suit me, for was a
jealous little devil
The eyebrows went up again.
ooh, you think she doesn't? Well, in
truth. Master Brandon, there is one
failing that cannot be laid at your door
you are no flatterer." For answer
Brandon laughed, and that gave US the
cue, and away we went in a ripping
chorus. all about nothing. Some per-
sons may call our laughter foolish, but
there are others who consider it the
height of all wisdom. st. George! ia
give my Garter for just one other laugh
like that, for just one other hour of
youths dancing blood and glowing soul
warmth, OF sweet, unconscious, happy
heart beat and paradise Great ting joy
in every thing!
After few minutes Of gay conversa-
ton, in which we all joined, Mary ask
ed: what shall we do? Will one of
you suggest something's"
Jane sat there looking so demure you
would have thought mischief could not
live within a league of her, but those
WY NCAlulC SlllS are uGuIly always
dangerous. She said, oh, so innocently:
Would you like to dance? If so,
will play" And she reached for her
lutte, which was by her side.
eyes, that will be delightful. Mas
ter Brandon, will you dance with me?"
asked the princess, with a saucy little
laugh, her invitation meaning so much
more to three of us than to Brandon.
Jane and I Joined in the laugh, and
when Mary clapped her hands that set
Brandon off, too, for he thought it the
quaintest, prettiest little gesture in the
world and was all unconscious that our
laugh was at his expense.
Brandon did not answer Mary's inyi.
tation-the fit Of laughter had probably
put it out of his mind-so she, evidently
anxious to win or lose her wager at
once, again asked him if he danced.
"Oh, pardon me! OF course! Thank
you'll" And he was on his feet beside
Der chair in an instant ready for the
dance. This time the girls laugh,