The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-14
FRANK OUTSIDER.

''I disapprove of the engagement; and
az Pamela's eldest brother and the head
Of the family. / think my opinion should
count something" The Earl of Ave
ton raised himself on his toes and shen
dropped his heels pompousiy TO empha-
size his feelings on the subject of his
sisters engagement to James Mackay-
"Cf course your opinion counts, Ave
ton. still in this case, i think you are
unreasonable His mother spoke with
her usual suaNityi but the snap OF nel
ian told OF suppressed irritation.
MY dear mother the fellow is an
outsider"
"Poohi Francis. no one is an out
llder nowadays you are behind the
times to say sos really I see no reason
why Pamela should not marry James
11ackay." Lord Aveton frowned
His very name is an oMense. ne
Nrumbled James Mackayt
The library door opened as the mead
OF the family was saying the obnoxious
name in tones of contempt; and gay,
fresh voice exclaimed:
Here you are mother; 1 am back
early. OH Francis, how are you2 You
look more than ordinarily solemn"
Lord Aveton's dried-uD face stimened.
Il think / have some cause to look
solemn. Pamela. / have Just heard OF
Eour engagement to-er-Ndr. eMackay."
PameIass creamy skin became tinged
with pink; she threw UP her head with
q naughty gesture,
i don't quite understand - she spoke
an a measured voice. why should my
engagement to James affect YOU in any
vay?" Her clear brown eyes looked
straight into her brothers face.
"a girl of your age clustered Lord
Nveton, has no right to engage her
self to any man without the consent OF
her seniors"
His sister moved slowly across the
room and stood behind her mother
chair; her dark eyes flashed as she an
Gwered;
u have the consent of the only senior
whose authority recognize" She laid
her arm around her mothers neck with
q loving pressure, and the elderly lady
stroked the girls fingers.
Dear" she murmured, your brother
means to be kind; you must listen to
what he has to say"
1.-THE fact is, Pamela, you have been
too much INDUCED all your life, and
now you do not recognize any author
fly at all" His lOrdship gave forth his
opinion with pOmpOuS snort, and
cleared his throat with an air of final
tty.
Lady Pamela laughed low soft
laugh. and dropped her tawny head
over her mothers shoulder
Mater" the words came in a gurgle
Of laughter. you hear what Francis
says; you must have brought me up
very badly"
~PameiaI" e71postulated the countess.
but her voice had a culver of mirth in
The Earl Strengthened his thin back
and buttOned his coat
My dear mother" he said stiffly,
''since you permit Pamela to make
sport of q very serious subject there
seems no use in my discussing the mat
ter any longer I wish YOU to under
stand, however, that I shall not recog-
nize the young man as my brother-in-
law and 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;
itu take place right enough Pamela s
voice was gayly defiant, and she smiled
serenely as Lord Aveton wished his
mother gocd-day and marched out Of
the room.
Pamela flung herself into a chair with
an exaggerated show of fatigue.
THE head of the family is a distinct
bore. mother mine. What are his lord
ships objections to my fance?"
The Dowager Lady Aveton fidgetted
with her eyeglasses
Francis says Mr.. Mackav is an out
Eider,' she answered. land of course,
dear. YOU must be prepared for a few
remarks of the kind; it takes more than
one generation of people to forget that
q mans fortune was made from the sale
of-er-ah-" The countess paused
"Pigs-out with it, mother" broke in
Jim Mackay's little finger than there is
in the whole Of Francis aristocratic
body" she added contemptuously.
1T Like Mr. Mackay very MUCH" her
mother said with warm sympathy. "but,
darling, YOU would have made a lovely
duchess" Lady AvetOn's voice express
ed regret. and Lady Pamela stopped her
proud head to kiss the soft cheek
''I don't wish to be q duchess, and I
wish to marry jim" She blushed
Slightly as she sspOke. and. humming
softly to herself. she left the room
Alone i'm her own room. she stood be
fore the glass and looked steadily at her
reflection
II believe I am a bit of snob at
heart she murmured, and hate my
self for it; but she paused and
clenched her hands-'these pigs do
rankls a Httle and yet I love Jim-I'm
sure J love him"
II saw your brother today. Pamela 81
James Mackay announced when he call
ed the next day.
'Did y0u2-and was his lordshfp gra-
cious?" Pamela bent over bowl OF
roses so that her face was partly hidden
from her lover
NO he was NTackay's voice was
stolid- He said was not good enough
for you and that he did not intend to
acknowledge me as a member Of the
family"
Lady Pamela glanced up at him, "And
what did you say?"
Maclzay rose from his chair and walk
ed across the room and back before he