The Washington times., 1903-08-30

j a c0nScrVQ-
tory. where she was sitting in a corner
very eagerly talking to her partner-a
big. handsome fellow whose face con-
jured up an indefinite recollection Of a
former acquaintance. He was certainly
making good deal of running with
Miss Martin. and IL caused me a pang
TO perceive her evident delight in his
company. There was a caressing look
in her soft eyes and a general ANNA
ton and intensity in her whole express
sion that gave me a little shock to In
terpret to myself. However, even at
the risk of spelling sport. 1 walked up
TO her. and was received with an out
stretched hand and a little cry OF
recognition.
Well. I've done IT. / said proudly,
seating myself on the other side OF her.
She murmured an inaudible introduc-
ton.
You've done what?" she asked.
/ took out those shreds of paper and
laid them on her knee. Here's all
that's left of it, / said
Left OF what" she asked. turning
them over with a rosy finger.
''Mr.-your friends picture" / said
guardedly.
She gave me 2 startled look.
This is Mr.. Skirving," she said. in
dieating the man next her.
For a second We were all struck
speeches.. as though thuncerbolt had
descended from heaven.
1T must have been my brother BILL
exclaimed her partner in a choking
voice.
do you mean TO say that YOU took
this out of a mans watch?" asked Mss
Martin, with an almost historical in
tonation.
AT least / stood there and made a
man scraEe IL out" l said They said
he was named skirving. He certainly
never said he was"
The TWO OF them looked AZ me. and
then burst into fits of uncomfortable
laughter l tried to speak, to explain.
to tell them how naturally it all had
happened, but the moment I opened nay
mouth l was drowned IN a double tor
rent or merriment. Skirving wiped his
eyes, and-I wonder he didn't have sp-
oplexy. I wonder he didn't die.
II see I have made a perfect ass Of
myself" I said. when they had some
what recovered
This was the gentleman I meant ell
the time," said Miss Martin.
Il hope you don't expect me 20 do
that kind of thing twice7" 1 said
"Oh, it's all arranged. said Miss
Martin, with another giggle OF recollec-
ton. HE was wonderfully sweet and
nice about it
Il can't say that Bill was said.
"Oh. Bill" said Skirving, going on
again
turned over Miss Martins card Not
that I was in a humor to dance. but
it seemed a straw to cling to in that
terrible moment. ! had noticed. first OF
all, that It was filled from one to six
teen, and secondly that every blank
bore the name OF Anthony Skirving.'
II think you ought to tell him." said
Skirving.
IT'S awful that he should be the first
one!". said Miss Martin.
"The fact is" said Skirving. impress
81 -ly. 4 have just proposed TO this
young lady. end she has done me tia
great honor of accepting me-"
VIII you allow a poor worm TO re-
tire?" I said.
"Oh, don't 90. Mr. Houseman," ex-
claimed Miss Martin.
Not. AT least. before congTatulating
you. my dear young lady. on the happy
event. said. rising TO my feet.
You can't feel half as ashamed as
do" said Miss Martin.
"Oh. don't mention it, 1 said: but
If you'll pardon me III just take these
wisps and try 20 find Bill"
We'll, there's one thing about Bill /
think l ought 10 tell you" said Skirv-
ing. "He has a strong sense OF hu-
NOR"
Thank Heaven said l.