Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-02-04

otto way and forgive me afterward.
It's your promise. you know"
II don't think you'll make fool of
yourself" said 1. Little Miss Kelvin
is a very charming girl. 1 wish she
had better father"
81 am too well satisfied with Mr.. KEEL
win just now to say anything disre-
spectful about him." responded Donald.
"This conversation with him has taken
great weight off my mind"
Remembering Kelvin's words, could
not understand Donald's ground for
satisfaction, but he was obviously very
much in earnest about it. My curios-
ity was piqued, yet l would ask no
questions. Still less would l offer ad-
vice, for l am ever slow to cloud the
bright day of youth with the gray coun-
sells of age. Youth, MS rule, lives life
honestly as 1t is. while grabbed, dis
satisfied age would thrust in poor
plan Of its own contrary to natures.
So turned the conversation into the
way of small things, and we went
home clleerfully to breakfast.
l was at the factory antil the middle
Of the afternoon, and when l came
home again was surprised to see the
kelvins' carriage alongside my vcran-
da. Mrs. Kelvin was just alighting,
and Dorothy was giving her greeting.
They presented n remarkable contrast
as they stood there together in the clear
light of the summer afternoon.
Mrs. Kelvin Is a woman who always
looks as If her clothes and herself had
fought great battle while she was
dressing and the clothes had got the
better of it. They assert their SUPERB
GRITTY. She is not fond of flaring colors,
but she puts on too much of everything.
Trimming seems to stick out of her at
random, with tire result that every
plain spot on her gown looks bare.
Dorothy's raiment is the handmaiden
of her beauty, serving humbly and in
sweet simplicity. Her personality puts
q soul into her clothes. If it were not
too curious a fancy, could see her
gown falling away to mere bit of
cloth when she takes it off.
The ways of the two women are like
their attire. Mrs Kelvin bristles, and
yet her manner is expensive, as we
might say, for it cannot be had except
in the society of the wealthy. 1t is
silk backed plush, but it is plush.
How do you do, Mr.. Harrington?"
said she, extending her hand upon
level with my chin. 81 have come to
you for sympathy and assistance"
She laughed pointedly in order to
show that her language was intention
ally extravagant. l never liked those
utility laughs.
"What is the trouble?" asked.
at is story of crime" she replied,
"a mysterious midnight robbery. Real
ly am heartbroken. They have stolen
my diamond collar, a gift from Mr..
Kelvin and dear to me far beyond its
value. l don't suppose it is worth
more than $4,000, though, of course, I
never asked him what he paid for it,
Il am In position to sympathize
with you," said l, "as you may be
aware. We have obtained no trace of
the money that was taken from my
safe"
Az AACANiA AuSS lOOh SUCH I'LL
expression of sudden gloom that was
really touched. had not supposed
that she would thus feel for me in my
misfortune.
II hadn't thought of that" she said,
with hesitation. "Of course, young
Mr.. Donaldson has tried to find the
money!"
Instantly saw straight through the
whole game. This superstitious wo-
man had come to ask Donald to find
her diamond collar by the exercise of
that occult power which Mr.. Kelvin
had SO fiercely derided that very morn
ing. Upon my word, fine piece of
presumption!
Don hasn't an idea what has be-
come of the money" said Dorothy.
yet he might be more successful in
the case of my diamonds" responded
Mrs. Kelvin, rallying. DO you know,
Mrs. Donaldson, have the greatest
faith in your son. think he is very
remarkable young man. My husband
and have the most protracted argu-
ments about it. You know, Mr. Kelvin
is such commensurate man he can't
believe anything that is at all out of
the ordinary. understand" she add
ed, turning to me, that you and Mr..
Kelvin had quite disagreement about
it this morning. You must not take
what he says too seriously. 1t is really
my fault, because l keep him stirred
up about it."
donald was greatly pleased with
Mr.. Kelvin this morning." said l. with
dishonest and contemplate evasion.
HE was not in the least offended"
Mrs. Kelvin was surprised and de-
lighted. She turned to Dorothy with a
most ELUSIVE manner.
please use your maternal influence
in my behalf" she cried. "If your son
will come over to The Elms"-
At that moment there was clatter
Of hoofs, and Donald, on horseback,
came around the corner of the house
ut such n pace that he had to pull up
sharply in order to avoid collision with
Mrs. Kelvin's equipage. The boy rides
like wild Indian.
His mother called to him, and he
slid off his horse and came up on to
the yeranda. He looked big and hand
some in his riding clothes. and his
mother eyed him proudly.
Mrs. Kelvin has come to ask you to
go over to The Elms," said Dorothy,
and she paused there for the mischief
of it.
Donald sat down upon the arm of
his mothers chair. and think it was
because he had not the strength to
stand. though he did not reveal his
surprise in any other way.
ut is very kind of Mrs. Kelvin" said
he.
INV husband ioins mo In this re.