The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-02-13
The mice Old Person."
BY GILBERT DOYLE.

"
was wondering whether Park Lane
IS nicer place in which to reside than
SaKbury Court" continued.
She gave little laugh and a spot
OF color came into her cheek. Then
the smile died from her eyes and she
looked very straight at me.
What do you think, Chris ?" she ask
ed.
Il think one might possibly seem
jolifer at the moment"-I paused to
work up my courage-"but the other Is
Tar more satisfying in the long run.
Yes, undoubtedly it ought to be the
one chosen-particularl if the oppor-
tunity is given!" l finished decisively.
Kitty selected an orange and started
to peel it. You'd be disappointed if
any other choice were made?" she ask
ed in a low voice
SaXbury Court without Kitty But
there's no goodSin half doing a thing,
and | became quite brave again.
Bitterly! There are some people I
should always like to see do the best
possible
There was a long pause. Then. at
length, she raised her head and there
was curious little look in her eyes.
i suppose the least one can do is not
to disappoint friend?" she said, very
quietly.
Quite the least" agreed cheerfully.
And the most is to always lend and
never borrow-that is ideal friendship"
I added.
And so, with laugh, it was all set
tied
Three days passed and then an in
credible thing happened. This was
nothing less than an appointment as
consulting lawyer to a rich company. I
was amazed at the offer, and at first
thought that my abilities had at length
T L. i
that Sir John Gretton, Lady James hus-
band, was a director of the company,
my amazement subsidized, but | was
none the less delighted with my good
fortune. 1t was just like the dear old
creature to think of me.
L returned to Saxbury Court earlier
than usual that afternoon, and. going to
my bedroom, proceeded to make a
change Of clothes. A few minutes later
stepped into the passage that led to
the sitting room. l noticed that the
door at the end was open, but the cur
tain was drawn almost across the en-
trance.
AS approached I caught sight of a
man in my room. / was Il little Curl
Gus, as L did not recognize my visitor
from his back-he had gray hair and
was wearing velveteen coat. Then,
as the figure turned and | caught a
glimpse of the face, chuckled softly to
myself. 1t was Kitty, made UP" com
pletely as john Chichester, the tempted
nero Of the matinee piece. She had ev-
identity planned a dress rehearsal for
my benefit, and she certainly looked
the part remarkably well.
was about to step forward and
congratulate her on the impersonatiOn,
when there was a tap at the outside
door and Kitty who had sunk into my
armchair, sprang to her feet in alarm.
drew back behind the curtain in an
ticipation of fun. Without being seen.
1 had a good view of the room myself
The door opened, and a tall. we'll
dressed young lady came in. Kitty
looked terribly nervous for a moment,
but as the girl advanced into the room
she faced her boldly.
Mr. Helder?" inquired the visitor,
trtfie nervously.
l saw sudden twinkle of mischief
come into Kitty's eye. She threw her
. cigarette into the CRATE.
Yes she said, in John Chichester's
deep tones.
1t was impudent, of course. But I
always had a weakness for amusing
situations, SO settled down to enjoy
this one. [ turned my attention to the
visitor. She was a refined looking
girl, but painfully nervous at the pres
ent moment.
II My name is Lady. DeIicia Brymour,"
she began.
The name startled me little l re-
membered that the Hon. Gerald was
private secretary to the great Lord
Brymour. What on earth could his
daughter want calling on me?
Il know it must seem strange my
coming to you in this fashion" the girl
continued, but Lady Jane Gretton is
a dear friend of mine, and she said she
was sure you wouldn't mind, and that"
- She paused, hesitatingly.
"Of course, any friend of Lady Jane
is welcome said Kitty, coming to the
rescue, land shall only be too pleased
to do anything I can
I should think so! If the young
scamp had only known about the APP
pointment obtained through the dear
old soul.
Lady Delicia's embarrassment in
creased but at length she managed to
Stammer out her story. And very
pretty one it was. 1t appeared that six
months ago the Hon. Gerald had pro-
posed to her. Lady Deicia was willing
but her father, the great Lord Brymour.
insisted on six months elapSing before
the formal engagement was announced
just to make certain that the young
people knew their own minds. The time
had slipped away, and now, almost at
the last hour, a mischief maker had
had fallen in love with some one else,
which, by the way, happened to be the
truth. The WhiSperer, who seemed re-
marlably we'll informed, had also told
her that the meetings mostly took pIaNa
in my rooms!
AS ] listened to this, began to feel
that the little comedy was beginning to
be tinged with a more serious element
l watched Kitty closely. but could not
tell what was passing in her mind
She lighted a cigarette and puffed it
slowly.
please don't misunderstood met"
said Lady Delicia at the finish-and
there was dignity about the slim,
young figure that I liked I've simply
come here to know the truth. Mr. Der
isford and 1 are not formally engaged
II he loves some one else, I shall not
stand in his way. [ only want to know
that's ALL"
Kitty thrust one hand deeply in the
pocket of her velveteen coat and IookS
ed straight at-the girl before her.
Il see you love him?" she said quiet
ly.
Lady Delicia gave little start and
looked on the ground. When she rails
ed her head there were tears glisten-
ing on her eyelashes.
yes. love him." she answered
gently.
Poor Kitty!
But that wouldn't matter-I want
him to be happy" continued the girl,
bravely. Now, Mr.. Helder, tell me
the truth, please. Is this Miss CarviI
anything to him?"
Kitty suddenly dropped into a chair
and went into fit of laughter.
"Oh, my dear young lady, it's simply
wicked to tease you!" she cried. IF
he only dared!" And she was conyuls-
ed again.
don't know which was the more
surprised at this new phase, Lady De-