The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-06-15

nelp. ACROSS tne SPARKLING Wttef tuc
trees were green and gold, with here
and there a CLEAN of silver or band
of black. The birds were woo.ng ar
IDENTIFY in the tree tops; indeed, one
practical fellow seemed already to be
making furniture for the home, or, at
least, saving the necessary wood.
There was scarcely a breath to raove
the rushes, and the fish slumbered
peacefully in the cool depths Of the
river, or glided slowly beneath their
water lily sunshades. Now and then
the little water fairies shot up from
the bottom Of the river in their bub-
bic boats and few to join their play
mates in the clouds, to return when the
rain should come, seated on the falling
drops.
But the beauty that surrounded her
brought no peace to the mind of the
duchess. 'Tt's such a suitable match"
she remarked. rousing me from rev.
erie.
Perhaps Lady Marion might not
think So" said I, aware Of what was
troubling my companion.
"Ffddlesticks! She's sensible girl!"
Marriages are not made-by being
sensible" remarked.
That's my opinion"
Not exclusively. Your husband told
me"
The attitude Of the duchess warned
me to desist.
Besides, he is much older thar Mar
ion, and immensely rich," continued.
'Her motives might be mistaken. Now,
II l were to marry YOU"
Heaven forbid" exclaimed the
duchess. adding, more thoughtfully,
Though ! shouldn't have to worry
heaven about it,"
Let us say, then, an old lady"
''Is 1t a parallel case?'
My better nature asserted itself.
NO" said I.
1t is so often the duty of ones let
ter nature to tell a falsehood. And
really she does not look her years.
"That'sueQngar," sighed the ducness;
"T'm as old as the hills. And ! don't
skip like young sheep. either"
There was silence for moment.
remember wondering how the duchess
would look skipping like a young sheep.
I think the heat had softened-if not
partially melted-my brain. But my
companion retained her mental
strength.
"Winterton himself is the chief diff
Guilty" she said, presently. "He wants
bringing to the point"
"You can lead a man TO the point,
but you can't make him sit on It," he
murmured.
"Crackling thorns!" calculated the
duchess. do try TO be sensible"
l shook my head sadly. The thing
seemed so impossible just then.
Hes not sentimental enough. He
wants stirring up"
could only think of hatpins, but
dared not suggest them.
''If they were together, under suit
able conditions"
moonlight" l suggested.
'T've tried that"
mixed with music?"
'T don't see how It could be ar
ranged"
Then brilliant idea flashed into my
brain.
Have Peter Macnulty play to
them!" I cried.
The duchess sat mp.
you are really n wonderful man,
Massingham. Just when I'm thinking
your mind Is permanently gone you
sparkle like this. Mr.. Macnulty Is the
very man."
with the man in the moon to help. |"
"But how are we TO mix them?"
thought for a moment, and then
set my scene.
"Winterton and Marion must no in
weighed on to the terrace; you and l
will be seated In dark corner OF the
room"
II shall feel like Guy Fawkcs!"
THE moon, luckily full just now,
will be in its usual place; and in the
far end of the room Macnulty will play
ft--shaping destinies with his finger
tlps-the deus OK piano."
TITS magnificent" cried the duchess,
as sank back exhausted in my chair.
But how are we to get Macnulty"
Il know his address in London.
Write to him" The duchess rose.
'arhis very moment" she said.
You're q wonderful creature, John,
though no one would think 1t to look
ut you or hear you talk. I'm eternally
in your debt"
Perhaps II won't work"
1T shall work." said the duchess. and
swept away over the grass.
IN spite of her age. few women
could walk like her. l noticed that
as lit cigar.
Then began TO think Of Peter Mac
nulty. A little man. inclined to stout
ness. with merry laugh and bright
eyes; q good companion and thor
Ough Sportsman. We had faced tigor
together and Macnulty found his
shoulder just in time to prevent un-
pleasant consequences for me.
But Nscnulty shooting tigers was
<.,st a 0uiet plucky little EnGliehman