The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-06-15
THE WAYWARDNESS OF LOVE.

the plump little body, and the shock OF
red hair. And when he had done with
you-when he had made you laugh and
cry, and love and hate, and stirred and
tckled your very soul with his music
then he was your master, and you
could never think Of him in quite the
same way again.
That he was the very best man to
suit the purpose Of the duchess, had
no doubt. l decided that. Then l fell
asleep. felt l needed rest.
But 1t is the difficulty that Is unfore-
seen that spoils the best laid plan;
the runner that leaps the highest hedge
trips over the hidden root. Next day
came a bolt from the blue.
Macnulty refused the invitation of
the duchess. He was in town, and
gave no reason. But there was no
trace of indecision in his reply. lie
would not come.
why not? What's the matter with
the MANI" said the duchess to me,
when she announced the news. Hes
been here before"
THAT could not be. I suppose"
81 fed him well. What more does a
man want?"
There was certainly truth in that
you must set him for me. 1t was
your plan"
81 shall have to go to town."
sighed.
There's a train at tomorrow
morning. You shall be called at G."
murmured my thanks.
BE back to dinner-but you shan't
have any unless you bring him with
you"
"The gallant knight will ride forth
on the quest" l exclaimed. HE will
capture the recreant Or"
"He won't get any dinner" added
the duchess, who has no soul for the
romantic.
you may rely on me-" said I.
"You were always fond of your
meals" she murmured.
Next morning, to my indignation,
(the gallant knight being sleepy, l
was awakened at an early hour, and
my hostess herself saw me driving off
to the station to catch the train she
had selected.
When I arrived in London went d.
rectly to Macnulty's chambers. and was
sufficiently fortunate to find him at
home. He greeted me warmly.
81 thought you we're rusticating-
picking daisies and drinking milk, you
know" he said.
81 have been. Not milk, though" I
answered. 1--WE been with the South
boroughs."
81 had an invitation"
"Well go back together this even
ing"
"But | refused it. think of run
ming over to Paris the end of the
week."
From the frying pan to the fire.
London's hot enough, but Paris-be-
sides, the duchess wants you at Ec-
| cleston."
Its very flattering!"
| you're charming young man when
| you're nicely dressed. She is very fond
of you"
Macnulty pondered.
Isis Lady Marion there?" he in
| quired presently.
thought a moment. There was a
| meaning in that question that might
explain his mysterious refusal. 1t had
not occurred TO me before.
| whats that got to do"
"Oh, nothing-nothing! said Mac
nulty, jumping up from his seat
Come out and lunch with me-"
With my dinner trembling in the
balance, thought the suggestion excel.
lent
There is no doubt that a good meal
undermines a mans moral character
He feels comfortable and peaceful. He
wants to know why he shouldn't do the
thing he ought not, and finds he has
forgotten the many reasons that hac
suggested themselves before luncheon
Probably, II no one stops him, he does
1t.
II was so with Peter Macnulty. We
caught an afternoon train TO Eccle-
ston to act promptly. Macnulty was
carefully fed Il had no reason to com
plain myself, and when the mcooI
climbed over the treetops, she saw vi
all assembled in the great drawing
room that looked out on the stone ter
race where in olden times many WON
en- had waved adieu with dainty ker
chiefs TO their knights riding to thu
war, there to do great deeds for theii
love. Here. too, was great deed II
be done for love; not by knight II
shining armor. but by little fat maI
at a piano. Only he did not know h
was to do it, which spoiled the ro
nance.
l have always Except, indeed, onc'
in my life) gazed at the game of If
as a spectator, and found much amuse
ment, and at times not little sorrow
In it's contemplation. Here was seem
that would be interesting. With al
the power. and. did not doubt, thu
will as well, to use his music for hi
swn ends, Macnulty was to aid hi
rival with 1t. felt ought to war;
him. But. then, the duchess And