Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1904-07-07


s'WeIl, then, if you insist, Belle, this
young man, whom you disturbed in his
favorite retreat, is the celebrated Gre
ator of the smoking lamp scene. Kid,
this is the young lady whose photo
graph is tackled up over your cot. |
hope you are both satisfied. Come on,
Art-your turn"
II think Miss Belle and l have met
before" said he, looking calmly down
into Bellies gray eyes. 1--WE sat out
three dances, didn't we? But Of course
you have forgotten me-"
''Ye-e-es, I must have" faltered Belle
and then stopped abruptly. Under Sir
Arthur's steady gaze her eyelids droop-
ed until she found herself looking very
sheepishly at the floor. But she recovered
in an instant. NO I haven't forgotten.
How could I when you said so many
foolish things?''
did /? Possibly did. But you didn't
say so then. You didn't even call me
dummy"
you didn't act the part then"
''Your ingenious brother wasn't there
to suggest it.
TOO bad hadn't been.'' growled Mac.
Belle, do you know what this nonsense
of yours will cost us?''
ooh, never mind that, said Sir Arthur
hastily.
But Mac insisted. He exhibited the
check, explained its full significance and
dwelt mournfully on the lost dinners, the
number of them and their exceeding ex-
cellence.
I'm not a bit sorry" declared Belle
when he had finished. ut was q. stupid
agreement The conceit of you men!
Why you wouldn't be missed if you hid
away for two yearsi''
but it has been only two months,
Belle" protested Mac, land here you
come and
'I don't care This with most fetch
ing pout. ending in an uncertain trem-
bling of the chin. I'm glad 1 did come
and-and-I wish 7 hadn't, SO there Til
come every chance I get and-and I'll
never speak to one of you again. with
which amazing statement she started
for the door. Sir Arthur. however, was
there before she could reach it. Dinners
or no dinners, here were gray eyes with
tears in them
1--WE humbly beg your pardon. Don't
we. boys?' he demanded as Mac and the
Kid Joined him in barring her flight.
Most sincerely said the Kid
81 suppose we do" admitted Mac.
"And we most respectfully urge you to
stay and have luncheon with us. Don't
we, boys?" said Sir Arthur.
eve do" came the response, this time
in chorus.
At this demonstration Bellies lips seem
ed undecided between a pout and smile
"a most effective naneuver.
Surely" said she, "this looks like true
penitence. Even if it isn't. I'm awfully
hungry
They were making most jolly lunch
con of it. There was the Kid who swal-
lowed some very hot coffee without in the
least minding, and all because some one
smiled at him across the table, There
was Mac, forgetful of lost dinners and
occupied with the discovery that Belle
was developing into an unusually attrac-
tive girl, even If she was his youngest
sister; there was Sir Arthur, who fully
agreed with Mac; also there was Belle
herself, eating bacon and eggs and talk
ing to all three of her hosts at once
when the door opened and in walked the
check making encourager of the Resolute
Hermits.
t'Ah, I sect" said he grimly, after one
sweeping glance at the festivities.
might have known" And before any
hermit could find voice he had stalked
out through the door. Two Of them
caught him half way down the first
flight and after some argument, led him
back.
Perhaps it was because Belle was con-
science stricken at the thought of the
price the hermits must pay for her visit
at any rate, under the magic of her pout-
ing lips and gray eyes, there was worked
a marvel. It'll be around at s o'clock tc
take you all out to dinner" whispered the
bachelor uncle in the Kids ear before
leaving. "Then we'll all go to the the-
alter. If the young lady likes
Good for you, uncle" said the Kid
and added dolefu1ly. but we'll tear up
that check. I suppose?"
III you do, you young scamp" said the
uncle, with a backward glance at certain
No sir. nevert'
SO they didn't