The Batesburg advocate. [volume] (Batesburg, S.C.) 1901-1911, 1904-08-25
THE DUCHESS COUP.

L was sitting by the river with the
duchess. She was deep ia thought
was not thinking more than | could
help. Across the sparkling water the
trees were green and gold. with here
and there CLEAN of silver or a band
of black. The birds were wooing ar
IDENTITY 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 breath to move
the rushes. and the fish slumberei
peacefully in the cool depths of the
river, or glided slowly beneath their
water lily sunshades.
But the beauty that surrounded her
brought no peace to the mind OF the
duchess. ITS such suitable MACH"
she remarked, rousing me from a re.
verie."
Perhaps Lady Marion might not
think So" said |, aware OF what was
troubling my compaion.
"Fiddlesticks! She's a sensible
girl"
Marriages are not made-by being
sensible | remarked
HAT your OPINION.
Not exclusively. Your husband
told me-"
The attitude of the duchess warn.
ed me to desist.
BESIDES. he is much older than
Marion, and immensely rich" | con-
tinued. Her motives might be mis-.
taken.
"Winterton himself is the chief diff
hcuity." she said. presently. HE
w2".s stirring up"
IF they were together. under suit
able conditions--"
"Moomlight?" suggested.
I've tried that"
Mixed with music?"
Il don't see how il could be ar
ranged"
fhcn brilliant idea flashed into
my brain.
Have Peter Macnulty play to
them," | cried.
The duchess sat up
You are really a wonderful man,
Maasingham. Just when I'm thinking
your mind is permanently gone you
sp2rile like this. Mr. Macnulty il
the very man"
with the man in the moon to
help"
But how are we to mix them?"
| thought for a moment. ana then
set my scene.
"Wintcrton and Marion must be IN.
weighed on to the terrace: you and
will be seated in dark corner of the
room"
Il shall feel like Guy Fawkes."
The moon, luckily iull just now.
will be in its usual place; and in The
far end of the room Macnulty will
play soft love-music as no one else
can play it-shaping dcstines with his
finger tips-the deus ex piano."
IT'S mGgniiicens" cried the
duchess. Cs sank back exhausted in
my chair. But how are We to get
Macnulty?"
Il know his address IA London.
Write to him. The duchess rose.
Then l began TO think Of Peter
Macnulty. A little man. inclined To
stoutness, with merry laugh AID
bright eyes; good companion and
thorough sportsman. We had faced
tiger together and Macnulty found
his shoulder just in time to prevent
unpleasant consequences for ne.
But Macnulty shooting tigers was
just a quiet. plucky little English
gentleman, with certain dry humor
ana iorsetfulness OF self that made a
capital companion. There are (it is
matter OF congratulation) thousands
like him in this little island OF ours
But Macnulty at the piano. Then you
forget 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 tickled 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 man to suit
the purpose of the duchess had no
doubt decided that Then ! fell
asleep. | felt | needed rest.