The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-08-12


help. Across the sparkling water the
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, onc
practical fellow seemed already to be
making furniture for the home, or, at
least, saving the necessary wood.
There was scarcely a breath to rlove
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 pub
bic boats and flew 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. ITS such suitable match,
she remarked, rousing me from rev.
erie.
Perhaps Lady Marion might not
think So" said l. aware of what was
troubling my companion
"Fiddlesticks! She's sensible girl!
Marriages are not made-by being
sensible" l remarked.
That's my opinion
mot 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,
if we're to marry you-
Heaven forbid" exclaimed the
duchess, adding, more thoughttully,
though | shouldn't have to worry
heaven about it"
LET us say, then, an old lady"
rs it parallel case?"
MY better nature asserted itself.
mo" said /.
1t is so often the duty of ones let
ter nature to tell falsehcod. And
really she does not look her years.
That's sugar" sighed the duchess;
"I'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 young sheep.
/ think the heat had softened-t not
partially melted-my brain. But my
companion retained her mental
strength.
"Winterton himself is the chief diff
Guilty" she said, presently. "tle wants
bringing to the point"
"You can lead man to the point,
but you can't make him sit Oh it, he
murmured.
Cracking 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 hatplns, but
dared not suggest them
"If they we're together, under suit
able conditions"
Moonlight" suggested
1--WE tried that"
MIXED with music?'
81 don't see how it could be ar
ranged"
Then brilliant idea flashed into my
brain.
Have Peter Macnulty play to
them!" cried.
The duchess sat up.
"You are really wonderful nan,
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 moment, and then
set my scene.
"Winterton and Marion must be in
weighed on to the terrace; you and
will be seated In a dark corner of the
room"
81 shall feel like Guy Fawkes!"
1.-THE moon, luckily full just now,
will be in it's usual place; and in the
far end of the room Macnulty Will play
soft love music as no one else can play
lt--shaping destinies with his finger
tips-the deus ex piano!"
ats magnificent cried the duchess,
as I sank back exhausted in my chair.
"But how are we to get Macnulty?"
II know his address in London.
Write to him" The duchess rose.
"This very moment" she said.
"you,re a wonderful creature, John.
though no one would think it to look
Mt YOU or hear you talk. I'm eternally
In your debt"
xuOu,f work ~