The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-08-18

1cSSf04O&GSG W l iii up 10 Leu Uen anu
get the book:' she asked. Then we
can settle tae question: Hilliari ac-
cepted the commission, as beftted
Ted's friend and fellow who was
often at the house. He went up stairs
and Knocked at the door of the den.
Expecting no response. he immediately
pushed it open. At the same moment
q head with 4 mop of brown curls
tied into bunch at the back lifted
itself from above big book, pair
of brilliant brown eyes looked up into
billiards, and Nirginias face broke
into smile as he stood smiling back.
''Oh, come in," she cried. why are
you up here? Aren't you having a
good time:"
"a charming time" he answered
without hesitation. for Virginia was
the younger daughter of the house.
"Why are you not down stairs? When
are you going to be old enough to come
to Miss Lydia's parties?'
''Never, hope" declared the sirlish
red lips scornfully. DO You really
like them? They sound so stupid to
me. Think of staying in the house to
dance when you might be out coasting
Just come in. Such fun.'
Z Hilliard sat down upon the arm of
Ted's big chair. Tell me about it," he
requested. In the first place-who
took you:"
Virginia closed her book and came
around to drop among Ted's sofa pill
lows, six feet away. She wore her
skating dress yet, he saw-an ankle
length Embroidered, gray affair, with
touch of scarlet, which set off her
dark young beauty effectively.
"Oh, l went with our set" she ex-
claimed. 1T was magnificent. I
shouldn't have made Kent bring ne
in so early if hadn't forgotten all
about Lydia's party
''Rut, really" he insisted, when are
you coming out'?''
''Why, that is thing that's depend
ent on several Others declared the
girl. I'm the first place. I'm in no
hurry. In the second place, Lydia's in
no" She stopped abruptly. looking
up at him with a shake of the head.
II don't mean that" she added
quickly.
Hilliard nodded. II understand. !
was sure you must be-well, nearly
eighteen, at least"
Il em-nineteen-at most" she ad-
mitted. IF should put my hair up,
you'd see"
"Ard they're keeping you back on
your sisters account?"
That's all right" she said defantly.
"It does make & girl seem older to
have big younger sister around.
And, besides, I really want to stay a.
girl as long as can. I hate to put
my hair up and my skirts quite dowc.
I don't care straw for dressing up
and going to receptions and teas and
parties. Lydia loves it. I love coast
ing and skating and riding, and swim
ming. and all the rest Of it,
$50 90 l." he said heartily. "and it's
q long while since was nineteen"
She looked at him critically. Yes. I
should think you must be about thirty
five. No, YOU can't be. because you
were at college with Ted"
He laughed. Not quite that" be
said. 1T won't be long before I am.
though. But I should like coastirg as
well as ever. 1 wish had been out
with-yoUr party-to-night. It's years
size I've coasted.'' ~ .,".---"~-~s.
= Virsini;s e;ss turned long;ngly to-
ward the windows. It's a heavenly
night" she said. Lets co. She
looked at him. smiling dariIciy.
He stared at her for a minute, then
he leaDed 10 his feet with Il laugh.
Come oa.' he cried, under his breath.
There's nothing I'd like to Go better.
But how shall we manage it?''
Il didn't really mean it, said 'Vir
ginia, "Dut if you 90 We might have
just one coast. and nobody would MIS-
you. Wen slip down the SiGe stair
case. and LuciaN's bobs are where VI:
can get them"
Ill tell yoI." said Hilli&rd rapidly.
his eyes dancing. III just take THE
book down to YOUR sister, mix in tll:a
crowd. slip away in ten minutes, an,l
then Well be frae-See:'
This plan was carried out. The two
stole silently away from tic house. and
in ten minutes more wee at the Subu:-
ban hill. where few jov;ai coasters
still fingered.
Can you s,ccc:' demanded VIZ
ginia.
Unless I've grown old faSte: than
I feel rs if | had. caD-Surc.'
lie took his place. she started the
bobs. and flung herself OH behind them.
It WIS lo2S. swift. hreathiess fight.
and then they s:ool at the bottom ard
lo>aeG at each other, laughing
They sailed down the hill again and
again, until Virginia realized the dar-