New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-24

Norman looked at his watch and saw that it
was half-past eleven
It'll go up" he SAID and few moments later
he entered Gerald's room, which was rather
m1uriously appointed, considering the fact that
fts occupant possessed an income or something
less than f300 a year.
-By Jove," Gerald cried. you are an early
hirdl Have a cigarette?'
fact is, I couldn't sleep" was the answer
as Norman struck a match and sat down
"something your mnd?'
Want you to congratulate me- old chap.
why" said Gerald. Il was just going to ask
you to congratulate me-
Were you, thought"
AT least" Gerald continued, 1T isn't what
you can call definitely settled yet
Neither Is my affair" said Norman
but" cried Gerald "of course it's all right.
you understand"
80 Is mine." answered Norman. BY Jove'
old man, she's the prettiest girl in England
Bar one" said Gerald. with laugh Has
yours got any conT' he asked
ANY amount exclaimed Norman. she
wouldn't give positive answer at the mo-
rnent but I'm to go again early next week"
odd" said Gerald. with a thoughtful express
sion THAT'S my FORM too. Not that have
any doubt about IT."
Neither have L"
Because, you see," Gerald continued. no SliI
would keep a fellow hanging about II she didn't
mean to have him. I'm to go to Grosvenor
Gardens Tuesday"
"Grosyenor Gardensr cried Norman rising
abruptly.
It's Clara Northcott, you know" said Gerald.
and Norman sank back again into his chair as
his limbs no longer suflced 70 support him.
But" he muttered I'm talking about Clara
Rorthcott, too Ny appointments for Tuesday
-half-pas three"
''She told me TO come at three thirty" gasped
Gerald, and then for few moments the two
young gazed at each other in awed silence.
They appeared to have one Or two points In
common. OF the same age within few months.
they were both fair haired and rather pale. they
dressed very much alike and they equally
clever IN deriving a great deal Of amusement
from small income.
We'll" said Norman. presently. hanged II
/ can understand 1t. 1 met Clara at the Part
Ingtons Tuesday"
My affair was on Wednesday-at the Rich
ardsons', you know" Gerald explained. I'm
awfully sorry for you. old chap" he added
Sure you didn't make a mistaken suggested
Norman
How could IT. demanded Gerald. cit was
in the conservatory after supper
81 took her to the conservatory. too" said
Norman.
II said had never seen any girl I admired so
much Defore"-
so did T." cried Norman
and that I wasn't half worthy Of her
and-and all that sort of thing; and then l
asked her If she would marry me-"
She won'tP' muttered Norman.
Anyhow, she said had taken her so much
by surprise"-
She said I had taken her by surprise too!'
cried Norman.
that she couldn't answer that night: but
she promised to think 1t over, and said l was
to go to Grosvenor Gardens at half-pa three
Tuesday"
Now of course you won't go near the house."
urged Norman.
why not?' demanded Gerald
well. you see. shall be there and 1 was
first in the field. Besides" Norman insisted
Il don't count so much on what she said as on
her manner"
Her manner to was right enough" said
Gerald.
Hang it ALL girl can't marry two fellows"
cried Norman. 'Then you mean to turn up on
Tuesday afternoon" he suggested.
"Well-what do you thlnk?' answered Gerald.
But, If you take my advice. you'll give Gros-
vcnor Gardens a pretty wide berth"
on earth was the OF making two appoint
ments? Unless''-
Unless what?" demanded Gerald
-Of course. she nlayn't have made up her