The Press., 1905-12-06

met often at social functions and at the home of Eleanor, to whom Hardy was apparently devoted. Robertson came, was voted into the club and fol- lowed in Alida's wake, to the joyful expectancy of her father.
 Initiation night brought great fes- tivities to the club. The two new can didates were subjected to the cus- tomary torture, but they bore 1t with admirable stoicism and were at length released.
 At the banquet table the gayety ran high. Wit and satire ruled, but with the toasts came solemnity, whether real or mock the new men could net discover. Pledges and responses be- came more and more funereal. Final ly Dr. Marston, Anda's father, rose from his place and as president of the club pledged the health, happiness and prosperity of the initiated and made Q lugubrious speech as to their duties and responsibilities.
 "Gentlemen," he finished, addressing Hardy and Robertson. ''yOu alone of this august body are single men-the rest are dignifed men of family. It iS your solemn-only the married know how solemn-duty to marry and have homes for your own solace and the entertainment of this organization. You should choose from Westerville, for her fair ones must not fall into allen hands. This is all. Gentlemen, your health and happiness; and we ex- pect you to act according to orders" After the applause ceased Hardy rose.
 His speech, pithy and brilliant, was again and again interrupted by clap ping, and he waited for silence. At the last he turned directly to Alida's father and took up the last clause in his rec concentrations.
 eve shall," he said-"for speak also for Robertson-obey you, doctor, as far as in us lies. But supposing that your daughters will none of us and our homes, what then? You have coun- seled us. It is therefore your duty to uphold us in the way that never did run smooth Will you aid and abet us? In any such scheme have we your cooperation and support your con- sent?" The words, lightly spoken, had still an undercurrent of serious mean ing. "Do you pledge us your fatherly sanctionT He paused for a reply, and at a signal from Judge Payne they rose as one man and uttered solemn eve do."
 A few days later Dr. Marston brought Judge Payne home from the chess club for a midnight lunch. The light burned low in the library, but passing through the dim hall they heard sounds of mirth emanating from the dining room. The doctor pushed aside the portieres.
 In the soft candle light Aida presid- ed at dainty lunch. Philip Hardy sat opposite, and at her right William Robertson faced Eleanor Payne. The young folks rose gleefully.
 "Join us!' they cried, but the doc tor shook his head.
 1.-The judge and have outlived mid night lobster salads and Welsh rabbits. We'll have Dutch lunch in the library. You seem to be having a good time" He beamed on them. May I ask if these festivities mean anything in par ticular?"
 "Only an informal attempt to satisfy hunger, daddy" Aida answered. "We have been at cards all evening"
 Hardy leaned over and said to Rob- ertson in a low tone, "As well now as ever; they are both in high good hu- mor." Both men arose, and the girls, hardly knowing why, arose too.
 "Sir," spoke Hardy, "this is some thing rather especial. We are celebrat- ing the consent of two fathers to the engagement of their daughters" Judge Payne looked approvingly at his daugh- ter and Hardy, while the doctor re- garded Aida and Robertson with scarce concealed satisfaction that his plan had carried so perfectly. But all at once before the astonished parental eyes an inexplicable shifting of part ners seemed to be taking place. Hardy took-Alida by the hand. Robertson put an arm about-Eleanor. The pa ing themselves to speak till some one should explain. Then William Robert son, M. D., came to the rescue.
 Judge" he began, land doctor, we, as faithful Twenty flyers, are follow ing instructions. The other evening you, doctor, bade us establish homes of our own with a Westerville girl in each. You, judge, with the others, pledged us your support and consent I have also the consent of your daugh- ter, whom, I have wanted since we were in college together. May have her soon F' Then, before the judge ovsHw o66 %hn tor:
 Doctor, redeem your word to sanc- tion with your fatherly consent any attempt of mine to marry a Wester- vile girl. I have been among you six months-six minutes was enough to make me want Alida-and you knew my father" The two young couples faced the old gentlemen, who finally found their tongues.
 "But thought
 "I wanted Philip" Aida interrupt ed.
 And wanted Will," added Eleanor. The judge laughed.
 "And they wanted you-and you don't want us just at present, take itl Doc tor, where's the library and that Dutch lunch? I think we had better adjourn and adjust ourselves to the new order of things. They would have it their own way anyhow, you knowI What do you say?" For answer the old doctor suddenly kissed his daughter. Then he pushed her toward her lover.
 The two old men left the room to- gether.