Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-24

something about it, The matron has told not half
an hour since that ! am not acting discreetly.
Miss Fane-Lesley-dar can't you see that am
madly in love with your" Armtage said Il have
known you Just two days and yet dearer TO
than anything else in the wide world"
She covered her eyes with hands. Il cannot-I
will listen. How dare you say things-you,
engaged man! did not know it until this morning
Harry lnfeld told me-his sisters are friendly with
Miss Alice Wild to whom have been engaged for
years" She turned upon him wrathfuly. Now, the
best thing that do is to Surely should
be satisfied with the ruin have wrought! "
Gerald Armitage staggered He paced to and fro,
his arms folded his chest.
could thrash that young Infed puppy" he thought
And yet he have believed himself justified in
posing me"
The engagement was none Of my making Miss Fame,
and you may understand how much I care for Alice
Wild when assure you that haven't seen her for
three years hardly know how the affair about.
1t think suggested by the general mother
being good idea, and offered opposition Until
all pretty much alike o
There a short silence you that you
intruding in this house-that you presumng
upon the absence Of its mistress, and insulting me-?
the girl said tearfuIy.
I'm doing nothing Of the kind Lesley" he retorted.
Il love you-I worship and want you to be my
wife Tomorrow will explain the situation to my
uncle and cousin; and in event I cannot marry
Alice now"
Miss voice in the matter. Man like you
utterly ignore that blood curdling.
You throw the girl who has been engaged to
YOU for years just the fancy Of a moment How
do you know that she is fond of you as"
As you are" he supplemented
II said nothing OF the Kind; I'm fact, / doubt you
now"
You appear to believe every evil thing of me mag-
Unable Young Inheld has been poisoning your
against because he fances himself in love you.
Miss Fane's face grew hot again " That overgrown
boy" she exclaimed scofnfully Armtage
laughed, albeit he felt rather dismal
Well" he said at last I will say goodnight /
promise not to speak to again until can do
free MY conduct does look bad from the point
view of who doesn't know the real facts when
I come back Lesley-you don't mind calling you
Lesley. do your
You seem to do as you please without asking my
permission"
And when come back. viii you be a little kinder
o me?" he persisted
"Perhansi"
Armitaee gazed at her rapturously for a spell and
just turning away when there came a thunderous
knocking the door and he heard the believing
o villa
negotiated many dlfhcult problems in his day
and he had been in good tight places, but this
My unce," he explained to Miss Fame and he saw
her face pale and her eyes dilate This nerved him
He nodded reassurngy 10 her and
So" roared the irate general this the specimen
Of honorable gentleman you are! suppose that the
other woman IL In there? he indicated the door of the
sitting room with his stick Broken down motor car
storms-snowdrifts-lies! I've the whole story
from gentleman sir and you haven't the to look
ashamed"
a gentleman, sneered Armitaee " a boy named In
field. | his monkey face peepng through yon-
der doorway now. No, / not ashamed My engage
ment to Alice cut-and-dred affair your manu-
facture and you can go hang, sir n Alice
But the general flung a note In hts face. This Is
from my daughter, sir, and when you have it,
shall know how TO act"
with these words and a threatening look he stunned
out ~ he house
Armase opened the letter, and read the following in
the light of the hall lamp:
81 My dear Gerald am so glad that you have kicked
over the traces. Whatever could children about
the responsibilities Of an engagement and marriage?
was preparing to face the general and you because
In love with somebody, and somebody love with
me- but you helped me out of dhculty just in
OF time. I that Miss Lesley Fame and shall
be great chums. Your ahectionate cousin.
" Alice Wild"
Gerald nearly shouted Ifurrah," He ran back to
the sitting and read the precious letter aloud
then he handed IL to Miss Fame read Il
for herself
" Are your satisfied darng?" he asked
Her misty her softened You
may kiss me-" she whispered turning rosy red Il
been unjust you Gerald but II was only
because / had lost my heart you"
He dved into his pocket and produced the
ring he had bought Alice villa
The last Of my Christmas presents, proof Of the
truth and sacredness Of a real Christmas idyl"