The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-09-08
HIS SOCIAL
EXPERIMENT
By willard Wall Whse!er
Copyright, 1905 by w. w. Wheeler

me, observed strong gioomily, finger
ing note which said that the grip
would prevent certaip young lady
from attending the opefs that night
Sorry Gladys is sick. "; confound 1t
IL am! These eleventh hour excuses
are getting too frequent. 1 won't stand
for it. wonder IL Elizabeth Miller
will Co." he muscd. continuing his
dressing. "No; I'll stay at home to-
night. What right has girl to make
a fellow miserable anyhow? I-come
| In"
And here's your mendin', Mr.. How
ard" said the young woman who en-
tered. She addressed him according to
a custom in his family before the death
of his parents had driven hin, into an
apartment house, where he had found
position for the faithful servant.
THANK you, Mary" said Strong
without pausing In his wrestling bout
with collar button. Mary, have a
couple of extra tickets for the theuter
tonight Can't you get Pat to take
you:"
ITS always Pat you're a-teazin' me
about, Mr. Howard, and there amt
Pat-not for me. amt pretty enough.
and, then, I'm thirty-nve. Sure, it's
many year since I've seen n theatcr
All our money goes to the doctor. I'd
have to go alone"
mo. Mary; you must not be neglect
ed in that fashion," he said, turning
abruptly from the mirror. LET me be
Fat tonight"
"Oh. Mr.. Howard, couldn't-it
wouldn't-nO. sir. Oh. Mr.. Howard,
It's jokin' you are, after all," she ex-
claimed rs n smile spread over his
face.
NO, Mary, l never was more serious
In my life. am going to give you,
Mary McGinnis, the best time OF your
life. Put on Your best bonnet and be
ready by quarter to 8. You live at
'On Third avenue. 2736 back, three
flights up. But, Mr.. Howard
mo excuses, Mary. Now goodby, or
We'll both he late"
Throughout dinner at the club that
night Strong's face repeatedly relaxed
ut the oddly Of his experiment.. Its
unconventionality did not worry him,
for the wealth and social position Of
the Strongs put him beyond the sting
Of criticism.
"Opcra tonight, Strong?" drawled
young CastIewOod, whom he particu-
49, .''~''-~' d-~.>.>,-- ,.,+~ vacant
seat.
mo; had planned to surprise Gladys
Hastings with that new play-Afan-
ton's-for a change. but she's sick.
However,
well, you needn't waste any time
asking Elizabeth Miller" laughed Cas-
tlewood. "for I'm going to take her
myself"
"Oh. don't worry" replied Strong,
nettled.
"No offense. old man; knew you were
inclined in that direction, though be-
tween two fires Mt present. But, by
the way" he added, aiming n parting
thrust, 81 hear that Count dc Migny
arrived here today en- route for San
Francisco. Guess you've heard Gladys
speak Of him. Keep your eye OH him.
He's II clever chap"
Smooth might better describe him.
I know absolutely that he's bogus"
replied Strong.
"Oh, have it your way" drawied
|
tween two fires, and. knowing 1t, re-
sented all the more these insinuations.
Which disturbed him more. the
thought Of Castlcwoods recent marked
attention to Elizabeth or the arrival Of
the count, he could not determine.
At first Mary was Ill Mt ease that
night with Strong. the luxurious car
riage, his evening dress and polished
manners being strange to her, but his
gcniality soon put her ut ease. On the
way he stopped Mt n florists.
These violcts are for you, Mary,
and the roses for another nice young
lady who Is ILL.," he explained.
Thanks, Mr.. Howard, and it's the
lady with the beautiful eyes that is
sick? Oh. I ain so sorryv' she ex-
| claimed.
! "Yes. she has beautiful eyes, Mary,
but where did you see her?"
'At the tea you gave In your apart
ments last yenr. She thinks every
thing OF you, Mr. Howard I could see
that plain, and II she grows up to be
as fine looking as her mother. why,
! you'll-you'ir'-
But her mother was not there" he
said, coming to her rescue.
! "Oh, yes. she kept saying Elizabeth
this and Elizabeth that. She
But I'm not talking about Eliza
beth. These flowers are for Miss Hast
ings, the girl with the heavy auburn
hair" replied Strong, amused.
"Oh, 1 remember her." she said dis
appointedly. 'T'm so sorry. thought
1t was-I mean-oh, don't know what
I mean. I'm an old goose. Mr.. How.
ard,' she finally exclaimed, much dis
! tressed.
They were now at the Hastingses.