The La Jara chronicle., 1905-10-13

|
must snub Langley well.
The other two talked commonplaces
in a desultory sort of way, neither re-
| fcrring to their conversation of the pre-
vious evening.
As Langley handed them into their
carriage at Paddington he, made SEEM
ingly pointless remark. "By the way,
l don't know if told you that Reggie
Daventry can not drive his own motor.
I think he is afraid of it." Then bow
ing he hastened away.
ss
Lord Daventry sat up in bed and
began his breakfast. He was feeling
pleased with life. Things were going
right. His supper party the night be-
fore at the Savoy had been successful,
bis epigrams more brilliant than usual;
moreover, his new pink silk dress
waistcoast had created quite a sensa-
tion even among chosen companions
who were more or less accustomed to
bask in the sunshine of his genius.
Even the coming of his man Jackson
with blank sheet of paper in his hand
failed to upset his good humor.
what! no epigrams again this morn
ing?" he exclaimed. "Why, you only
had three for ine yesterday"
81 have been turning out on an aver
age six epigrams a day for your lord
ship for the last two years, and l am
beginning to dry up If you will pardon
the expression"
jackson, it is absolutely necessary
that l should make epigrans''
Il know, Milford. The only thing /
can think of this morning is that your
lordship might bring in travesty of a
proverb such as Where there's will
there's a-legacy.'"I
That's not up to your usual form.
Jackson, and besides it is more or less
pun, and you know hate puns."
Il am afraid it's the best / can do
this morning. Milford"
'Well, never mind. Telephone to the
stables that shall want the car at the
club about 8 80. am going down to
Ranelagh."
'.Will your lordship drive yourself"
'You know very well that l never
do"
II thought perhaps, after the
months lessons your lordship has
taken''-
"That will do, Jackson. Telephone"
1t was sore point with Daventry
that although he possessed one of the
largest cars in town and n motor coat
which would have aroused the envy of
a rhinoceros he had never yet had the
courage to drive himself.
He rose leisurely, dressed with the
utmost care and lunched at his club.
At 8 80 his car was announced. He
got into his enormous motor coat, put
on his goggles, and told the chauffeur
to go to 267 Brook street.
The car shot forward, darted in and
out of the traffic, and after whizzing
round the corner into Brook street at
Il pace that made his lordship clutch at
the side of his seat, pulled up at 267
with jerk.
"What the devil are you up to?
Haven't told you over and over again
that will not be driven at that beast
ly pace"
The chauffeur remained silent
"Why don't you speak, MANI"
because, milord, 1 have very bad
cold and have lost my voice" replied
the chauffeur in hoarse whisper.
"Oh, all right then. Get out and
ring"
Mrs. and Miss Heathmere promptly
appeared, and as the latter came out
in her dainty motor suit he thought
he had never seen such charming pic
ture. She hesitated, looking up and
down the street, though she hardly
knew what she expected to see. Bob
Langley's words were ringing in her
head. You shall drive down to Rane-
lagh with me and not with Daventry.
You shall take tea with me and not
with Daventry," and though she had
not confessed it to herself she had half
hoped that he would succeed in making
good his words. Greeting their host
they entered the car.
"Ranelagh," his lordship said, and
with a jerk the huge machine started
again. They tore down Brook street.
shot across Park lane and flashed round
into the park.
Drive slower! screamed his lord
ship.
"Can't-the-engine
control" painted the chauffeur, as the
car dashed along.
PUT the brakes on!" yelled his lord
ship.
I'm trying. They won't act"
Just as they were nearing Shepherds
Bush the brakes seemed suddenly to
grip.
Il think can hold her while you get
out" shouted the chauffeur.
Shaking with fright, Daventry
jumped from the car, handed Mrs.
Heathmere out, and was just turning to
help her daughter when with crash
the car broke away and vanished in
cloud of dust
Mrs. Heathmere screamed and drop
ped In the middle of the road.
"What has happened?" she walled
"Oh, why did, you make me risk the
life of my only child in your terrible
machine? What will happen to her?
oh, do you think that she will have a
painless death?'
"I'm afraid 1t has got out Of control
apainn began his lnrdshin feehly