The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-12-06

ancient manuscripts which Kamper had somewhere picked up.
 T dislike very much to hurry you all."' I said. but have an appoInt- ment at eleven. and am particularly anxious to keep 1t promptly"
 "Oh. we are quite ready to go,a declared Emily quickly; and she turn ed toward the hali door.
 Temper made lame pretense of wishing us to remain longer. But insisted that we must hurry away, and we were accordingly soon out of the den again. Kemper followed us to the elevator. -
 Now" he exclaimed, T cannot let you go until you have promised me you will come back again this even- ing. You shall not pass me by with so short visit. I--I want to arrange 8 little surprise for you. and you must promise to return this evening sure?'
 glanced at Emily and she began to make excuses. But one of the other girls spoke up quickly and en- thusiasticaily. assuring Kemper that we should be delighted to come back again. especially since there &was to be surprise. And the rest of us con scented. with the exception of Emily. who became silent.
 Half an hour after we reached our hotel. I knew by certain signs that the female members of our club. in- cluding the chaperon. knew all there was to know about the mysterious re- fiection In Kemper's mirror. But we had promised to pay Carl another visit; besides, was he not of our village and really still one of us, despite his fatl- ings, whatever they might be7 Then, too. some of the party were looking forward to meeting with some liter ary celebrity or celebrities as the na- ture of the surprise which Kemper had planned; and this would be a treat for which it was worth while to make some sacrifices.
 Emily Mathewson tried to excuse herself on plea of headache. But this would not be allowed by the rest of us; so we went again that evening, according to promise. and found Rem per waiting for us at the elevator landing. He was carefully pruned and was q much hanosomer man than had thought Carl Temper could ph Leading the way to the den, his tongue wagged volubly as he went. Throwing open the door he invited us to enter. And we. each of us. almost held our breath at sight of bit of gowned Ioveliness that met our view. And this entrancingly beautiful lit- tie woman was the only occupant of the room besides Kemper.
 This" said Carl. waving his hand gracefully. 'is the surprise I spoke of having for you. my old friends. Allow me to introduce to you my adored wife. Mrs. Carl Kemper"
 My gaze suddenly dropped to the toe of a pretty shoe that protruded from beneath Mrs. Kemper's skirt as she arose to greet us. Then. inVoi- untarily. I turned my eyes toward the 
 And now" said Carl. after we were seated. T have a little joke on our- selves which N must tell you Secret ly, I am doing a little work on cam vas. but have never yet exposed any of my efforts to view. This morning I was attempting little conception of a draped Venus. and my wife was acting as my model. when your rap sounded at the door. Rosalis l sprang instantly to the door leading | to her boudoir. only to find the latch | immovabie. It was . But. owing to her small | size, she found she could just squeeze l under the divan over there. She did so l and I arranged the cat skin over her. | And there she was compelled to remain | until i-a0parture. am telling you | his under protest" with a side glance | 1t Mrs. Kemper. who was blushfng | prettily. but I do so in order to ex- | plain my embarrassment which must | nave been yperceptible to you all"
 At our departure an hour later, | Emily Mathewson kissed Mrs. Kemper | most aftectionately and uttered some | words of earnest congratulation to kemper.