Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1905-11-02


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
Pat tonight"
"Oh, Mr.. Howard, l couldn't-it
wouldn't-no sir. oh, Mr.. Howard,
it's jokin' you are. after ALL" she eX-
claimed as a smile spread over his
face.
"No. Mary, never was more serious
In my life. l am going to give you,
Mary McGinnis, the best time of your
life. Put on your best bonnet and be
ready by quarter to s. You live at
"On Third avenue, 2736, back, three
flights up. But, Mr. Howard
mo excuses, Mary. Now goodby, or
Wen both be late"
Throughout dinner at the club that
night Strong's face repeatedly relaxed
at the Oddity 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.
young Castlewood whom he particu-
larly disliked, dropping into vacant
seat
NO; had planned to surprise Gladys
Hastings with that new play-Man-
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.
mo offense, old man; knew you We're
inclined in that direction, though be
tween two fires at present. But by
the way" he added. aiming a parting
thrust, 81 hear that Count de Migny
arrived here today en- route for San
Francisco. Guess you've heard Gladys
speak of him. Keep your eye on him.
He's u clever chap"
Smooth might better describe him.
I know absolutely that he's bogus"
replied Strong.
"Oh, have it your way" drawled
tween two fires, and, knowing it, re-
sented all the more these insinuations.
Which disturbed him more, the
thought OF Castlewoods recent marked
attention to Elizabeth or the arrival of
the count, he could not determine.
At first Mary was i'll at ease that
night with Strong, the luxurious car
ri n
manners being strange to her. but his
geniality soon put her at ease. On the
way he stopped AT a florists.
These vlolets 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. | am so sorry she ex-
claimed.
Yes, she has beautiful eyes, Mary,
but where did you see herF'
"At the tea you gave in your apart
Inents last year 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,
youll-you'lP'-
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, | remember her" she said dis
appointedly. I'm so sorry. thought
II was-I mean-oh, don't know what
mean. I'm an old goose, Mr. How
ard she finally exclaimed, much dis
tressed
They were now at the Hastingses,
where Strong had ordered the coach
man to stop
How is Miss Hastings:" Strong in
Quired at the door.
"Why-why- oh, she's better" re
piled the well drilled man. recovering
himself Strong left the flowers and
returned to the carriage with strange
misgivings
Strong did not heed the many won
dering glances his friends cast in his
direction that night, for he was doing
his best to make it a red letter occa-
sion for Mary. Moreover, he was hav-
ing heart to heart talk with himself,
In which two young women prominent
Iy figured What Mary said and did
in situation new \ her is another
story but when it Wa over she sighed
as If waking from a stutiful cream.
Hello, Strong. Got her after all,
see" came to his ears as they were
entering the foyer. Turning, he saw
Castlewood with Elizabeth Miller
How are you. Elizabeth" he in
quired. Miss Miller, let me present
Miss McGinnis, and Mr. Castlewood-
Miss McGinnis." Castlewood, gazing
In wonder, forgot to bow, but Eliza
beth greeted Mary cordially. 1t was
friend Of Strong That was sutti-
cient for her Soon they passed on.
"Oh, Mr.. Howard! That's the girl
with the beautiful eyes" exclaimed
Mary. "Ain't she handsome Though.
And you don't care-you"-
Il have not said | didn't care,
Mary" he said simply, but earnestly.
And, OH Mr. Howard, there is the
girl with the auburn hair, toOw she in
terrupted. Why, | thought she was
the sick one"
GLADYS Hastings" involuntarily
came to his lips as he followed Mary's
gaze. In moment he was opposite