Middletown transcript., 1905-04-01

the sun will be shining by the time we
have got the dogs safely at the Moat ?
Come along, Reg ! Can We do anything
for you in the village p
"Rogers is there now with Well,
Tompkins, what is it?'
Tompkins stood on the treshold of the
library lingering her apron strings little
tremulously. She waited for an instant
before she answered.
"Oh, it's that stupid Rogers, ma am
lie isn't back yet, and cooks waiting for
the cream, and Jane Hassan's boy will
have it as he saw him lying groaning by
the roadside, and were afeared to do any
thing for him.
"Jane Hassan's boy r. interposed John
laughing. "a baby just out of petit
coats Come, Reg-we must get to the
rights OF this =
The two men disappeared together, and
it was not till the luncheon gong sounded
that they came back with the news that
hOS0rs Hhu UTUk6L HIS IeS.
''My party is doomed r. said Mrs.
| Moncrieff.
But her sons talked her into good
spirits, and just then her husband joined
them.
"Who is to meet Betty Foster ~ he
asked. 1T looks very onlinous over
Beaker's Brow"
"She is driving herself" his wife an
swered.
"Well, hope that she won't put Tan
trums and Tantiyvy into harness other
wise, l very much fear you will lose the
benefit Of her advice at tile schoolhouse
this afternoon, my DEAR
"Our dinner table would be deprived
Of its handsomest guest" asserted Reg.
II like to see Betty with the ribbons be-
tween her fingers and her cheeks glowing
like roses. By-the-bye, mother, | hope
that you haven't given Veronica to me?''
His mother reassured him; whilst his
father laughed.
swell, if it had been any one but Betty
| should have gone off to share the even
ing repast Of your young school miss, "
Reg said. II expect that she will be
inviting me to cycle with her next week"
Mrs. Moncrieff's spoon fell on her plate
with clatter.
"Octavius y she cried dramatically.
The Vicar looked up in alarm.
miss Earle Who is to meet Miss
Earle? Oh, why did the foolish young
person settle to come to-day?''
Il am afraid, my dear, because ! asked
her." her husband replied. "Rogers is a
troublesome blunderer to put himself on
the sick list on the day Of your party.
But no doubt she can manage for herself.
YeHag #emen nowadays are accustomed
to be independent, and walk Of five
miles is nothing to any one possessed Of a
sound pair Of legs
"Octavius, how can yon! As if a young
person, whatever her position in life, can
60 about without luggage She can't
carry all her things on her back at once !"
The Vicar replenished his plate.
"I'm afraid | can't help her to carry
them," he said, "for have to take the
chair at the parish council at three
o'clock. The carrier can bring her traps
in the morning."
"Why not send Tobias Smith for her?''
Reg suggested.
"He is working for Farmer Day now"
objected his mother.
"Then she must walk" said the Vicar
conclusively.
So, for the present, the matter was left
in allegiance but as soon as her husband
had LETT the table Mrs. Moncrieff resumed
it.
"What are we to do, John p she said.
"Well, some one must fetch this trou-
blesome apostle Of learning, suppose
And it seems to me that there is no one
but Reg to do it."
"There was laughter in his eyes but
Reg was staring across the sullen sky,
and had his back towards him.
''Thank you, john" he said, with
prompt annoyance and he went out Of
the room.
John followed him, and Mrs. Moncrieff
sat down with something very like tears
dimming her bright blue eyes. When
her stepson came back he was getting
into an oyercoat.
II have arranged to take my dogs at
once" he said. Allowing for the three
miles detour to the Moat, L can meet
Miss Earle at Packmore about half-past
three"
"Oh, John, how good you are y
''Not bit of it," he answered briefly.
''it. only means few miles more for
Spitfre. Goodbye, then, for the pres
ent.'
CHAPTER III
Very soon after John had set out, Betty
Foster arrived, and with Tantrums and
Tantivvy too She came in like whirl-
wind, and sank down before the drawing
room fire.
"What werther r. she said. 1T is
positively uncanny. What made John
choose such an. afternoon to drive out
I met him just now on the green"
HE is going to the Moat, and after
wards to Packmore. Rogers has broken
his leg"
1T is pity that John is on the wing
again. Why is it that men will be gobe=
trotters and danger-hunters
Meanwhile, the danger-hunter in ques-
ton was pursuing his way with his mind
intent upon the new sphere which was
opening up before him-on the chaotic
state of foreign affairs, and on his own
small share therein. He was going to
Egypt in few days, and he felt eager to
be off. Cranleigh Moss was nothing to
him.
By the time that he had left his dogs
with his friend and had monnfad aoo;,,