Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-02-04
The Bishops
ImprOnptu
By z. E. GARRETT
Copyright. 1907. bg T.. +. Garnett

Il uldnt. She quarreled with me-"
Don't lie an ADAM
Bert ignored the case of Adam IF
could see her alone" he said gently
''alone accidentally"
Accidentally, of course. That's where
| come in?''
"Why notY'
Because l am on her side"
"But So" radiantly. Jam l. always
on her side
"Oh. indeed"
Miss Cordelia, she sent me her ring
with a note saying she had changed
her mind. can't go cringing after
that. can 1: But accidentally
Why" interrupted Miss Cordelia.
did she change her mind?"
''Some law of the fourth dimension
may explain"
you've no guess?'
well" protested Bert "a man can't
be an Egyptian mummy just because
he's engaged"
81 see. And don't see any hope for
you
Then I'm sorry to be a nuisance.
Miss Cordelia. but" settling himself
like rock. Il must stay until she
comes She comes often. doesn't sheY'
Miss Cordelia began TO laugh. why"
she asked. don't you write to her?'
Il want to be sure that she cares
before-well. one doesn't like to be a
hound dog for nothing"
And how will you be made sureT"
',Oh. the minute I see her.
"It must be delightful" Miss Cor
della remarked pleasantly. ito be a
man."
"Oh. I'll know" said Bert, with gen
ial assurance. land you'll help. and
then He stopped. with a sudden
fash of mischief In his eyes.
And them" Miss Cordelia leaned
toward him. with her own eyes twin
king
''Then I'll kidnap herr cried Bert
and sprang to his feet. IF she cares.
Miss Cordelia. upon my soul. I'll kid
nap her.
"Oh. how young and silly said Miss
Cordelia and sighed.
Listen. It's quite sensible" Bert
explained joyously. The engagement
was talked about. you know Every
one discovered it,
Yes" assented Miss Cordelia and
smiled
Now the break is being talked
about. and little Mike. poor girl. hates
the whole business"
Its quite likely" Miss Cordelia put
In dryly. that she especially hates the
talk going on about you and that little
fiirt Nellie Carl"
THAT isn't my fault. Anyway"
with conviction. this plan will make
everything right"
"Oh. indeed" repeated Miss Ccrde-
liza.
You see. after all she's been
through
Exactly" Miss Corielia put in. with
feeling.
Il mean in the way OF talk. She'll
hate TO begin all over again"
$50
80" beamingly. "we'll cut the thing
short
And I'm to furnish the knife:''
Bert gave her nod. ITS great"
he cried and made for the door. "I'll
see the bishop"
Mercy on us.' protested Miss Cor
della. but he only paused to make
brief request.
miss Cordelia"-
"Oh. you silly boy!"
"Ask her to wear white"
81 dare say"
I'll tell her the rest myself"
"And when." laghued Miss Cordelia.
sis she to wear white?"
Tonight, of course You wouldn't
have me live through another day like
this?"
Miss Cordelia surrendered. Come
to dinner" she told him. Come early
-and-we'll see."
Its great" said Bert and was off.
Miss Cordelia began to feel little
fiuttered. She got Mike on the tele
phone. Would Mike come to dinner?
Mike would be delighted to come
"And l WISH" called Miss Cordelia
next. tnat you u wear Wnlte, uear.
IL like you in white"
"It's very fortunate. then. that I've
a new white silk" said Mike.
Miss Cordelia chuckled. Come ear
ly." she added. BE sure to come ear
ly. and Mike
Eyes
''There's quite a snow beginning
Wear that pretty. warm cloak of yours.
the long. fur lined one with the hood.
We're all going to IA little impromp
tn at the bishops and come back to
supper" And then she fled out Of
hearing
Mike dressed as desired and came
early.
"What sort of impromptu?" she ques-
toned brightly.
Miss Cordelia helped to unfasten the
fur cloak
"It's secret" she explained.
Gracious. how funny, Does the
bishop know? Who knows?"
Every few know" admitted Miss Cor
della