Danville intelligencer. [volume] (Danville, Pa.) 1859-1907, 1905-05-05
The Bishops
ImprOnptu
By Z. E. GARNETT
Copyright, 1901, by Il. Il. Garnet

"Whatever possessed you," said Miss
Cordelia, ito quarrel with herr"
II didn't. She quarreled with me-"
Don't be an Adam"
Bert ignored the case of Adam. "If
could see her alone" he said gently
"alone accidentally"
Accidentally, of course That's where
l come in?"
"Why notT
Because | am on her side"
''But So" radiantly, "am I, always
on her side"
"Oh, indeedr'
Miss Cordelia, she sent me her ring
her mind. can't go cringing after
that, can I? But accidentally
why" interrupted Miss Cordella,
"did she change her mindf"
"Some law of the fourth dimension
may explain"
you've no guessF'
"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 Cordella, but" settling himself
like a rock Il must stay until she
comes. She comes often, doesn't sheT
Miss Cordelia began to laugh. why"
she asked, don't you write to herT'
81 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 sure?"
"Oh, the minute l see her"
at must be delightful" Miss Cor
della remarked pleasantly, ''to be a
| man"
"Oh, I'll know" said Bert, with gen
ial assurance, "and you'll help, and
them He stopped, with a sudden
fash of mischief in his eyes.
"And then?" 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 Cordella, upon my soul, I'll kid
nap her."
"Oh, how young and silly" said Miss
Cordeia and sighed.
Listen. It's quite sensible" Bert
explained joyously. 1.-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
alrt Nellie Carl"
THAT isn't my fault. Anyway"
with conviction, this plan will make
everything right"
"Oh indeed repeated Miss Corde-
| liza.
You see, after all she's been
through
Exactly" Miss Cordelia put in, with
feeling.
Il mean in the way of talk. She'll
hate to begin all over again."
$50
49," beamingly, well cut the thing
short"
"And I'm to furnish the knife?"
Bert gave her nod. ITS great"
he cried and made for the door. "l'll
see the bishop"
mercy on us.' protested Miss Cor
della, but he only paused to make a
brief request.
Miss Cordelia"-
"Oh, you silly boy"
ASK her to wear white"
II dare say"
"I'll tell her the rest myself"
"And when," laghued Miss Cordella,
''is 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
auttered. She got Mike on the teie-
phone. Would Mike come to dinnerf
Mike would be delighted to come.
"And | WISH" called Miss Cordelia
next, that you'd wear white, dear.
II like you in white"
ITS 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 Nixie"-
"Yes."
'There's quite snow beginning.
Wear that pretty, warm cloak of yours,
the long, fur lined one with the hood.
We're all going to "a little impromp-
tn at the bishops and come back to
supper" And then she fed 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.
ITS secret" she explained.
"Gracious, how funny! Does the
bishop know? Who knowsT
Every few know" admitted Miss Cor
della.
"Have white dress and cloak" smil-
ing, anything to do with it?"
Miss Cordelia suddenly kissed her.
ITS Il beautiful secret Bert will tell
you, and you mustn't be angry, dear"
"Oh," said Mike and for an instant
the flash Of battle was in her eyes,
"Alr. Bert Jordan Is here?"
you don't want to avoid him, do
you? Since every one knows you have
rejected the poor boy l think" faltered
Miss Cordelia-"but | mustn't meddle-
| think you might show him a little
grace"
How" Mike questioned frostily,
does any one know anything?"
"Oh, they look at Bert, l suppose"
said astute Miss Cordelia. "Shall we
go down, dearT
They went down and found Mr.. Jor-
dan waiting. There was a white rose
bud in his coat and he was rather
white himself, but kind Of smolder.
Ing fire was in his eyes.