The Somerset reporter., 1906-09-13

u wonder If you dream how ador-
able you are in that blue gown" Heth-
erton said, trying to possess himself OF
Philomenas hand.
She drew 1t away. pursed her lips
dalntlly, and flung back at him, "Oh!
It's the gown, Is it? Thank you for
the next time the MacCarty comes to
see u.s."
"Confound the MacCartyr' Hether-
ton calculated. I'D like to break his
head for him, the presumptuous oaf.
What business has he even to admire
your?
"Maynt a cat look at king?" Philo-
mena interrupted demurely, her eyes
dancing In the screen of their long
lashes.
She had the charm of infinite va
riety. Some days she was positively
ugly, others ravIshlngly beautiful.
This was one of the beautiful days.
She knew 1t, and acted upon the
knowledge. She owed Hetherton for
several things, chiefly Miss Mannering.
He should be paid In full. He had
never proposed to her outright, but all
along assumed gayly that she would
marry him, speaking openly, in light
comedy manner that might mean
everything or nothing. She had not
resented the light comedy manner be-
ing by no means sure of her own mind.
Still 1t had been distinctly aggravat
ing to have him run off after the Man
nerlng girl the same as the other men.
For two whole days he had kept In the
new beauty's train; worse still, he had
come back to Philomena not merely re-
pentant, but with the air of one who
feels that he has discharged the duty
Of proper man.
"a cat may look at king; the prov
erb Is silent as to queens" Hetherton
retorted. Moreover, you can scarcely
stretch it to fit an elephant, which Is
the MacCarty's animal prototype"
Now | know how came to promise
him two dances-I adore elephants-al-
ways did," Phllomena murmured, re-
feetlyely, as If aside.
Hetherton caught both her hands and
drew her to her feet. do you mean to
keep the promise?" he asked, his face
darkening. She smiled up at him au-
dacIously as she answered:
who knows? He may prefer to sit
them out. But II he should, you needn't
taly 70 Of
srshot of you and Miss Mannering"-
"Oh. / see," Hetherton laughed, not
quite easily, but with magical light
enlng of countenance. II must say
that will be handsome of you" he
went on; then, his hands slipping up
to her shoulders, Sweetheart, let's run
away from everythlng-th grand ball,
the elephant, the Mannering-run away
and get married Listen! 1t will be
80 easy; only spin across country to
that dear little stone church we saw
last week-well take along witnesses
and telegraph for our traps to follow
US If 'twere done, when 'twere done
then 'twere we'll 'twere done quickly
Think how much we shall escape, all
the fuss and frills and upsetments Of q
big wedding. And this Is the only way
TO escape them. know your aunt has
twelve bridesmaids, and all the rest
OF It, Say yes, there's darling. will
live just to keep you from being sorry
for it, even one time"
1T sounds entlcing," Philomena said,
then with reflective Sigh. But 1t
can't be done. You see If ran of
with you the Mannering would newt
ably get the MacCarty and his millions.
That's what she Is here for, and that's
what I'm bound not to let her do"
Have your joke" Hetherton grum-
bled, trying to draw her to his breast
She put him away with gentle
dignity, saying; But it Is not Joke.
That's why l am 80 provoked with
you; you let yourself be one Of her bait
gudgeons. Oh, she's a shrewd piece
she knows q man like the MacCarthy
means to pick a wife as he has picked
racing stable, from among those
other men want very much"
How do you known Hetherton de-
handed.
Philomena opened her eyes very
wide. "Why, he told me So" she said.
You know we are great friends and
talk of many things. And he Is really
vastly entertaining-such big bulk of
raw human nature, with streaks OF
wit and other streaks of understand.
Ing through its honest ignorance"
"H-ml You are somewhat belle,
How many times has he proposed to
your Hetherton asked.
Only once, the first day" Phiiomena
said, smiling wickedly. II asked time
for consideration, but he wouldn't give
1t, He wanted a straight yes or no
but consoled me by telling me that II
after awhile he was not engaged he
would give me another chance. SO
must be sure and make up my mind.
know be Is not engaged not unless