Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1906-11-15
AN ANGEL
Ell E N t
BY GRETCHEN cRAYDoN
Copyright, 1906, by E. c. PARCELS

y
erton said, trying to possess himself of
Philomena's hand.
She drew it away. pursed her lips
daintily, and flung back at him. ooh!
It's the gown, is it? Thank you for
telling me. shall be sure to wear it
the next time the MacCarty comes to
see U.S."
"Confound the MacCartyr' Hether-
ton calculated. sd like to break his
head for him, the presumptuous oaf.
What business has he even to admire
you?"
"Mayn't cat look at a king!" Philo-
mena interrupted demurely, her eyes
dancing in the screen of their long
lashes.
She had the charm of infinite va
rlety. Some days she was positively
ugly, others rayishingly beautiful.
This was one of the beautiful days.
She knew it, and acted upon the
knowledge. She owed Hetherton for
several things, chiefly Miss Mannerlng.
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
nering 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 lock at king; the prov
erb is silent as to queens" Hetherton
retorted. Moreover, you can scarcely
stretch 1t 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," Philomena murmured, re-
fectively, 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 IL he should, you needn't
mind, we will take care to keep out of
earshot of you and Miss Mannering"-
"Oh! 1 see," Hetherton laughed, not
quite easily. but with magical light
ening of countenance. 81 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 rything-the grand ball,
the elephant, the Mannering-ru away
and get married. Listen! 1t will be
so easy; only spin across country to
that dear little stone church we saw
last week-we'll take along witnesses
and telegraph for our traps to follow
us. III 'twere done, when 'twere done
then 'twere well 'twere done quickly
Think how much we shall escape, all
the fuss and frills and upsetments of
big wedding. And this is the only way
to escape them. | know your aunt has
her heart set on St Thomas, with
twelve bridesmaids. and all the rest
of it, Say yes. there's Il darling. will
live just to keep you from being sorry
for it, even one time
ut sounds enticing." Philomena said,
then with reflective sigh: But it
can't be done. You see if l 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 1 am SO provoked with
you; you let yourself be one of her bait
gudgeons. Oh she's shrewd piece
she knows man like the MacCarthy
a racing stable. from among those
other men want very much
How do You know" Hetherton de-
manded
Philomena opened her eyes very
I
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 understands
| Ing through its honest ignorance
| Fin. You are somewhat belle.
How many times has he proposed to
your" Hetherton asked.
"Only once. the first day" Philomenn
said, smiling wickedly. Il asked time
for consideration. but he wouldn't give
it. He wanted a straight yes or no.
but consoled me by telling me that if
after awhile he was not engaged he
would give me another chance SO l
must be sure and make up my mind.
know he Is not engaged, not unless;
Miss Mannering has landed him since
morning."
rs your mind made up?' Hetherton
asked teasinsly
Phllomena shook her head. but SAIL,
brightly: Not yet. Still. there's nc
telling what may happen between
dances"
Then you refuse plan and