The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-09-20

been all the mcrningT" she exclaimed,
kissing him.
He told her breathlessly, and she
listened to his admiration of the COM
molOre with rising color.
Isn't he perfectly splendid, Aunt
Marjorie! They say there are ten ele-
plants and the lions grOwl something
awful! But won't lie afraid with the
commodore Only | wish you were
coming too. Wouldn't you like it?
I'm sure he'd take you too. if you
asked him"
No. honey, IL don't think so. l
don't expect to see the commodore
again; we've aren't friends any
more"
oh, auntier' exclaimed Willie. in
genuine dismay. And he's SO good
too"
Willie thought for Il minute that his
Aunt Marjorie was going to cry. and
then he was surprised to hear her say
in u manner singulariy unlike her
usual gentleness. Maybe some peo-
| pie think he is good but | know his
true character. and do not think you
ought to go around alone with him."
This speech was rendered with all the
dignity that a woman OF the world,
aged nineteen, could muster
You went with him alone to lots
of places" complained Willie. you
went last night"
Yes. and that's just the reason I'm
not going again. II Il man takes a girl
to dance and forgets her he will GER
tairly forget little boy when he takes
| him to the circus, and then what would
| happen 10 you?'
Really this was awful Willie had
never seen his dear little aunt in such
state, but she was very sweet to him
and took him out driving that after
noon, stopping in the village to buy
him candy and lots of fireworks for the
| Fourth. lie didn't know what to think
about his beloved commodore, but saw
him the next day and promptly repeat
ed the whole conversation. 1t seemed
to him the simplest way out Of the diff
fculty
Did you forget. commodore:" lie in
sisted
Great Scott, Willie, maybe did:
she says so; but she wasn't lonesome"
he said @rinly. Girls are queer crea-
lures, Wc'ln-tou; you'll find that out
some day. But don't say a.o,hcr word
| about the circus. III C= it some way.
loI'rr Soiny 70 see it as sure as your
n@l~2 is N.aringrtoris"
So Wi,!i' kept his counsel a@d wa,
p1.-ra E.rch y his auM'ie TO- The next
two days. or tAr morning of the
Fourth he was firing off his crackers
from the open window in his little
ni-htc!othes nj o'clock. ana Marjorie
said never a word Of complaint She
had made W her mind TO take him to
the circus herself and to get away early
70 avoid any possible conflict with her
fornc" great friend the commodore
ROW a stranger forever
Before lunch was over. however, the
"omUodore'S touring car stopped at the
door and the commodore was standing
on the porch, cap in hand. announcing
hat lie had come
Yes. | see returned Marjorie cool
:, hut deliberately avoiding his gaze.
Max had such way of looking mt one.
But what forE"
Why, to take my friend Julius Gaze
sar to the circus"
Willie looked anXiously from one to
the other III an ecstasy of hope and
suspense.
Il told Willie
Yes. know" he Interrupted. but
# YOU come, too, it will be all right"
"Oh, yes, auDtie." cried Willie, jump
ju@ with joyful anticipation.
Marjorie tried hard to look cold and
djgnihed.
Would you spoil that child's day"
asked the commodore, coming closer.
Marjorie, please" His eyes urged her
as we'll rs his voice.
She looked at him. "All right, I'll 20.
6ut it's just on Willie's account"
ANY reason will do" responded
Max as he helped her into the car.
But maybe you can find Il better one
uefore we get home. I'm going to ride
back here with you and William He
lifted the delighted child. gave him a
mug, and put him in the front seat
T;'ith the chauffeur William the Con
queror is going to have the time of his
life"