Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-04-26
DICkEYS PLOT
By Julia Truiff Bishop
(ccryright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)

By Julia Tr1ift Bishop sl (ccryright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)
 Dickey Fleming, the everywhere present, the always with-something-to- say-for-himself. had raised his tones slightly above the whisper that became conspirator, because the darkness and the shrubbery concealed him, arch traitor that he was.
 But suppose she doesn't like it?" whispered the other figure.
 "Oh, she'll be sure to-likes him amazingly-and he's been hard hit from the first day. It would be a match, anyhow, sooner or later I'm just going to help 1t on bit. When man gets to be 30. he's too delicate about his love-making to suit me" But suppose she should be angry?" insisted the other voice again. T am sure 1t would make me perfectly furl- ous if were in her place, and If | were ever to find 1t out"
 Shell never know" sand Dickey, readily. He'd just go to her, you know, saying that sent him to plead my cause-and the old chap can talk pretty well when he gets strung out. Then Jeanie'll give him hint-'Why don't you speak for yourself, John?- you know, and the next thing they'll come out, arm in arm and smiling like one o'clock, and Rembert will break the horrible ncws to me that he has unintcntionally supplanted me in the affections of my beloved. Of course, it's my cue to look wretched for day or two, but I'll gradually recover, and begin to look up and take notice when i you're around"
 Fan broke into hysterical giggle, crying, "Oh. Dickey, you are so orig ! inal! I always said you were intended i for comedian!"
 l Dickey struck a dramatic attitude, right foot advanced, hand on heart, after winch they went in. laughing. i Miss Garner, the queen of the house party, was very gay that evening. and several of the disaffected, who had in- l quired why she should have the dis tinction of sovereignty in anybodys house party, were beginning to see why. True, she was "A. but her eyes were really remarkable when she was animated. True, she was not wealthy, was little more than independent, and decidedly the poorest of Mrs. Arnauds guests, but her voice in speaking was enchanting, and when she sang every one remained in the room. True, her mouth was large, but then her teeth!
 In short, that evening Miss Garner was amusing and entertaining as many of the house party as could get near enough, when she chanced to glance up and saw Dickey Fleming leaning against the wall. with his arms folded. gazing at her with hungry eyes. The moment his eyes met hers Dickey sighed, and dropped his gaze to the floor with such a look of agony that the unconscious Miss Garner turned to her hostess, and said. hurriedly. uE.sUsnn-am word. Mrs. Arnaud, l am ssafrasdvCmething serious is the matter with Dickey Fleming"
 But if the women were obtuse Dickey had no trouble in making his meaning clear to Mir. Rembert. whom he sought out early the next morning.
 And you think you love this young lady?" he asked. He had swung around in the revolving chair so that his face was toward the window, and Dickey was left to solace himself with view of one car and the back of we'll formed head.
 "Oh, sure!" said Dickey. with ready enthusiasm.
 "Then why don't you tell her this yourself?" asked the elder man. coldly.
 "Oh, I've tried over and over!" said Dickey, rattllng ruler on the table. When 1t comes to the point I'm struck dumb. you know-couldn't say word to save me. Besides. know she'll listen to you-the women all do. And say, anything you can throw in. you know. about my good qualities"
 The other whirled suddenly around in the revolving char, and looked Dlckey in the face. By the way" he said. dryly. what are your good quail. ties?".
 Dickey's furtive grin took on an em- barrassed look Well. you know, wouldn't like to speak about that" he said. with becoming modesty. You just think it over-anything right gor. geous you can throw in I'll take it as favor. Just make 1t a 'beaut,' will you. and I'll try to live up to it. Ta-ta now; leave you to think up your lit- tie spell" And Dickey went out, happily unconseious of the look that followed him.
 "well?" said Dickey. He concealed a grin behind his hand. and tried to look modestly expectant.
 Well" repeated Mir. Rembert. brusquely. T have accomplished the very unpleasant office you asked me to undertake for you. And the young | lady assures me" He paused. and Dickey had a brief temptation to ex. ecute a jis or any other rapid step which would relieve his feelings. She assures me" continued Mir Rembert. deliberately. that she feels honored by your love. and that she accepts your offer
 i Dickey's jaw dropped and he groped aimlessly with one hand When be recovered. Mir. Rembcrt had gone. and