The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1907-06-26


jefferson grinned. He had some
thing on his conscience, and this was
good opportunity to get rid Of it.
He replied laconically:
"He probably has read it by this
time l sent him a copy myself"
The instant the words were out of
his mouth he was sorry, for Shirley's
face had changed color.
"You sent him a copy of The Amer
lean OctopusT" she cried. "Then he'll
guess who wrote the book"
"Oh, no, he won't" rejoined Jeffer-
son calmly. "He has no idea who sent
It to him. l mailed 1t anonymously"
Shirley breathed a sigh of relief. 1t
was so important that her identity
should remain a secret. AS daughter
of a supreme court judge she had to be
most careful. She would not embar-
rass her father for anything in the
world.
Suddenly Jefferson asked her:
Have you heard from home recent
lyT
"I had a letter from father last week.
Everything was going on at home as
when | left Father says he misses
me sadly and that mother is ailing, as
usual"
She smiled, and Jefferson smiled too.
They both knew by experience that
nothing really serious allied Mrs Ross
more, who was a good deal Of hypo-
chondrlac and always so fllled with
aches and pains that on the few occa-
sions when she really felt well she was
genuinely alarmed.
The cab stopped suddenly in front
Of beautiful gilded gates. II was the
Luxembourg, and through the tall rail-
ings they caught a glimpse Of we'll
kept lawns. spIashlng fountains and
richly dressed children playing. From
the distance came the stirring strains
of brass band.
The coachman drove up to the curb,
and Jefferson jumped down, assisting
Shirley to alight.
the sweet scented paths until they
came to where the music was. The
band Of an infantry regiment was play
ing. and a large crowd had gathered.
Many people were sitting on the chairs
provided for visitors for the modest fee
Of two sous; others we're promenading
round and round a great circle having
the musicians in its center The dense
foliage of the trees overhead afforded
a perfect shelter from the hot rays Of
the sun, and the place was so inviting
and interesting. so cool and so full Of
sweet perfumes and sounds, appealing
to and satisfying the senses, that Shir-
ley wished they had more time to
spend there.
Isn't it delightful here?" said She
IL could stay here forever, couldn't
your
"With you-yes," answered Jeffer-
son. with a significant smile.
Shirley tried to look angry. She
strictly discouraged these convention
al sentimental speeches which con-
stantly flung her sex in her face.
Now, you know l don't like you to
talk that way, Mr. Ryder. It's most
undignifed. Please be sensible"
Quite subdued, Jefferson relapsed
into a sulky silence. Presently he
said:
II wish you wouldn't call me Mr..
Ryder | meant to ask you this before.
You know very we'll that you've no
great love for the name, and If you
persist you'll end by including me in
your hatred of the hero of your book"
Shirley looked at him with amused
curiosity.
what do you mean," she asked.
what do you want me to call your
"Oh, l don't know" he stammered.
rather inundated by this self pos
sessed young woman, who looked him
calmly through and through. "Why
not call me Jefferson2 Mr.. Ryder is
so formal"
Shirley laughed outright, a merry,
unrestralned peal of honest laughter,
which made the passersby turn their
heads and smile, too, commenting the
while on the stylish appearance of the
two Americans whom they took for
sweethearts. After all, reasoned Shir-
ley, he was right. They had been to-
day for over a month. 1t was absurd
to call him Mr.. Ryder. So, addressing
him with mock gravity, she said:
You're right, Mr.. Ryder-I mean
Jefferson. You're quite right You are
jefferson from this time on, only re-
member'-here she shook her gloved
finger at him warningly-"mind you
behave yourself! No more such senti-
mental speeches as you made just
now"
jefferson beamed. He felt at least
Two inches taller, and at that moment
he would not have changed places
with any one in the world. To hide
the embarrassment his qualification
caused him he pulled out his watch
and exclaimed:
''Why, it's quarter past six. We
shall have all we can do to get back
to the hotel and dress for dinner"
Shirley rose at once, although loath