Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-12-16

II
 had made up his mind defnitely-h'
 would follow Mir. Corrigan's advice
 and brazen it out, putting his faitl
 in luck, but helping luck along witt
 assurance. From the opposite side o
 the table the fair Imogene cast Ian
 gushing glances in his direction, whilt
 on his left the ancient Miss Schermer ly grew positively sprightly and GOV
 cred him with a Gatling gun of per picking questions. She wanted au thentic information regarding barons earls and noble dukes, to all of whicl
 Richard gave ready but quaint an swers-answers that might have caused the English aristocracy to rise in one
 vast, furious mass and lynch him without formalities of trial or benefit of clergy
 i How different it is from what we
 read in novels" said Mrs. Renwyck
 I'm afraid our American authors are ill informed. Really, they ought to travel more."
 They travel enough, but I fancy they do not get into the best society abroad" suggested Miss Schermerly. ''I shall prepare paper upon that very subject for the Woman's Liter ary league. Would you have any ob- jection. Lord Croyland, if I quoted you as an authority?"
 Not in the least" said Richard gal lantly. 'In fact, my dear Miss Scher- i merly, I should be honored-vastly so" He smiled on himself at the thought of the real Lord Croyland should that gentleman ever chance to read the pa per in question, but that was Croy- lands affair. not his
 'I will bring my notebook into the library this afternoon ,the ancient one stated, and, with q smile to Rich ard. "Could you help me then, do you think"
 II should be most pleased" said Richard, with an answering smile, but I fear I'm engaged to Miss Ren- wyck this afternoon for quite long horseback ride At another time shall be charmed, assure you.'
 Miss Harriet started. She was un- aware of any such engagement, but her She smiled and offered to release Lord Croyand, but that gentleman would not hear of it.
 By the way" said Miss Harriet in order to change the subject. "Imogene tells me that you have agreed to take part in our little play. It is awfully good of you to help us out"
 Not at all." answered Richard. with pronounced sadness. Tt is a pleas ure to serve you in any way"
 Mir. Van der Awe in thunderstruck amazement stared blankly across the table, while his half raised fork fell clattering upon his plate.
 "Oh, I say he began, but Rich ard arrested further speech by a swift glance. There was silence for a mo- ment: then Miss Renwyck spoke:
 You don't seem to be overenthu- siastic at the prospect. Lord Croyland. Don't you think the part would suit you:"
 The Texan considered her words thOughtfully. fumbled for his monoce. got it into position after another gym- nastic exercise with his left eye and sighed elaborately.
 ''The part" he stated. with slow drawl. 'is delightful as I understand it-but-shall be perfectly candid. Miss Renwyck?"
 The ladies in breath assured him that that was just what they wished. so he continued. struggling with em- barrasSment:
 I've never gone in for that sort of thing -er-but once and confess with regret that caused fiasco. I'm very stupid at such things - really. you know. abominable. It is rather the duty of q guest to comply with the wishes of his hostess. and feel it in- cumbent upon me to make a trial of the role. even if the outcome holds me up to open ridicule. We Englishmen appear hit eccentric to Americans. am fully aware. but nevertheless it hurts at times when"-
 He paused and looked at his plate in deep confusion. Miss Harriet blushed furiously. She had wounded her guest unwittingly and was sincerely sorry. Lord Croyland. she thought. was act ing very nobly in thus sacrificing him self for the sake of her foolish whims. and she ought Co have consulted him first of all. She made up her mind at once and turned to him impulsively.
 Lord Croyland.' she said. "I beg you to believe me when say that never thought for an instant of hold ing you up to ridicuIe. Won't you for give me? It was splendid of you to agree. and-there-we won't have the play at all.'
 But. my dear Miss Renwyck.- Rich ard protested. "I should feel frightfuI- ly cut up if you abandoned 1t on my account Do go on with it. Perhaps I shan, he So jolly had after all r.
 All four ladies immediately took up the cudgeIs against him until his polite protests grew weaker and weaker. finally sutsidiug in a suggestion that relieved the situation from every point 0f view.
 Why not have Mr. Van der Awe do fhe party he asked. with a beaming smile directed at that young gentle man You'd do it splendidly. old chap. and I shah be uncOmmonIy obliged to you--
 Amid . chorus of approval the young