The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-14
Ride of British ReereSS
Through India Jungle, and 1t
Marked the Turning Point in
the Career of the Man Who
Proposed to Her Fony-seven
Times.

Lazy Tibbie smiled and shrugged a
pair Of very shapely shoulders"
zone can't remember every little
thing
I'm FIVE foot eight and a quarter"
retorted Silly.
quite sure Of the quarter" dTawled
Major Burns.
Billy turned upon his senior Ike an
adder "One thing Ill have a mate IN
my misfortune" he grcwled; you
can't 90 hunting with your game leg"
You little boy," sneered Lady Tib-
bic, then she turned 70 the major.
Il am TO follow the hunt In my
motor car she told him. Il wonder
would YOU care 10 accompany me-"
''Ten thousand thanks-and with a
heart and a hale" cried the major.
Billy got up and bowed with elab-
crate courtesy. first 20 Mrs. Bertram,
then TO Lady -TIbbie. Goodnight,
ladies'" ne mid; and, saluting his
chief, moved OF.
But Lady Tibbie had no mind 10 be
deserted like that she pretended 20
laye no respect for Billy, but she OK
perienced a curious pleasure IN de-
riding him.
Captain HILL" she exclaimed.
lie stopped "Weil?"
Haven't you forgotten sOmething?"
Billy took Off his cap and thought
fully began 10 scratch his head
IT'S O'Clock" said Lady Tibbie.
Billy looked at her In such a way
that she blushed. but did not lower her
eyes "Oh. very welll' said Billy pres
entity, since you keep me 10 my word,
I did promise 20 propose TO you at
o'clock. I believe"
Captain Hiur she cried indlg-
nantly, her cheeks ahame.
But Billy was remOrssless. He
stalked up and sank on one knee be-
fore her: Lady Matilda-ahem-Ma-
uIda-ahena- ahem-Tlbble" he began
"Unaccustomed-er am-to
er-publlc speaking
"Bny-Bily." cried the colonel,
holding his sides.
See here. HILL" said the major.
very angrily. If you can this a
Joke
Captain XIII. said Lady TlbbIe-
How dare youY'
"I-er-dare 70 do all that may be-
come g man Don't suppose I'm a
scra0 ashamed-er-being shook on
you: why should To- said Billy, Its
not as n you were homely. It's true
that the name Matilda Is not exactly
romantic-but--"
Billy" walled Mrs. Bertram, al
most helpless with laughter
Major Burns caught the offending
youth by the shoulder and shook him
savagely Cannot you see that you
are annoying Lady Matilda?" he de-
manded.
But what's In name?'' Billy con-
tinued. perfectly uumoved. a rose by
any other name would smell as sweet
--and anyhow this with a burst OF
generous enthusiastically IL you'd
been christened Martha, or Emily
Jane. or even Bridget, I believe I'd
stiu be true 10 you.
You brought Il all on yourself, It'd
bic" gasped Mrs. Bertram.
Billy stood up and turned from the
flushed and palpitating Lady Tibbie TO
the coloneTs better half Brought
what upon her?" he demanded, indig-
nantly. Madam" he continued. with
great dignity. 1t is evident that the
honest declaration OF a good mans de-
vouon can arouse nothing but mirth
in your stony heart. Colonel. l feel
for YOU
Billy" said the colonel. "a jokes a
joke; but 1 think you should now
make your peace with Lady Matilda.
I'm afraid you have offended her"
My dear colonel" cried Lady TIb-
bic, you pay me a very poor com
pliment, don't you think? 1 like a
jet as we'll as my neighbor And
Captain Hi is such an excellent buff
foon.
Even Mrs. Bertram ceased laughing
Billy perceptibly turned pale. but he
rose to the occasion manfully- See
heret" he snarled. showing all his
teeth. You have insulted me. Ter
remble and retract-or your fate be
on your own head. Apologize! Apollo
gize, I say - or - or 90 by lingo - I'll
marry your
Lady Tibble smiled. II apologize"
she replied instantly and icily.
Major Burns grinned. and the col
onel bit his lip. Mrs Bertram, how
ever. was very fond OF Billy Hill
How could you be such a cat, Tibbie,
dear" she asked, in a whisper. Of her
niece
Billy took out his kerchief and began
to weep. "Oh. Matilda on. Emily
-Bridget-how could your"
he mosnsd. and as he stumbled or
into the darkness, his broken
sobbing re-echoed through the com
pound
HIS departure created a silence which
at length the colonel broke. You'd
hardly believe II perhaps. Lady Tib-
bic. but that silly feIlow"-he pointed
IN the direction taken by Billy-'Is
one OF the most valuable frontier Off
GERS that We possess. Last winter.
when we were after the Adds. his
cool, devil-may-care good humor saved
England a severe setback, and me my
regiment"
Indeed said Lady Tibbie. With an
effort at pollteness.
Yes pursued the colonel I'VE
were led into cul-de-sac by a treach-