Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-01
Copyright, 1907, BY
W. B. MAXWELL.
All Rights Reserved.

gloomy triumph. "you understand why I
took the thing up SO strongly.
| Yes, l understand now
I've been at EN- hammer and tongs to
give me time That's all want: 1t
would T come ,e n, right in the end"
We'll. Cousin Harriet can't last for
ever. That would set me really straight.
J Even now, 1 can rub on if things work
out this afternoon I've settled 1t with
| the mortgages solicitors that if We can
obtain what l call protecting belt,
they'll postpone foreclosure-for time
at least.
But if not?"
'"They must reluctantly act on their
valuers report. Most damaging report
| they showed 1t to me-
And then?'
IT'S all u p Jack, make no secret Of
that"
We'll I'm hanged" and Jack laughed
somewhat bitterly. Dead broke! Just
when wanted to bite your ear
ooh, nothing. But I say-do you mind
my asking? How on earth have you got
through your money!
Keeping up appearances. l think you
are quite right to ask. But don't trot
away with the idea that 1 have been-er-
playing the fool-in any way. Oh. no.
Just that-our position in the world Not
to drop it,"
That's it, is it?" and Jack got UP and
walked away from the table Keeping
up appearances-as rulers of Hill House
astonishing the world with the mag
nifcence of old Short and Henry and
Thomas" and he laughed again Our
position! who knows, who cares-outside
this stupid town? Who has ever heard of
us?'
Don't take 1t like that"
1t was curious how gradually the man.
ner of Mr. Jack had changed. His voice
became firmer, harder, deeper of tone; his
careless smiles had gone; he laughed
shortly and abruptly. Yet, in his few re-
proaches there was no real unkindness.
1t was all as between old comrades.
well, father, you have sold me. /
can't help saying it-you've made fool
Of me-"
But not Intentionally. 1 confess 1 have
muddle things"
You have trained me as a fine gen.
tleman. with this up your sleeve-and
now I'm useless. - And liked work
really-always admired work-would have
worked II I'd been given work to do.
But you stopped ms-in all my ideas.
Now, what the deuce shall I do? What
the deuce-am I to do?"
Tiff put to 1t. Only a suggestion! l
hate the notion Of 1t, Jack. You might
do what the dukes O'clock about and
marry for money-even beneath you"
when I'm in the gutter
Don't take it like that"
Anyhow. couldn't do it-even to get
out of the gutter"
NO" and Sir John studied his sons
face anxiously. you wouldn't have lent
yourself to any alternative of that kind
mo"
II was quite sure you wouldn't. Well,
l shall fight for my scheme;" and Sir
John picked up his pile Of small sheets
and carefully distributed them round the
table.
1.-The mater?" asked Jack, suddenly.
"Is her income all free? Her seven hun
d t,rs year or whatever it isis that en-
mo" said Sir John. withuot looking
round. mo, Jack. No-confound it. We
are liviag- on that"
''Well," said Jack, firmly, eff the smash
comes, and upon my honor 1t seems likely,
it means"-very firmly-"my putting on
the coal box"
whats that?"
"I'll relieve you OF one burden. I'll CO."
'Your mother" said Sir John, very busy
wouldn't dream of 1t. I implore you"
mo. I won't stay and sponge On you
and the mater any more"
Sponge! My dear fellow"
But what the deuce shall 1 do? BY
the way. does the mater know the state
Of the case?"
mot a word of it,
you've sold her as well as me?" and
Jack laughed. What lot of selling, to
be sure. Hill Rise-the dear old mater
and me! Jolly well sold.'
"Jack-you take 1.-THE surprise-lihe
good pal?"
That's all right, father" and Jack
came to the table and laid friendly
hand on Sir Johns back. I'm of to
change my breeches. Hark! Here they
come A bold face on it. Never say
die"
Then Jack briskly retired. and almost
Immediately Short flung wide the ma
hogany doors and announced first corners.
Mr.. Garrett. Mr.. Hope-Mr. Holland.
Mr. Hopkins. Mr.. Eaton. Mr.. Brown"
In a very little while 1t seemed that, re-
spending to Sir Johns invitation. the
whole of Medford had assemblsd-at least.
all that was best and most representative
seemed already to be here; and yet Short
without intarmission continued to an
nounce important people. The footmen
were ushering in less important folk
through the French windows; and soon.
from the windows to the table that side
with the greatest difficulty could one
thread ones way through the crowd.
Soon the buzz Of conversation was so
strong that Short, really believing names,
could scarce make himself heard.
maj. and Mrs. Mildew-Mr and Mrs.
Annendale-Miss Annendale-Mrs. and
Miss Granville-Miss Wace"-etc., etc.
The ladies in their garden party cos
tunes gave brightness and ANNA ion to
the scene. Lady Vincent took entire
charge of the ladies, marshaling them on
seats of honor between the fireplace and
the head Of the table, making every one
welcome, and attending to everybodys
comfort. Thus on the arrival of old Mrs
Padfeld, tremendously grand in vast bon
net and black silk gown, but much over
come by the heat, Lady Vincent gave her
a paper fan, and, taking her through the
crowd, found her a seat close to the ia
BILE, but within reach of the fresh air
from the windows The Hill Rise girls
came in such force that her ladyship was
soon obliged to let them take care of
themselves she had all her work with
their mammas.
Sir John attended to the men only. and
indeed his task was no light one. Here
we're Town and Hi mingling. tradesmen
and gentry side by side. incongruous ele-
ments fused by Sir Johns command
Tact and skill were sorely needed from
the very first. Sir John. busting from
| group to group had genial looks. cheerful
words, amicable hand-grips for one ana
| ALL In these busy moments before the re n
business could begin he was quite himself
| the great Sir John of Hill House. born
leader of men, saying the right thing
| without apparent thought as If by
splendid instinct.
| II one might judge from scraps Of talk
here and there about the room. Sir John
| last appeal had been we'll received by the
| Town. 1t was distinctly modest scheme;
there could not be much to pay; perhaps
tho Hill meant To mt IN most OF the