The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1908-01-09
CHAPTER XII.

~ and the two gentlemen sat
down TO luncheon To one thing he
had made up his mind definItely-he
would follow Mr.. Corrigan's advice
aud brazen II out, putting his faith
In luck, but helping luck along with
assurance From the opposite side OF
the table the fair lmogene cast Ian
gushing glances In his direction. while
ON his left the ancient Miss schermer-
ly grew positively sprightly and COW
cred him with Calling gun OF per-
picking questions. She wanted au-
thentic Information regarding barons.
earls and noble dukes, to all OF which
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 formallties OF trial or benefit
Of clergy.
How different 1t is from what We
read in novels" said Mrs. Renwyck.
"I'm afraid our American authors are
III informed. Really, they ought to
travel more"
"They travel enough, but fancy
they do not get into the best society
abroad" suggested Miss Schermerly.
II shall prepare paper upon that
very subject for the Woman's Liter
ary league. Would you have any OBJ
lection. Lord Croyland, II ! quoted
you as an authority"
mot In the least" said Richard gal
lantly. "In fact. my dear Miss Scher'
merly, l should be honored-yastly 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 bis.
II win bring my notebook into the
library this afternoon" the ancient
one stated, and. with smile to Rich
ard, could you help me then. do you
thinkT
IL should be most pleased" said
Richard, with an answering smile,
"but | fear I'm engaged to Miss Rem
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
somehow the idea did not dlsplease
her. She smiled and offered TO release
Lord Croyland, but that gentleman
would not hear OF II.
/ an A. at n rrfnt In
order to change the subject, "Imogene
tells me that you have agreed to take
part In our little play. II IL awfuliy
good OF you to help US out"
mot at ALL" answered Richard, with
pronounced sadness. 1T IL pleas
ure to serve you In any way"
Mr.. Van der Awe In thundersfruck
amazement stared blankly across the
table, while bis half raised fork fell
ciattering upon his plate.
"Oh, ! say hs began. but Rich
ard arrested further speech by swift
glance There was silence for mo
ment; then Miss Renwyck spoke;
"You don't seem 10 be oyerenthu-
siastIc at the prospect, Lord Croyland.
Don't you think the part would suit
your
The Texan considered her words
thoughtfully. fnmbled for bis monocie.
got II into position after another gym
nastlc exercise with bis left eye and
sighed eiaborateIy.
''The part" he stated. with slow
drswi, lis delightful IN ! understand
it-but-sbsll be perfectly candid.
Miss RenwyckT'
The ladies' In a breath assured him
that that was Just what they wished.
30 be continued. struggling with EN-.
bsrrassment:
I've never gone Ia for that sort OF
thing er-but once and confess With
regret that caused fissco. I'm very
stupid at such things = really. you
know, sbominabie II IL ratbsr the
duty Of guest 10 comply with The
wishes Of his hostess. and feel II Id
cumbent upon me 10 make trial Of
the role. even n the outcome boids ns
up to open rldicnIe We Engiisbmen
appear BIT eceeptfie 10 Americans,
am fully aware. but Deserthelsss u
hurts at times whsn"=-
He paused and booked q, his plate Ia
dseD confusion. Miss Harriet hiusbsd