The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1908-12-30
Please do let us have a party"


So Selwyn went to the telephone
and presently returned. saying that
Boots was overwhelmed ana would be
present at the festivities. and Drina.
enraptured. ordered flowers to be
brought from the dining room and a
large table set for four. with particu-
lar pomp and circumstance.
Mr.. Archibald Lansing arrived very
promptly, a short. stocky young man
Of clean and powerful build. with dark,
keen eyes always alert and humorous
lips ever on the Edge of laughter un-
der his dark mustache.
His manner with Drina was always
delightful, a mixture of self repressed
idolatry and busily naive belief in a
thorough understanding between them
to exclude Selwyn from their com
pany.
''This Selwyn fellow herev he ex-
claimed. 81 warned him over the
phone we'd not tolerate him, Drina. l
explained to him very carefully that
you and were dining together in
strictest privacy"
"He begged so hard" said Eileen.
"Will somebody place an extra pillow
for Drina?"
They seized the same pillow fiercely.
confronting each other: massacre ap-
peared imminent.
1.-TWO pillows" said Drina sweetly,
and determination was averted. The
child laughed happily. covering one
of Boots hands with both of hers.
$50 you've left the service. Mr.. Ian
singT' began Eileen. lying back and
looking smilingly at Boots.
"Had to. Miss Enroll. Seven million
aires ran into my quarters and chased
me out and down Broadway into the
Offices of the Westchester Air Line
company. Then these seven merci
less millionaires in buckram bound
and gagged me. stuffed my pockets
full Of salary and forced me to type
write fearful and secret oath to serve
them for FIVE long. weary years. That's
4 sample of how the wealthy grind
the noses of the poor, isn't it, Drina?'
The child slipped her hand from his.
smiling uncertainty.
You don't mean all that, do you?"
Indeed. L do, sweetheart"
Are you not a soldier lieutenant
any more, then?" she inquired, horri-
bly, disappointed.
"Only a private in the workman's 8
battalion, Drina."
stinately Il like you just as much"
.How tall you're growing, Drina.'
emarked Selwyn.
probably the early spring weather. "
added Boots. You're twelve, aren't
you?"
Thirteen" said Drina gravely.
almost time to elope with me-
nodded Boots.
"Tn do it now," she said-"as soon
as my new gowns are made-if you'll
take me to Manila. Will you? 1 be-
ieve my Aunt Alike is there
She caught Eileen's eye and stopped
short. 81 forgot" she murmured. 81
beg your pardon. Uncle Philip"
Boots was talking very fast and
laughing a great deal. Eileen's plate
claimed her undivided attention. Sci
, Wyn quietly unlSneu us claret- LIE
child looked at them all.
"By the way" said Boots abruptly
whats the matter with Gerald? He
came in before noon looking very
seedy." Selwyn glanced up quietly.
/ wasn't he at the Officer" asked Ell
leen anxiously.
5 "Oh, yes" replied Selwyn. ''He fel
5 a trife under the weather, so 1 sen
him home"
"Is it the grip?'
, "N-no, 1 believe not"
l "Do you think he had better have {
, doctor? Where is he"
"He was here" observed Drina com
| posedly. "and father was angry will
1 him"
"What?" exclaimed Eileen. 'When?
'This morning before father wen
; downtown"
Both Selwyn and Lansing cut in cool
+ y, dismissing the matter with a care
. less word or two. and coffee was sery
ed, cambric tea in Drina's case.
Come on" said Boots, slipping
bride rose into Drina's curls. ''I'n
ready for condolences"
Condolences had become an estat
Iished custom with Drina and Boots
1t meant that every time they saw on
onnther they were pledged to tell eac