Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-10-31
A Matrimonial'
importation.
BY JENNIE LUDLUr1 LEE.
Copyrighted. 1905. by Associated
Literary Press.

peared to be looking for no particular
person. but. rather. to search the faces
OF the crowds about him. Some one
tapped him on the arm.
Are you one of those horrid mem
a rather tired voice inquired
Scott turned and smiled at the girl
beside him.
We'll. | certainly am "A man" he
acknowledged. "and guess I'm about
as horrid as most of my sex"
"oh. | didn't mean-l beg your par
don" stammered the girl. 81 meant
We're you n customs officer? You see,
I'm
He scanned the girls face closely.
Could she be up TO the old game Of
smuggling? More than one official had
been tricked by pair Of honest eyes
and Scott had just acknowledged that
he was but mere man. The girl GER
tainly had fascinating personality.
Scott Informed her that he was not
customs official. but offered to be OF
any assistance to her.
ooh. thank you so much" she cx-
claimed as she hurriedly glanced about
her. 81 want cab TO take me TO that
address," and she handed him n visit
Ing card. mo one has met me. and.
oh. must get away before he comes
Off the boat"
II understand" assured Scott. though
in reality he did not Want to shake
some undesirable shipboard acquaint-
ance?"
Its not exactly that-he's a dear,
but-oh II you will Just get me a cab
that will solve the whole problem"
A cabman was found who agreed TO
take the girl TO her destination for a
nominal fee. and as Scott closed the
door upon his mysterious companion
she leaned forward through the win
dow.
won't you tell me your name and
I'll have my uncle write and thank
you?" she inquired.
He drew n card from his wallet and
presented II TO her Aloud she read
the address In trembling voice. "Mr.
Earle Cowdrey Scott Harlequin Club"
Wont you write insteadf" Earle
suggested. but the disinterested cab
man whipped up his horse and her
answer was lost.
Scott now hurriedly returned 10 the
ship and boarded her. He had no diff
ficulty in finding his father, who was
always among the last 10 leave a ship
His son. knowing this. had not hasten
ed to find him. After the first greet
ings the old gentleman slapped his son
affectlonately upon the shoulder
well. my boy, I've brought yon n
fine present this year-a rare prize"
Then. glancng about the ship and the
crowd below them. he added. but
think the little mink has slipped of.
That evening as father and son sat
chatting over their coffee and cigars
the old gentleman announced:
"well. Earle. brought wife home
for you came over In the ship with
me-"
Earle seemed somewhat startled
"May ask. dad. IL you have mar
ried again. or Is this matrimonial i'm
portatlon for me to take unto my
self"
"Oh. for you-for you" said the old
man gleefully. And we're going
around there tonight. Here's where
she is. Her uncle. old John Banks,
Is a great friend Of mine"
He passed the card over TO Earle
The latter had held the mate TO II il
the morning. Smiling to himself, Earle
agreed. thinking that the mysterious
girl was well worth knowing better.
All day long lnnumerable pictures Of
her had fitted through his mind. He
would be glad TO know the truth.
When father and son were announc-
ed. John Banks and his niece entered
the room full OF hearty greetings. but
the young couple gave no outward
sign OF recognition. Before long the
two elder men found that comfort
awaited them In the library In the
form OF duplicate whist and good CT
gars.
Earle noted that Edith Hamilton was
somewhat III at ease. but made little
headway iii solving the problem that
evening. when he left the house. how
ever. he had TO acknowledge TO him
self that the girl was charming in the
extreme. He asked permission to call
again.
"And. by the way. Miss Hamilton,
don't have to drag father along every
time. do II" he asked in mock defer
ence.
On the way home that evening the
father went into something OF an ex.
PLANTATION.
There's an old fashioned girl for
you. Earle. Like your mother was as
a girl. Nothing deceltful about her
right In the open-everything straight
from the shoulder ! talked a lot
about you ON the trip over and told her
she was just the type OF girl you We're
looking for-that we needed her sort
10 round ont our home. She's been in
school for years over In France and
now has come to keep house for Banks.
-. LII