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

think I've been perfectly candid with
you. and | want you to be quite frank
with me. II It's Miss Chlttendon we
can decide what to do later"
"My dear fellow" said Richard,
'you cant imagine how ! appreciate
your openness and squareness. It
throws new light upon your glorious
American people. Allow me to give
you cigar and be equally unreseryed.
While admit without hesitation that
Miss lmogene Chttendon Is n most
charming and utterly desirable young
lady, beg 10 assure you, sir. that
never for single fraction OF a second
have | entertained the least idea Of
of-in your own phrase, Of going after
her Is that satisfactory
ENTIRELY So" said Mr.. Van der Awe,
holding out his hand with the nearest
approach to happiness he had yet
shown. '1'm glad TO know you in your
true, real light. You are not bit like
other Englishmen have met. Fact Ii.
you don't even talk like one"
"Thanks," bowed Richard, prudently
screwing in his monoce. The eyeglass
always made him feel like an idiot;
but. on the other hand, II gave dash
of local color to his appearance with
out which he would have been lost.
"Is there anything else in which ! can
serve you, old chapf'
Eyes, Lord Croyland, there. Is. You
have very kindly stated to me that
you have no intention OF making bid
for Imogene. That's very square OF
you, and appreciate 1t. But would
you mind telling her sor'
Richard laughed long, free, bubbly
laugh that came echolng back In mer-
ry mockery at this most ingenious
proposition.
"Well he said, that's rather diff
flcult thing to do, isn't itl Strikes me
as rathcr-er-inde
"Not at ALL" protested Mr.. Van der
Awe. "Imogene Is sensible girl
OH the blindness OF love!-"and would
understand you perfectly. You see,'
he explained. "she's young Her mind.
| confess frankly, is immature. She's
apt to be--well. dazzled, | might say.
by foreign titles and brass buttons and
things Of that description. It's wo-
mans natural instinct, you know, and
| have no logical right TO blame her.
You see, | have reasoned II all out and
am speaking from a standpoint OF su-
perior age and experience. Now. you
can't find fault with that line OF
thought. can your
"Not a faw," answered Richard
grayely. ITS simply perfect. Go on"
The lover proceeded earnestly.
"As Imogene's future husband II Is
my duty to surround the child with
every possible safeguard, and for that
reason should like her present fancy
for you dlslllusionized. She refused
10 let me 20 with her 10 pick wild
flowers this morning and chose you,
merely. ! suppose, because you are an
earl. That's why followed you.
Now, I'm not asking you TO do any
thing that would not do for you
cbeerfully. and NO ask you again II
you would mind dropping a rather
broad hint 10 Imogene that a union
with you is out Of the question. You
might explain that you are unworthy
of her, or something like that. ] don't
care how you fix It just so It's hred.
What do you sayr
Richard thought for a little space,
especially OF his harmless but decided
lmprudent remarks 10 Miss Imogene
,f half an hour ago Then he flung
sway his cigar and turned to bis com
panion.
Look here" he said. I'm going TO
help you out In this matter. but I'll
have 10 do II ia my own way. J have
brilliant Idea as a starter. Just lis
ten aud don't interrupt me. They're
going 70 have a play next Friday night
called The Man and the Hoe'-no. !
beg pardon the Bird I'm the man.
and Miss imogcne IL the bird. You
see, the rough idea IL this: I'm engag'
cd 10 Miss Renwyek, but am In love
with Miss Imogene 10 the point Of
frenzy lin the play, OF course. So far
No good The man IL IN the room with
the bird and declares his passion In
language which is simply beautiful
maklns other demonstrations that srs
REALISTIC both 10 the actors and The au'
dienee. or course I'd rather set my
heart on doing this role; but. BY Jose
I'm going TO chuck the thing and lei
you DO iir'
Me- cried Mr.. Van der Awe
cluiehlng at bis benefaeiors hand
'.Oh, | say
Walt said Richard y hsyes'l