The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1908-06-04

at HIS pll'e. ~ NhiiH1h
house party at The Pines" Then after
q pause. Who are invited:'
His nephew leaned against the man
telpece and stuffed his hands into his
pockets as he enumerated the guests.
the uncle keeping up running and
cauStic comment:
"Engaged-going to be-intrOduced
for matrimonial purposes S-cngaged-
the same" The numeration ceased.
Eyes. see myself helping TO chap
eron your house party. | stroll into
the reception room and stumble over
an engaged couple. / sneak into the
library and am frowned out again. by
8 newly introduced couple. | bang in
posal. No, thank you. Roy; shall
spend Christmas in peace and my own
ROOM"
Roy picked up his hat and moved to-
ward the door Modern house parties
are not conducted along the lines
you've laid down. uncle. Change your
mind and judge for Yourself He
turned the knob. by the way, I
didn't mention the other chaperon, did
I? It's Mrs. AngelL Bertha's widowed
aunt, you know" With this parting
shot, which he knew was effective. Roy
discreetly retreated.
After he had gone Merriwether sat
an hour staring at the fire and pulling
away at a smokeless pipe. Then he
arose and looked earnestly at himself
In the mantel mirror. Were apt 10
run down." he apostrophized his re-
hection; "apt to run to seed, we bache-
lors Now, This tie-lets see, it's six
months out Of style. and Gertrude used
to be-hum." He stepped to the phone
and called up his tailor, realizing that
his mind had already undergone the
change Roy hoped for.
Ten days later he arrived at The
Pines Just In time to dress for dinner.
he was accompanied by man and a
smart lot Of luggage. accessories which
made so marked change in his ap-
pearance that when at 6 o'clock he de-
sccnded TO the lower hall Bertha Mon
roe. awaiting her aunt at the foot Of
the stairs, surveyed him In delighted
amazement.
"why, Uncle Bruce" she exclaimed,
"you look 50 fine scarcely knew you"
Bertha was bis nephews fiancee and
already claimed relationship in private
to the uncle. I'D make Roy wear
evening clothes In the morning IL he
had such a splendid figure-so filled
out, you know"
Merriwether, following her into the
living room. laughed grimly at the
doubtful compliment "Oh. he'll tip the
scales at 900 soon enough. don't wor-
ryr%
"You surely don't look that stout"
began Bertha and, turning abruptly
toward the entrance. finished with.
"Does be. auntie:"
Gertrude Angel swept past her niece
and met Merriwether's outstretched
hand cordially. Look? Why, he looks
surprisingly like the Bruce Merriweth-
er l used TO know so WELL
Fifteen years ago." was on the end
of Merrlwether's tongue. but he check
ed himself just In time. Gertrude prob
ably ignored lapses In time as women
have habit Of doing. he thought. But
surely hers was face. form. bear
Inc. which had so successfully with
stood time as to eutitle her to the ap-
relation OF youth. Her brown hair
had not lost its luster. nor had her blue
ewes lost aught Of their sparkling In
terest in life. while she carried herself
with her old time spring and vivacity.
Merriwether noted all these things as
he sat opposite her at dinner. His
memory flashed picture after picture
before him-the primary days in their
old home school. their grammar room
betrothal. the warm friendship Of later
wears, which had meant something
more to him; then her marriage and
life abroad. As he looked at her he
had the uncomfortable feeling that, al
though her birth had antedated his by
one year. she was many years his
junior.
He was just characterZlnS himseil
as "old" when his nephew's voice
aroused him and added point to his
reflection. Tomorrow morning we
skate" announced Roy joyfully. I've
had the pond back here cleared for
action, and the ice is o. K"' Then he
added careleSsly, "By the way, Uncle
Bruce, forgot to tell you to bring
skates along. but / can easily provide
you with pair"
Merriwether quaked inwardly, but
made no reply until after dinner, when
he backed his nephew into corner
and addressed him privately and force
fully, I've not been on skates for ten
years, and | don't intend to make q
spectacle Of myself now by any
means"
"Why, uncle-er-you know. that
makes things rather awkward, for Mrs.
Angel does all those things so we'll.
and-er-we don't want her to feel
bored here"
"Ohw groaned Merriwether. I'm that