The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1908-09-25
A Matrimonial
importation.
NV JENNIE LUDLUM LEE.
Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated
O0P' Literary Press.

N
." o-oa 70 be looking for no particular
orcon but rather. to search the faces
.ho crowds about him. Some one
tapped him on the arm.
sAre you one of those horrid men?''
-o+ber tired voice inquired.
coott turned and smiled at the girl
beside him.
swell, 1 certainly am man." he
.,novledged. "and l guess I'm about
=. borrid as most of my sex"
nOb I didn't meant beg your par
LAW stammered the girl. 81 meant
more you a customs officer? You see.
I'm
10 scanned the girls face closely.
cord she be up to the old game of
smuggling? More than one official had
hoon trirked by pair Of honest eyes,
I'D Scott had just acknowledged that
10 was but a mere man. The girl GER
toinr had a fascinating personality.
Soft informed her that he was not a
onstoms official, but offered to be of
any assistance to her.
aOh thank you so MUCH" she ex-
nIoimed as she hurriedly glanced about
bor 81 want cab to take me to that
address" and she handed him visit
inc card. mo one has met me, and,
ob | must get away before he comes
off the boat"
81 understand" assured Scott, though
IN reality he did not. Want to shake
some undesirable shipboard acQuafnt-
ance?'
'Trs not exactly that-he's a dear,
but-oh if you will just get me a cab
that will solve the whole problem"
cabman was found who agreed to
take the girl to her destination for
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
yOuT she inquired.
He drew a card from his wallet and
presented it to her Aloud she read
the address in trembling voice, "Mr.
Earle Cowdrey Scott, Harlequin Club"
won't you write instead?" Earle
suggested, but the disinterested cab
man whipped up his horse and her
answer was lost.
Scott now hurriedly returned to the
ship and boarded her. He had no diff
tculF in finding his father. who was
always among the last to leave ship.
His son. knowing this. had not hasten
ed to find him. After the first greet
ings the old gentleman slapped his son
afectionately upon the shoulder.
well. my boy, I've brought you a
fine present this year-a rare prize"
Then, glancing about the ship and the
crowd below them, he added, "But l
think the little mink has slipped off,"
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 l ask, dad, if you have mar
ried again, or Is this matrimonial i'm
pOrtation for me to take unto my
SELF"
"0h for you-for you." said the old
man geefully. "And we're going
around there tonight. Here's where
she is. Her uncle. old John Banks.
ba great friend of mine"
He passed the card over to Earle.
The latter had held the mate to it in
the morning. Smiling to himself. Earle
agreed, thinking that the mysterious
Girl was we'll worth knowing better.
all day long innumerable pictures of
her had fitted through his mind. He
would be glad to know the truth.
When father and son were announc-
3D. John Banks and his niece entered
NE room full Of hearty greetings. but
ae young couple gave no outward
Sign Of recognition. Before long the
NO elder men found that comfort
awaited them in the library in the
form Of duplicate whist and good CT
CARS
4 Earle noted that Edith Hamilton was
somewhat i'll at ease, but made little
roadway IN solving the problem that
evening. When he left the house, how
ser, he had to acknowledge to him
VII mat the girl was charming in the
1ueme He asked permission to call
4 again.
And. By the way, Miss Hamilton, l
Iut have to drag father along every
@e DO ~ he asked in mock defer
elee
WI the way home that evening the
%'uef went into something Of an ex-
Aalaton.
taere's an old fashioned girl for
IVY Earle. Like your mother was as
sIs l' Nothing deceitful about her
sl' In the open-everything straight
SI the shoulder. 1 talked lot
Vu' you on the trip over and told her
IaS, was Just the type Of girl you were
aug ror-that we needed her sort
,.sA Vuuu out our home. She's been in
,0s' LOT years over in France and
l." nas come to keep house for Banks
T as Wo she strike your"
nnS most deeeitful. deep young per-
ohs,,' announced Earle. with great en-
S,t J. yet In his heart he really felt
h., he apparent deceit only added to
Hs Nc became frequent visitor at
DAM 'anAs household. He had the
Bis o,, VI d heartless bachelor among