Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-12-15

him now would only make scanda among the servants. Perhaps her fa 'her would come down In few min ntes.
 He usually spent the evening In th' library when he did not go to the club and in either event he must pass thu open door, If the worsC came sht could call for the butler, but mean while perhaps she could induce Cor don to leave quietly. She took tho chair indicated, sitting nervously or the edge, ready to spring up and TUT should occasion demand.
 Tt doesn't cost any more to have g whole chair" reminded Gordon as he sank into seat between her and the door. 'I want you to put me wise tc some things. Whats your grouch against me?"
 "I have no grouch," protested Maud eagerly. Indeed, like you very much"
 'l never saw you on the front steps waiting for me-" said Gordon grimly Let it come out with rush. I'm in wrong. How can I square myself?"
 "There Is nothing to be squared" in, sisted Maud, q don't see how you can imagine such a thing"
 Naughty, naughty" reproved Cor. don, shaking his forefnger at her ad, monishingly. Look here, kiddo, put me next. You don't like me, and I like you. I can't help 1t if I've got a frozen face. It was wished on me, and it's none of my doings Tell me how I can loosen up so you'll have yin for me"
 "A yin?' repeated Maud uncertainty. This was word not in Jimmies vo- cabulary
 "A yin-a yearning," explained Cor don. "I want you to think that I'm the whole works, and you won't even let me be the second hand. Fix me up so I can come into the big tent and be part of the program. I'm the what is it out in the freak tent, and I don't like the job. I may not be quite your style, but can learn. Pm the star pupil in the little red school house, and I'll always be at the head of the class if you'll be the teacher. love to love my teacher"
 Maud sprang to her feet. her eyes blazing.
 MT. Gordon" she said coldly, "I will not prolong this interview. I do not know what is the matter. do not want to know, but you must go, please I cannot listen to you when you talk this way"
 Gordon had sprung to his feet when Maud rose, and now he smiled down into the flushed, angry face.
 Tt seemS," he said a little sadly, that my latest effort is no more sue cessful than the earlier attempts. They say that fmitatio is the sincerest form of flattery, and yet you are not pleased"
 What do you mean?" gasped Maud in astonishment.
 You learned slang for my benefit" he reminded, When I do the same thing you object. Of course my slang is more pronounced than your own. but then you have only Jimmie while have the valuable assistance of sev- eral elevator boys, my office boy and the janitor's son, who qualities as an expert You use slang to disgust me with yourself. I am using it to disgust you-with slang"
 And you know?" gasped Maud Jimmie has told?'
 Be it said to his credit that the temptation was great said Gordon gently. DO not blame the lad. He meant well in giving me my last chance to win you. He saw beneath the surface and was sorry for his part. I foolishly imagined that if I could excel you in the use of slang might startle you into an interest that see now you never can feel. It was a foolish experiment, Miss Tolliver, and I ask your pardon for having bored and then frightened you. It was my last chance, and I hoped that it might succeed
 II gather from Jimmies remarks that you fear paternal pressure will be brought to bear on you. I beg to as- sure you that I will so contrfve the as not to involve you. I am Sorry that-the last chance-failed."
 The little pauses in his speech were GOrdons only evidences of emotion. They were only little halts in the evenness of his soft, even voice, but they showed the strength of feeling, and it touched Maud with a sudden emotion
 Don't go" she said softly. laying a detaining hand upon his arm. Per haps the last chance has not But she could say no more. Gordon's arms were outstretched, and in his face, no longer expressionless, there was look of such appeal that she suffered herself to be drawn with in their protecting circle. The last chance had wen