The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1908-06-11

While the ninth advised him that Mr..
Richard Williams of San Antonio,
Tex, was truly confined in st. Luke's
hospital and that his condition was
not so favorable, owing to an increase
OF fever. Bill Williams was convinced
some crafty trick was being Matched,
but he hoped later on to settle with
the hen. Meanwhile, whatever hap
pened, he must go to his boy. He sent
one more telegram and then fastened
on to New York by the next train.
This telegram, addressed to Mr..
Richard Williams, was received at st.
Luke's hospital, and a pretty, fresh
checked nurse took it to Lord Croy-
lands room.
"A telegram, Mr.. Williams. Shall I
open it for your
please" said the earl, with the list
less indifference Of a very sick man.
Il dare say it is some beastly bust
ness matter. Read it."
The girl complied, reading as fol-
lows:
Buffalo. N Y.
Mr.. Richard Williams, st. Luke's Hospital.
New York:
Cheer up. Dickie. Will be with you to-
morrow morning. DAD.
Lord Croyland stared at the uni
formed young lady while he fumbled
fruitlessly for his monocle among the
folds Of his nightshirt.
"Rot" he observed in languid dis
gust. "Haven't got dad, you know.
Some silly ass is trying to come a
cropper."
The nobleman then turned on his pill
low and closed his eyes, while the fair
attendant looked thoughtful, took the
patients temperature and made a
memorandum to the effect that his
mind had begun to wander.
Meanwhile matters at Irvington were
dragging along unsatisfactory. The
last rehearsal of the play had resulted
In a spirited quarrel between Miss
1mogene and her dismal fiance Mr.
Van der Awe was champion of real
ism, even on the stage. He considered
1t the height of absurdity for a pas
sionate lover to imprint kisses upon
his adored ones theatrical wig near
the region Of her left ear.
"But, good gracious me-" stormed
the indignant bird, with a dangerous
snap in her big blue eyes, don't you
have enough realism when we are
alone? If you think I'm going to let
you kiss me- before all those people
you are very much mistaken. Now,
one more word and We'll leave out that
part altogether. sir! No, don't speak
to me! Don't come near me! think
you are perfectly hateful and ridicu-
lous. How was ever weakminded
enough to engage myself to you at all
Is more than l can understand. So
don't tempt mev'
The argument had become somewhat
one sided, so the dismal one retreated
from the field of action, crestfallen, but
unconvinced on matters pertaining to
realism. He was practical young
man. however, and decided to kiss the
wig in the region of it's wearer's left
ear for the present. Later-ah!
Richard had made several desperate
attempts at tete-a-tete with Miss
Harriet, but found her nervous, dis
trait and unsympathetic to his. ad-
vances. She acted as though some
shadow Of impending trouble lay upon
her mind, so the Texan gave up in de-
spair, took a short lesson in British eti-
quette from the much subdued Bills
and then went for solitary horseback
ride.
His deception could not be kept up
much longer, for troubles were gather
ing above him like ,Longfellow's soar
ing vultures, and he fancied he knew
one sick and wounded bison that
would shortly be pecked to pieces, hoof
and hide. And yet, no matter what hap
pened, he would brazen it out to the
bitter end. If he could only win the
girl before the inevitable crash, then
nothing else would matchmaking.
Shortly after dinner the final prepa-
rations were made for the evenings
entertainment. A tiny stage had been
constructed at one end of the double
drawing room and was provided with
handsome plush curtains designed to
slide upon a wire-When they worked
properly, which was infrequent-which
when opened revealed dainty interior
scene. The drawing room was arrang-
ed with chairs to accommodate the
guests. who began to arrive shortly
after dinner, and Restmore soon be-
came sparkle of lights and laughter.
A gong announced the opening Of the
theater doors, and the audience crowd
ed in, took their seats and waited with
futter Of excitement.
Mrs. Renwyck had agreed to speak
the prologue, but at the last moment
her courage forsook her, and she VOW
ed she would sink through the floor if
forced to face her guests Arguments
and encouragements were alike in
vain, so Richard was prevailed upon
to take her place, which he did. scram.
bling through somehow, assisted by a
British drawl and his ever faithful
monocle. To judge by a fattering
chorus Of feminine approval. he made
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