Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-06-28


ture to say that he never had much to lose That
no doubt, was the reason that he was bent upon
having Miss Hester marry her rich lover rather
than her poor one"
"Ah, very true! You're right, Mark OF course
there was rich old fellow, whom she wouldn't
look at quite forgot that little item," murmured
Avery. He offered her a set of diamonds one
morning. Each separate stone was double the size
of the Koh-i-noor; but she only shook her head
sadly, and waved him and his gift aside, saying
What are such toys to me-? A simple violet
plucked by my dear Eric's hand Did she marry
the other one. by-theway?" suddenly dropping his
dreamy air, as Wagner's boot came flying at him.
How should I known" growled Mark Carter
Probably she did. What can 1t be that keeps
Eric all this time? Avery, set the table, will your"
Avery yawned, threw away the stump Of his
cigar, and slowly Having done this much
and taken dozen steps to the left he rubbed
his eyes and stared. Wagner" he shouted warn
ingly." here's Eric with two young ladies'"
Young ladies! oh, donner-"
The last syllables were dscretely smothered in
the speakers beard, probably out of respect to
the young ladies in question He gave his hair
last frantic rub, threw the towel aside ran his
fingers through his rudy curls by way of a last
touch, and finally thrust his bare feet into pair
of gaping shoes. This last operation speed
lily followed by a despairing groan. Both my
stockings"
Are in the toe of your left boot l saw you
put them there. Never mind old fellow; keep
your agonies to yourself for the present. The
Philstines be upon u.s."
"Philistines indeed! | believe you" growled
Wagner, under his breath, and just at that mo-
ment Grattan came into full view.
There a general breath of relief, followed
by laugh.
1.-THE Babes in the Wood"
"Runaways."
Eric, keep quiet for five minutes while
sketch that little one in your arms"
Did you beg, borrow or steal them, may l
ask?"
"They are two lost babies" answered Grattan
depositing his provisions in a heap. Carl, cut
hpna sf1 lx.IA
Did l get any butter? Plenty. You'll find it In
the basket Avery, you have half dozen small
nieces; suppose you try your hand at comforting
this child?"
But Elsie, looking up at Avery, only chung the
closer to Mr.. Grattan, TILL glancing round the
laughing group, her eyes fell upon Carl Wagner
True German and child-lover that he was he
smiled and held out his arms, and without mo-
ments hesitation, straight into them went Elsie
There was some anxious consultation before
supper was served, some of the young bachelors
having grave doubts to whether children of
tender age might not suddenly expire after BAN
que of milk. canned lobster, cheese, trout, green
corn, bread and pickles.
"Aice would faint at the mere mention of such
a thing" Avery declared Il know her youngsters
have bread and milk.
Bread and milk be hanged" was Grattan's
retort. Don't you see that the poor little things
famished? Just pass that spoon, If you please,
and leave Molly and her supper to me-"
He had the prudence to omit lobster and pick
les from Molly's bill of fare; but Elsie seated
upon Wagner's knee, took a little of everything,
finishing, by way of desert. with large lump of
moist brown sugar.
'You may well wash her hands and face
after that last morsel," advised Avery. II think
look therei"
There" was Eric's arm where Molly's golden
head was pillowed fast asleep
what comes next?" inquired Grattan.
Take them home, of course"
ctl v hut whe do from