Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-21

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figure was the envy of all the
girls of her acquaintance; and
indeed had Ethel not been so genuinely sweet she
would have had many enemies in her little Eden
To her the world was a beautiful place. Young,
handsome cultivated enough to enjoy the best in
art and literature with comfortable income which
precluded the least worry, 1t seemed as II she had
been richly endowed by the fairy Good Fortune.
About the only difficulty Ethel experienced was in
keeping the peace between the applicants tor her
hand and she tried as much possible to prevent
any active declarations by the satellites that re-
volved about herself
Jack Elmsdale she could not quiet He was IRE,
preside ever since he first met her: tall, broad
shouldered young fellow he had loved her from
the days of her school girlhood and had proposed
to her regularly at short intervals ever since ne
was in no way depressed by her refusals. He only
bobbed up serenely and did it again when next
occasion offered And occasions offered themselves
to Jack with unfang regularity and IN remark ae
golf with him any more. Riding and driving were
alike tabooed; indeed, Ethel avoided any chance of
being alone with Jack
TACK however, had reached state OF desperation
J where it made little difference to him who was
the coachman, with Ellen the cook .pricking up in
terested ears from the pantry window Jack was
engaged in the romantic pursuit OF wasning ms
Ladyship's huge Newfoundland dog, and his I'M
FASHIONED tale of love had reached Ethel ears only
to meet with the customary refusal, While Br1an'
indignant at the pause in the insulting performance
shaken himself vigorously scattering not only the
sutton but Ethers dainty frock well.
Really. that was the limit! Stern and rePe la
as She possibly could be, Ethel informed Jack that
if he wished to keep her friendship ne must stop
mentioning the subject Of marriage, Il don't want
to marry anybody at all, she SAID. don't De-
Eeve shall ever marry. certainly shall not, I'm
less l can find some one whose coat OF arms will
quarter properly with mine. don't believe you
even know what your coat is, Jack Elmsdale!'
'Kohlnischer," said Jack succinctly:
Il am talking of heraldic coats You have no
reverence in your composition don't believe you
even respect heraldry"
of irritation. I'm afraid l might find one of my
festive ancestors hung to the family tree if l went
to horticulturing too briskly, he said
nERHAPS one reason why the subject of heraldry
was particularly obnoxious to him was because it
was apparently of such absorbing interest to Gerald
Geoffrey FitzGerald who Anglomaniac of
the deepest dye which was only another name for
scamp. to lacks sturdy Americanism.
Hes the biggest idot!' he furned to Billy,
Ethels brother and MS own college chum he
hasn't idea in his head.
Miserable pupil" said Billy. II can't see why
it is the less brains fellow has the more a girl
seems to like him. Ethel won't hear word about
FitzGerald She says he's so sympathetic and
interested in her affairs.
"Oh, blast hm That means heraldry! Say
Billy. YOU couldn't coach me Bit could you? l
don't know thing about the beastly mess and
she's always talking it over" said Jack. "Yester-
day she gave the worst rowing about it: What
in thunder gules tinctures Thought that was
saltires, and all that stuff She reels them all off,
and / haven't an idea what she's talking about.
FITZGERALD listens if he understood the whole
business; but l don't believe he knows any more
about it than do. He sits and looks wise and let's
Ethel talk, and she is perfectly satisfied. It's easy
enough to fool girl, and he's equal to the job
heard him say, Weally, am not we'll up on the
subject Miss Ethel and l must hang upon your
words until learn at your feet l realize the inn
portance of the subject and consider myself fortu-
nate in nv teacher Isn't he about the lmit?',