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

of a complete martyr. Lets play a
game Of billiards.
CHAPTER XII.
EA1CHARD. much to his chagrin
and disgust, did not see Miss
~ Harriet until the four ladies
and the two gentlemen sat
down to luncheon. To one thing he
had made up his mind defnitely-he
would follow Mr.. Corrigan's advice
and brazen it out, putting his faith
IN luck, but helping luck along with
assurance. From the opposite side of
the table the fair Imogene cast Ian
gushing glances in his direction, while
on his left the ancient Miss Schermer-
~ grew positively sprightly and COW
cred him with a Calling gun of per-
picking questions. She wanted au-
thentic information regarding barons,
earls and noble dukes, to all of which
Richard gave ready but quaint an.
swers-answers that might have caused
the English aristocracy to rise in one
vast, furious mass and lynch him
without formalities of trial or benefit
Of clergy.
GLOW different it is from what we
read in novels" said Mrs. Renwyck.
"1'm afraid our American authors are
III Informed. Really, they ought to
travel more" ~
'They travel enough, but I fancy
they do not get into the best society
Abroad suggested Miss Schermerly.
II shall prepare a paper upon that
very subject for the Woman's Liter
airy league. Would you have any OBJ
lection, Lord Croyland, if I quoted
you as an authority?"
mot in the least" said Richard gal
lantly. I'm fact, my dear Miss Scher-
merly, should be honored-vastly So"
He smiled on himself at the thought
Of the real Lord Croyland should that
gentleman ever chance to read the pa
per in question, but that was Croy-
lands affair, not his.
II will bring my notebook into the
library this afternoon the ancient
one stated, and, with a smile to Rich
ard, ''Could you help me then, do you
| think?"
II should be most pleased" said
Richard. with an answering smile,
"but fear I'm engaged to Miss Rem
wyck this afternoon for quite a long
horseback ride. At another time /
shall be charmed, assure you.''
Miss Harriet started. She was TN
aware of any such engagement, but
somehow the idea did not displease
her. She smiled and offered to release
Lord Croyland, but that gentleman
would not hear Of it.
'By the way" said Miss Harriet in
order to change the subject, "Imogene
tells me that you have agreed to take
part in our little play. It is awfully
good Of you to help US OUT
"Not at ALL" answered Richard, with
pronounced sadness. TT is a pleas
ure to serve you in any way"
Mr.. Van der Awe in thunderstruck
amazement stared blankly across the
table, while his half raised fork fell
Gathering upon his plate.
"Oh, I say he began, but Rich
| ard arrested further speech by a swift
! glance. There was silence for a mo-
ment; then Miss Renwyck spoke: ~~-
| You don't seem to be overenthu-
s1astic at the prospect, Lord Croyland.
Don't you think the part would suit
| you?'
The Texan considered her words
tnoughtfully, fumbled for his monocle
got 1t into position after another GYM
nast1c exercise with his left eve and
sighed deliberately.
| The part" he stated, with a slow
drawl, 'is delightful as I understand
| 1t-but-shall I be perfectly candid.
Miss Renwyck?" ~.
| The ladies' in breath assured him
| that that was just what they wished.
so he continued, struggling with en-
barrassment:
i've never gone in for that sort of
thing-er-but once and confess with
regret that caused fasco I'm very
stupid at such things - really, YOU
know, abominable. It is rather the
duty of a guest to comply with the
wishes Of his hostess, and I feel it in:
cumbent upon me to make trial of
the role, even If the outcome holds me
up to open rfdicule. We Englishmen
| appear a bit eccentric to Americans. i
am fully aware, but nevertheless it
| hurts at times when"- ~
| He paused and looked at his plate in
deep confusion. Miss Harriet blushed
furlously. She had wounded her guest
| unwittingly and was sincerely sorry.
Lord Croyland, she thought, was act
ing very nobly in thus sacrificing him