The Press., 1908-02-19

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 "Ohr' Junior flung up his head. "And she told me you were going to marry old General Barnes"
 "Who told you? Tressie demanded.
 "Mrs. Amesbury."
 "Wen. of all things" Tressie's cheeks were flaming. And you be- lieved her, Junior?'
 "Wel. you believed about the ken lucky girl"
 For a moment accusing brown eyes met accusing blue ones, and then they both laughed, the joyous laugh of vouth that has come into its own agam.
 "She is good at-fiction," Tressie summed up. "She ought to be pun ished. Junior"
 "Oh. let her go," Junior asserted. "and we will go for walk. Tressie. and I will tell you all the things have wanted to write and didn't dare"
 But she would not go.
 "It is getting too dark" she said, ''and even if have known you all my life. Junior, we must have some regard for conventions"
 l French windows and sit in the cur tained alcove. They won't see us come ;f. and we can talk until dinner time."
 The alcove was opposite the fireplace and gave a full view of the three wo- men at the low wicker tea table. Mrs. Amesbury was prattling gayly.
 You see. dear Juniors money is a great temptation to the girls. Now, even Tressie-
 Tressie in concealment gasped, and there was wrath in her eyes.
 Don't mind her," Junior whispered. q know you love me for myself"
 Tressie whirled around on him.
 .'Who told you that I cared? she demanded. You are taking a great deal for granted, Junior"
 Please can't I take it for granted?" he urged. II am going to propose to you right now, Tressie, or Mrs. Ames- bury will never give me another chance"
 They came out of their dream of happiness some time later to hear An gela protesting.
 But you wouldn't tie such beautiful girlishness as Tressie's to that worn- out old General BarnesY
 "He is very rich" Mrs. Amesbury evaded.
 II think Tressie will marry Junior Mason,'. Aunt Georgia said placidly. ''They are great friends"
 Mrs. Amesbury shook her head pity ingly.
 Junior likes so many girls. Now, there was that little girl from Ken tucky''-
 Behind the curtains Junior growled "Piffie paffle." but Tressie put her fin gers over his lips, and he kissed the fingers and smiled at her. Junior Mason is in love with Tres sie," Miss Angela stated, "and you know it. Marion. You had better let him marry her. and then she will be out of the running"
 Mrs. Amesbury stared at her sister in-law haughtily Il don't know what you mean, Angela" she said.
 "Yes, you do." Miss Angela did not mince words. You know you had al- ways been the belle of the Country club until TreSsie Stuart came. and you don't like to abdicate to youth and beauty
 Mrs. Amesbury strengthened up in her chair and glared at the scar Miss Angela.
 You are insufferable, Angela" she began, and then, as the three missing men appeared in the doorway, she swept toward them. "We were just talking" she misstated sweetly, ''of what we should have for dinner. Oys- tcrs and canvasbacks, don't you think, with orange salad and anything else you may suggest?
 Behind the curtains Tressie and Jun for were arguing.
 II am going to announce it at once," Junior insisted.
 But Tressie began.
 There are no 'buts,'" Junior stated firmly, "and there are a dozen reasons why should tell them that we are engaged"
 And just then Mrs. Amesbury discov- cred them.
 "Why, Tressie Stuart!' she cried as she opened the curtains. How long have you been hereY
 "Oh, half hour," Tressie consider ed. Haven't we, Junior?"
 Long enough for me to propose to Tressie," Junior said. making the as- founding statement calmly.
 And she has said 'Yes,'" Junior went on. Il know you will congratu- late us, Mrs. Amesbury."
 And then with a last fling Mrs. Amesbury gave it up.
 My dear" she said bitingly as she kissed the reluctant Tressie, "who would have dreamed that it was poor little you that Junior really cared for"