Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-14

stopped out of doors tilt luncheon. them by. way of showing my apprccia- tion of any trouble you had given, but dinner and Saturday to Monday at most would be quite enough.'
 So 1t was all arranged, even to the details of my homecoming and the price to be paid for returning me, like q parcel, to my owner! Suddenly I remembered the words had overheard at the window of the den, "The ques- tion is what is to be done with Betty"
 Mother had evidently been so anx- ious to have the question answered that she had at once taken measures to settle it. But why should anything be done with me? Nothing ever had been so far, except when l was sent last autumn to stop with my aunt, and she was so much annoyed because my edly that after that could do nothing to please her and was packed back to Battlemead Towers in disgrace. I never could understand for what crime.
 How did Miss Ess-I mean Mrs. Stuyv esant. nt.Knox--happen to ask for visit from me?' ventured to wriggle put, like worm who isn't sure wheth- er it had better turn or not. 1 was certain that for some reason of her own mother had suggested the idea, If only hypocritically. But she seemed almost too frank as she answered, and 1t was frightening not even to be ,nubbed. a.,
 "I told you today that she had taken l fancy to you, my dear. Of course she could not hope to secure Victoria, sven if she preferred her, for Victoria aas important engagements which will carry her through the season and after ward to Cowes and up to Scotland for the shooting at Dorloch castle. But you ire still almost child, and children 10 not have engagements. Neverthe- ess you are Lady Betty Bulkeley, the Duke of Stanforth's sister, and as such, though in yourself you are an unim- oortant little person. it's not impossi- ble that as a member of your family these Americans may think you worth ,ultivating. One hears that they wor- ship titles"
 "1'm sure they can't worship them as much as some people in our own country who haven't got them do," I cried. defending Americans for Miss Woodburn's sake. ''Vic says
 Never mind what Victoria says" returned mother. 'The less you think on these subjects the better, my dear Betty. I merely hinted at possible and partial incentive to these peoples friendship for you, so that you need not feel It incumbent to be oppressive lily grateful, you know. I should wish you to keep your dignity among for eigners, even though you would, of course, look upon Mrs. Stuyyesant- Knox as. in a way, your guardian. Now I must call Thompson and have her put me into my dinner dress, as there is no more time to waste. When Mrs. Stuyvesant-Kn Knox speaks of your visit you will know what to say"
 I mumbled something vaguely duti- full and began to dress as quickly as could. But the more l thought of it the more I felt that I hadn't been fair Iy treated, to be disposed of in such an offhand way After all, am eighteen, and person of eighteen isn't child.
 I'm not sure l wasn't pouting when Vic came in, ready for dinner. asking If she should fasten up my frock. had nearly finished 1t. for practice has made me almost as clever as con iurer about manipulating my hands behind my back, but when Vic flew at me and began giving useless little touches I guessed that she wanted to whisper something in my ear without mother seeing. If she should happen to prance in at the wrong moment, as she often does.
 Look here, Betty, are you going to be good little girl and do what you're bid without making fussT she asked in quick. low voice.
 "I'm not certain yet" said l. I'm thinking it over. don't see why should be sent of across the water with strangers at moments notice, and I"-
 "'Tisn't moments notice. It's five days. They're not sailing till Wednes- day. and as they've a suit engaged the best on the ship. Mrs. Ess Kay says-your going rfen't put them out a bit, and they'll love having you. As for the why's and wherefores. mothers been telling you. hasn't shef"
 "She talked about my health and valuable experiences and lot Of things in the sIr. but feel there's something behind It. and hate mys- iteries--