The Lamar register., 1909-10-13
INFECTIOUS
BETTY

"News!" cried Betty. waving a tele
gram In the air. "A couple OF Rob-
college friends will be here to dinner
Thoughtful Of him to let US know. It'i
q wonder he didn't let them pounce or
us unannounced. Hum-Gerald Stan
ton and Rob Newman. Never saw
them. have your"
The girl addressed folded up her
sewing and rose. They were sitting
under the apple trees at their aunt's
country house. where they were spend
ing a few weeks.
DO you realize that we have the
meal to get. as aunt is awayf" she
asked, calmly. ut is now IL"
Heavens, so we have!" Betty
jumped up and pushed back her
tangled hair. "Puzzle-find the chap
erone!" she cried. and disappeared In
the direction OF the kitchen on a run.
Don't tell me-" she exclaimed, as
the other entered. rising from the
-four barrel into which she had
bounced head first. don't tell me Rob
isn't thoughtful. A whole hour and a
dinner to prepare for two unknown
men. How much -four do want for
those biscuitsr
A few moments later the chug
- the expected auto sounded down
the road. A roadster slowed down be-
fore the gate and one of the occu-
pants appeared In the doorway. Betty
met him, a smudge OF flour on either
cheek, sleeves rolled up to dimpled ell
bows.
Just come in and make yourself at
home" she said. I'm awfully glad to
see you-to see you both. Excuse my
cousin and myself. won't you! We're
scarcely presentable; we JUST got the
tslegram-and two hungry men to
feed. you know" She made q charm
ing little gesture, and her eyes plead
Cd with him, running over with mirth
and excitement.
He looked rather bewildered-hesi-
tated. Thank you." he said.
"Sit on the lawn. it's cooler" she
suggested. We'll be out soon"
They were. One could scarcely tell
how they worked the miracle. but the
dinner was ready. the table invitingly
set; and themselves gowned In little
nuslins and very presentable.
Betty pounced on the spokesman of
he party, who was what she termed
tail, dark and interesting" leaving
She other man to her gentler cousin.
you must be Gerald Stanton she
said. Don't contradict me. I've al
vays wanted to know him. I've heard
ny brother speak OF him so much"
The fellow laughed as though huge
b enjoying himself. He did not con
tFadict her.
Her eyes challenged him mirthfully.
her pretty white hands few about in
gestures like little white butterflies.
They talked merrily Of football-of
college. Once she questioned him
about Rob and he threw back his head
and laughed As though she had pro-
sounded . Joke. He was charming
When he laughed. at least Betty pro-
nounced him SO.
Anne. nearby with the other man.
Vas also enjoying herself. Once she
started up - n to speak to the others.
1T fell back At a pleading gesture
lSon her companion. and catered .
osavsrsation, which evidently Afforded
ghem both much quiet amusement
Later they went in to dinner: and II
Was Q merry party that sat down.
I'm sorry that aunt isn't here" said
Betty With . smile that contradicted
her words. "You see you didn't give
- time to provide a chaperone."
A knock sounded at the door.
"Providence has supplied one" she
oAnounced soiemnly. rising.
sHeavensi It's another man. ~
- caught sight Of him through the
han.
10 W want any sewing machines.
Amer"
He was . very presentable youth
4 long dust-coat enveloped him: his
hat swung easily in his hand.
'Ts Mrs. Newton in?" he asked.
I'm sorry. but my aunt is away"
Fspiisd Betty.
The man hesitated. I am Rob New
man." he said. Il thought Rob-are
you not his sister,"
Betty leaned against the door. Out
lA the street was another machine.
ner eycs Wcre Biutu On u anu itb TO
manning occupant
Yes" she said family. T-Rob
Herrick Is my brother"
The others had focked out from the
dining room.
81 hope" Anne was saying severely
IN her quiet voice. II hope this will
teach you 4 lesson. Betty. You never
did get things straight"
Forgive me-" begged the supposed
Gerald Stanton. coming to her side. IT
1ust couldn't resist"
You knew. Amer" gasped Betty.
turning to her cousin. She hesitated.
and the dimples came out In her
cheeks. why didn't you denounce
them for impostors7" she said. They
might have gotten on with the silver"
adding: do you know who they are."
NO" replied Anne, but l thought
Ae-they locked honest''-she broke
on. blushing furiously.
"She took Us on faith" said the man
1t her side.
Betty collected herself. and turned
70 the bewildered fellow in the door
way. do get Mr.. Stanton and come
b." she said. And you." turning to
The others. you may introduce your
selves and We will all have dinner"