The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-05

Prior was very little seen-she was ill it was reported, and the medical man with whom she was supposed to be In love was sent for Batcheior, however, caught Elizabeth walking alone in the garden and made a sudden resolve. He would speak-he wanted her for a wife he had always admired her and, though he was not now in the first flush of youth he felt sure that, etc., etc. Elizabeth seemed agitated. ''You are the oldest friend I have, Mir Batehelor." said she. T do not know how to thank you But please do not take my hand Here como the children" After luncheon,' wfis- pered Batchelor, and Elizabeth gave, with a little nod, tacit consent. So after luncheon Batchelor went out again into the garden and waited behind . lilac bush-
 The morning room windows were wide open upon the lawn. He saw Elizabeth come into tho room. and, taking off her blue spectacles, lay them down on the martlepiece. She put slim, white hand over her auburn hair and looked into the m1TTOT. bdtCnelOT ludu6 tOWat tilc lOilB, 1, open windows, his heart saying, Eliza beth! Elizabeth I come to thee" Then he saw a grinning horrid, little debauched face surge over the back Of a great armchair and look toward Elizabeth. It was the captain, of course Bessie Elizabeth turned and gave a little cry. The captain came to her and grasped her hand, while Batchslor, outside. paused and waited, watching what was to come next, instead of rushing in and knocking down the little captain, aS he should have done. Had Miss Prior appeared alarmed perhaps Batchelor would have
 gone to her rescue but she was quite equal to the captain, and seemed not a
 bit frightened only saying. "Oh, not that nams, please, Captain Baker, not that name. You know 1t would affect my possession here if 1t were known that I was ever on the stage. My name is Miss Prior, captain" "Oh. Bessie, l thought I knew you last night" con- tinued the captain, "but had so much claret aboard. Oh. you uncommon sly toadl You've got handsomer-doosid deal handsoner. Know you now well with your spectaoles of. Phoo, don't try te gammon me-"
 The captain seized those two firm white hands in his moist. feverish, trern' blind palms Then something happened
 so quickly that Batchelcr scarcely real ixed it. The captain was sent spinning against chair and fell backward ovei
 the obstruction. with her splendid physi. cal development Bessie could have sent him spinning to the furtherest corner oi the room if she had wanted to. Batch elor heard the whacl distinctly out there
 in the garden. And then he heard IT the sweetest accents possible. "Oh, thank you, Bedford" snd aaw the butler nm ishing the chastisement which Eizabetf had begun. "Thats enough. Bedford | warbled Elizabeth. ''Please leave hin now" "Iie still, you little beggar'' cries Bedford in rage. Tor I'll knocf your head off. Look here. Miss Prior Elixabeth--dear-dear Elizabeth I love you with all my heart and soul ant strength--indeed do. can't nelp II It's no use. I know, ,. but I adore you Elizabeth" ''Helo! Whats the row ysar?" said another voice. and Bulkley | Lady Bakers huge footman, appeared or the scene. "Kill that blacksuard, XII him" shrieks the captain. rising witt his bleeding nose. But Bulkley only de mands again. whats the row year.
 ssy7"