The Lamar register., 1909-09-15
INFECTIOUS
BETTY


gram in the air. "a couple Of Rob's
college friends will be here to dinner.
Thoughtful of him to let US know. It's
a wonder he didn't let them pounce on
us unannounced. Hum-Gerald STAN
ton and Rob Newman. Never saw
them, have you?"
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 few weeks.
do you realize that we have the
meal to get, as aunt is away?" she
asked, calmly. at 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
flour barrel into which she had
pounced head first. don't tell me Rob
isn't thoughtful A whole hour and
dinner to prepare for two unknown
men. How much flour do want for
those biscuitsl"
A few moments later the chug-ckug
Il 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, smbige 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
telegram-and two hungry men to
feed. you know" She made a sharm-
ing little gesture. and her eyes plead
ed with him, running over with mirth
and excitement.
He looked rather Observation-Disclosures
tated Thank you." he said.
sit on the lawn. it's cooler" she
suggested Wen 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
muslins and very presentable.
Betty pounced on the spokesman OF
the party. who was what she termed
tall. dark and interesting" leaving
the other man te her gentler cousin.
you must be Gerald Stanton she
said. Don't contradict me. I've al
ways wanted to know him. I've heard
my brother speak of him so much"
The fellow laughed as though huge
ly enjoying himself. He did not con
tradict her.
al, 10 d I'm ~ mi
her pretty white hands flew 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-
pounded Joke. lie was charming
when he laughed. at least Betty pro-
nounced him so.
Anne, nearby with the other man.
was also enjoying herself. Once she
started up as II to speak to the others,
but fell back at pleading gesture
from her companion, and entered Ia
conversation. which evidently afforded
them both much quiet amusement
Later they went in to dinner; and IL
was merry party that sat down.
I'm sorry that aunt Isn't here" said
Betty with a smile that contradicted
her words you see you didn't give
us time to provide a chaperone."
A knock sounded at the door.
providence has supplied one" she
announced solemnly. rising.
"Heavensl It's another man." as
she caught sight of him through the
hall.
do we want any sewing machines.
Amer"
He was a very presentable youth.
A long dust-coat enveloped him: his
hat swung easily in his hand.
'Is Mrs Newton in?" he asked.
I'm sorry, but my aunt Is away"
replied 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
in the street was another machine.
Her eyes were glued on II and its re-
naming occupant
YES" she said family. 'T-Rob
Herrick is my brother"
The others had focked out from the
dining room.
in her quiet voice. Il hope this will
teach you a lesson, Betty. You never
did get things straight" -
Forgive me-" begged the supposed
Gerald Stanton. coming to her side. II
Just couldn't resist"
You knew, Amer" gasped Betty.
turning to her cousin. She hesitated,
and the dimples came out In her
checks. why didn't you denounce
them for impostors?" she said. They
might have gotten off with the silver"
adding: do you know who they are?"
mo" replied Anne. but l thought
he-they looked honest"-she broke
OF. blushing furiously.
"she took us on faith" said the man
at her side.
Betty collected herself. and turned
to the bewildered fellow in the door
way. do get Mr.. Stanton and come
in" she said. "And you." turning to
the others. you may Introduce your