Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-10-13
INFECTIOUS
BETTY

ThOughtful OF hin 10 let US KNOW. IL .
a wonder he didn't let them pounce on
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 few weeks.
DO you realize that we have the
meal to get, as aunt is awayy" she
asked, calmly. ut is now H."
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 run.
Don't tell me-" she exclaimed, as
the other entered. rising from the
-four 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 -four do want for
those biscui:s?"
A few moments later the chug-chug
OF 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 -four on either
cheek. sleeves rolled UP 10 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 charm
ing little gesture. and her eyes plead
ed with him, running over with mirtn
and excitement.
He looked rather bewildered-hesi-
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 invitingiy
set: and themselves gowned In little
mus,ins and very presentable.
Betty bounced on the spokesman OF
the party. who was what she termed
tall, dark and interesting" leaving
the other man to 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
nv brother speak of him so much"
The fellow laughed as though huge
" enjoying himself. He did not con-
tradict her.
Her eyes challenged him mirthfvlly.
her pretty white hands few about In
gestures like little white butterflies.
They talked merriIy Of football-cf
college. Once she questioned him
about Rob and he threw back bis head
and laughed as though she had pro-
pounded a joke. He 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 I'D as II to speak TO the others,
but fell back at pleading gesture
from her companion. and entered a
conversation, which evidently Afforded
them both much quiet amusement
Later they went In to dinner; and 1t
was a 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 chaperone."
A knock sounded at the door.
Providence has supplied one" she
announced solemnly. rising.
Heavens. It's another man. as
she caught sight Of him through the
hall.
do We want any sewing machines.
Amer
He was a very presentabie youth.
A long dustcoat enveloped him; his
hat swung easily in his hand.
It's Mrs. Newton I'M" he asked.
sTm 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 ewes were glued on It and Its re-
naming occupant
Yes" she said family. "I-Rob
Herrick is my brother"
The others had nocked out from the
dining room
Il hope" Anne was saying severely
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 Il
Just couldn't resist"
you knew. Amer" gasped Betty,
turning 20 her cousin She hesitated.
and the dimpIes came out in her
cheeks. why didn't you denounce
them for fnposiors7- she said They
might have gotten on with the silver" "
adding: DO you know who they sre7'
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