The Detroit times., 1909-03-03

IT'S Joke" he said. staring at the
letter.
He resolutely put 1t from him and
seized his pen again, but he could not
work.
It's a practical joke" he repeated.
rising
But he grew excited. the more he
thought OF IL. and called Rose.
Who brought this letter. he
asked
"A man. dark blue. with silver: !
mean his livery" Rose replied.
IT'S her footman." Ernest exclaim-
ed. "Oh. Rose Rose. It isn't possi-
ble."
A Prodigous Coincidence.
In mad excitement he caught her
by the arms and whirled her around
until she was dizzy and gasping for
breath.
The Joy OF it," he cried. She loves
me whom / love. Don't you under
stand? The woman l love loves me.
What prodigious coincidence. I'm
as happy as II the sky had fallen Give
me my new coat-my newest coat"
Half-frightened. Rose ran out and
reappeared with shining frock. En-
est threw his old one aside and got
into the other. Then he inspected the
room.
Let me see, is everything ready?
Perhaps she hasn't dined. We must
have some champagne. Get out some
champagne. Get out some cham
payne. Get out some champagne. Get
out some champagne"
He almost sang II as refrain while
his scandalized old nurse helped him
on with his coat
And We must make the room look
brighter" he went ON. Take those
books away. quick.' picking up a huge
armful and piling them on to Rose.
g" History OF the Spartans.' She
wouldn't like them. Hide them; and
this; and this" heaping more books In
her arms.
What's the matter with the man
What's come over him?" Rose mutter-
ed. tottering out under her load and
coming back for another.
The only thing that will make the
room look better is flowers" Ernest
exclaimed with sudden inspiration.
We must have some flowers"
Miss Charlotte's gone to fetch
some" Rose informed him.
At The mention of Charlotte's name
Ernest's manner changed instantly.
Charlotte" he exclaimed. Il ask
ed her To dine. What's to be done?
How is>she TO be told that she's not
wanted now? Oh. | shall never. new.
or. never be able 10 hurt her feelings.
/ What's To be done?"
What are you talking about?"
Rose asked. watching her master pac
ing anxiously up and down the floor.
'Oh, Rose, my dear, listen" Ernest
said. catching her by the shoulders.
An upheaval is about to take place
in my life-a great change"
"You Mustn't Let Her Mind"
You're going TO do something sill.
\ ly," Rose said. promptly.
Yes. yes" admitted Ernest, but,
now Charlotte will be coming back.
want to be absolutely frank, loyal and
courageous with her. so | am going
away while you explain things. Be
very careful with her, Rose. Be tact
ful and considerable I'll leave you
with her. I'm going. Tell. her, tell her
all"
He started toward the door, but the
bewildered Rose grabbed him by the
tails OF his coat.
All what" she demanded.
THAT she mustn't come TO work any
more" Ernest said hurriedly. THAT
I'm obliged TO go out this evening;
that I'll call on her tomorrow. or may.
be very soon: that I'm deeply sorry,
but it can't be helped
"Oh. the poor creature" Rose cried,
In a rush for sympathy for Charlotte.
whom she liked and whose secret
love for Ernest she understood
And Rose. | particularly want you
TO promise me one thing" Ernest eau
toned, standing in the doorway lead.
ing TO his Bedroom. She's not to
mind: you mustn't let her mind"
But Rose began a protest, but
was interrupted
IF you want to please me, arrange
for her not TO suffer" Ernest said
earnestly. Il will not have her suffer-"
he went on vehemently. And. II she
insists on suffering any way, don't
let me know it--at least, not today.
Are you sure you understand"
| (To he Continued.)