Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1909-10-01
EVER IMPET-
UOUS BETTY

college friends will be here to dinner
Thoughtful of him to let us know. It's
a wonder he didn't let us know. It's
a wonder he didn't let them pounce
on us unannounced. Hum-Gerald
Stanton and Rob Newman. Never
saw them, have your"
The girl addressed folded up her
sewing, and rose. They we're sitting
under the apple trees at their aunt's
country house, where they we're spend.
ing few weeks.
"Do you realize that we have the
meal to get, as Aunt is away7" she
asked, calmly. 1T Il now H."
Heavens, SO we havei" Betty jump
ed up and pushed back her tangled
hair. "Puzzle-find the chaperou2"
she cried. and disappeared in the d.
rection 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
LnOSe DISGUISE
A few moments later the chug-chug
Of the expected auto sounded down
the road. A roadster slowed down be-
lore the gate, and one of the oceu-
pants appeaFed in the doorway. Bet
ty met him, a smudge of flour on eth
sr check. sleeves rolled up to dimpled
elbows.
'Iust come in and make yourself at
home" she said. "1'm awfully glad
% see you-to see you both. Excuse
ny cousin and myself, won't you?
We're scarcely prosentable; we just
got the telegram and two hungry
men to feed you know" She made
a charming little gesture, and her eyes
pleaded With him, running over with
mirth and oYcitement.
He Looked rather oewildered-hes
tatel. THANK you, he said
"Sit on the lawn, it's cooler, she
suggested. "NVeW he out soon"
They were. One could scarcely tell
bow they worked tho miracle, but the
dinner was ready, the table invitingly
act; 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 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
my brother speak of him SO much"
The fellow arghed as though huge
ly enjoying himself He did not con-
tradict her.
Her eyes challenged him inirthful-
ly; her pretty 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
pFopounded a joke. He was charming
when he laughed, at least Betty pro
nounced him so.
Anne. nearby, with the other men.
was also enjoying herself, Once she
started up as If to speak to the others.
but fell back, at a pleading gesture
from her companion, and entered a
conversation, which evidently afforded
them both much quiet amusement.
Later they went in to dinner; and
It was a merry party that sat down.
"Im sorry aunt isn't here" said Bet
ty, with smile that contradicted her
words. you see you didn't give US
time to provide a chaperon."
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
Annie?"
He was very presentable youth.
A long dust-coat enveloped him; hia
hat swung easily in his hand.
"Is Mrs. Newton int" be asked.
I'm sorry, but my aunt is away
replied Betty.
The man hesitated. 81 am Rob
Newman" he said. Il thought Rob
are you not his slster?"
Betty leaned against the door. Out
In the street was another machine
Her eyes were glued on it, and its re-
naming occupant.
yes" she said family. 'T-Rob
Herrick is my brother"
The others had ilocked out from tbs
dining room.
u hope" Anne was saying severely
in her quiet voice, q hope this will
teach you 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 TO her cousin. She hesitated,
ana the dimples came out in her
checks "Why didn't you denounoe
them for imposters?' she said. "They
might have gotten of with the silver"
adding, do you know who they are3"
NO" replied Anne "but l thought
he-they looked honest" she broke
of. blusing 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.. Newman and come
in," she said "And you" turning to
the others. you may introduce your
selves and We will all have dinner
HELEN IRVINE.
EHer sq f5sNs sisNsr