Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-02-06


nice fellow you are! But l can't ga
much. I'm too worried"
..Worriedg" said Otto. what
about
II guess you'd be worried II you
didn't know where you were going to
sleep tonight"
80 might" said he, but where
did you sleep last night
'In the Pare Monceau.'
"In the park? All nightT
"All night, and there was such a
wretch near me-"
I'm sure there was" said otto
hunting through his pockets. Here
take this money. Al least you won't
have to sleep In the park"
"Then can't sleep here!'' pouted
the girl. You believe me. OF course
but you have your few little doubts
My story Is So absurd
81 believe every word" said otto
"but this hotel Is expensive"
"l'll take the money" said the girl
land rs soon as my father comes he
will repay you. You'll tell Inc your
name. How he VIII thank you Oh
II only the shops were open 80 might
buy some shoes and stockings. These
are holes"
Otto ran 10 his mothers workbasket
which she had left behind her. and
drew forth pair of stockings. He
offered them TO the stranger who re-
ceived them with n shrek OF JOY.
"Could borrow these?" she cried
your wife's:"
MY mothers" said he. I'm not
married"
Not married. cried the girl, hold.
Ing the silk hosiery aloft. Il thought
This was the scene that Mrs. Ben
nings witnessed as she opened the
door In her drawing room TO inquire
why her son was still up. She paused
n moment, then strobe IN. exclaiming:
"Otto."
Otto jumped around guiltily. and
the stranger screamed.
$50 Il Is thus" said his mother stern
iy-'it is thus you betray the conf
dence | repose In you. AZ soon as
you think | al safely In bed you have
into q midnight reyel."
"Mother. let me explain" said otto.
This lady
Lady. interrupted Mrs. Bennings.
what is this lady doing In my house
unknown To me"'
"Id better tell her." said the girl.
rising to her feet. But the outraged
mntron. motioning her TO be silent.
said:
81 will deal only with my son. As
for you. begone!'
'Are the stockings hersi" asked the
girl OF Otto. Then I'll not wear them
n single instant. I'd rather 20 bare
foot l would-indeed, would. I'm
very sorry. madam. that l intruded.
but ! was In great trouble. Until my
father. who Is to arrive this week.
She stamped her feet into the ruined
slippers and rose. half crying: I'm
going. I'm sorry ] came In"
Otto was ut her side. III take you
TO hotel. Let mother think what
suits her Gomez
He offered her his hand. The girl
put hers In II, and they turned toward
the window. But Mrs. Bennings cried:
1.-THE door. II you please."
The stranger went to the door and.
turning. said. with dignity:
81 know that appearances are
against me. but when my father
reaches Paris we will call and explain.
Won't you please tell me your name?"
Mrs Bennings shook her head. but
Otto answered promptly:
MY mother is Mrs. Marion Ben
nings."
The girl stared. then began to laugh
Historically.
"Papa's cousin" she cried. I'm
Arletta Jones, your Cousin Henry's
daughter. You are papa's relatives,
whose address Is In my trunk"
Mrs. Bennings looked at her closely.
at isl see II Is true. There's a re-
semblance. You played this prank to
test us. naughty child"
prank" cried Arletta. lis that
what you call IL? Why. haven't
washed my face for two days"
Mrs Bennings threw up her hands
In horror
"I'll have bath and bed prepared
for you at once. Then you shall tell
me all that has happened"
She left the room. and Arletta turned
10 the son.
$50 you're my Cousin Otto How
nice.'
"Well." replied Otto thoughtfully.
"we'l let 1t go as cousin for day or
two"