The Press., 1909-01-27
By TAYLOR WHITE.
Copyrighted. 1908, by Associated
 Literary PresR.

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 Gordon never seemed to see him, never laughed and joked, and Jimmie entered into the conspiracy with his whole heart after being assured that Maud would never disclose the source If her education in slang. Before the week was out Gordon looked troubled. He was very much In love with Maud after his own fash ion. There was no want of real aftec- ton, but Gordon was no gallant wooer. He had been accepted by the family, and In his quiet, patient fashion he was laying siege to Maud's heart.
 He had fancied he had been making headway until she developed a trick of interlarding her speech with slang ex- pressions.
 At first he was shocked, but as Maud acquired proficiency and grew more and more slangy Gordon withdrew from his campaign. Though he loved the girl as much as ever. he assured himself that a wife who used slang was utterly impossible.
 In secret Maud gIoated over the fact, but bore herself demurely when her father sharply questioned her concern ing her treatment of Gordon, for the latter's visits had fallen oil, and, though Gordon had pleaded business as an excuse, MT. Tolliver had an idea that there was something else that might explain the lovers sudden lack of interest
 Then fate took hand, and so it hap pened that Jimmie Tollfver, crossing the avenue, slipped on the muddy pay Ing and fell directly in front of a rap- Idly advancing automobile.
 There was cry of horror from the spectators, but one man sprang for ward and with an easy movement grasped the boys arm and carried him to safety.
 For moment Jimmie was too dazed to comprehend; then he slowly came to realize that Gordon, unmoved as ever, stood beside him, answering the questions of the crowd, but refusing to give his name.
 "An right, old man?" he asked as he saw that Jimmie was pulling himself together. Suppose we move on. This crowd is little too eager"
 He signaled a passing taxicab and directed the driver to go to a tailor's where Jimmie's muddied garments might be made presentable. The rush of cold air drove the last of the cob webs from Jimmie's brain, and, gazing admiringly at Gordon, he decided that Maud was wrong in her estimate of the man. There was fire under the Ice. red blood beneath the waxenly, Immobie expression, and JimmIe's heart warmed to his rescuer.
 Say, Be-" he demanded suddenly, ''are you still dead nuts on Maud?'
 ''I esteem your sister very highly" admitted Gordon.
 You're all right" declared Jimmie admiringly. If you want to win cast your port ear over this way and make a noise like listen"
 The noise of a listener was contin- ued long after the visit to the tailor's was concluded. Gordon'S face was as expressiOnless as ever, but there was twinkle in his eye.
 Some evenings later Maud, coming downstairs. reached the lower hall just as Gordon was admitted by the butler. Jimmie had been cautioned under pain of losing his promised reward to say nothing of his rescue, 50 1t was merely ''that tiresOme Kenneth Gordon" whom Maud greeted with perfunctOry cor diality.
 ''I butted in to tear of a piece of talk with the boss bloOmer wearer. Is he inY asked Gordon.
 ssTp UOII rooon Maud jelly.
 That's the guy," interrupted Cor. don. "Will you tell the delegate from the wax works to ask him to grease his heels and slide down here2''
 'I will go myself," offered Maud MervOusly. Gordon was as coldly cor rect in appearance as ever, but per hapS he was drunk.
 INK on the scamper," declared Cor don, raising detaining hand. "UsO the butler for the wireless, and we'll call out some conversation while he makes a home run.''
 'I must go." explained Maud. "I forgot something upstairs. and must see about 1t at once''
 Tell 1t t., wait" commanded Cor l don. "T'm the head of the procession just now. Don't you bother about the water carriers"
 But began Maud. And Gordon interrupted again.
 Don't be a goat and butt in," he urged. Hit the plush"
 He pointed to chair, and timidly Maud seated herself As she had led the way into the parlor the butler had disappeared. supposing that he would not be required further. To ring for him now would only make a scandal among the servants. Perhaps her ia. fher would come down in a few min utes.
 He usually spent the evening in the library when he did not go to the club and in either event he must pass the open door. If the worst came she could call for the butler, but mean while perhaps she could induce Cor don to leave quietly. She took the chair indicated, sitting nervously on the edge, ready to spring up and run should occasion demand.
 "It doesn't cost tany more to have a whole chair" reminded Gordon as he | sank into a seat between her and the door. ''I want you to put me wise to some things. What's your grouch against meY'
 T Rave no grOuch." protested Maud |