The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-01-13

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R,JthDen.
strength and youth. Sin and repent
ance were rapid matters with Rosa
mund; cause, effect and remorse q
quick sequence to be quickly reckoned
up, checked of and Cancelled and the
next blank page turned over to be
ruled and filed with the next impeach-
ment. There was in her more of mis-
chief than of real malice and unfeigned
liking and respect for the turning
worm.
And, my DEAR" she said, conclud-
ing the account Of the adventure to
Mrs. Ruthven that afternoon at Sher-
rvs. 1--WE never been so roundly abused
and so soundly trounced In my life as
l was this blessed morning by that red
headed novice. Oh, my! Oh, la! I
could have screamed with laughter at
my own undoing"
Its what you deserved" said Alike,
intensely annoyed, although Rosamund
had not told her all that she had so
kindly and gratuitously denied con-
cerning her relations with Selwyn. ut
was sheer effrontery of you, Rosa
mund, to put such notions into the
head Of child and stir her up into
taking a fictitious interest in Philip
Selwyn which l know-which is per-
fectly plain to me. to anybody-never
existed"
"Of course it existed" retorted Rosa
mund, delighted now to worry Alike.
"She didn't know it; that is all. 1t
really was simple charity to wake her
up. It's a good match, too, and so OBJ
viously and naturally inevitable that
there's no harm in playing prophecies.
There is the youthful brother Of our
red haired novice now. He sees us.
and he's coming to infiict himself with
another moon faced creature. Shall we
bolt?"
Alike turned and stared at Gerald,
who came up boyishly red and i'm
petuous.
How dye do, Mrs. Ruthven? Did
you get my note? How dye do. Mrs.
Fame? Awflly jolly to collide this
way. Would you mind if'-
"You." interrupted Rosamund, "ought
to be downtown unless you've con-
cluded to retire and let Wall street go
to smash, What are you pretending
to do in Sherry's at this hour. you
very dreadful infant?"
i've been lunching with Mr.. Neer-
gard, and would you mind
"Yes. would" began Rosamund
promptly. But Alike interrupted,
Bring him over, Gerald" And as
the boy thanked her and turned back:
1--WE a word to administer to that
boy, Rosamund, so attack the Neer-
gard creature with moderation, please.
You owe me that at least Here he is
now, and don't be impossible and
frighten him, Rosamund."
The presentation of Neergard was
accomplished without disaster to any
body. On his thin nose the dew glis-
tened, and his thick, fat hands were
hot. But Rosamund was too bored to
be rude to him, and Alike turned i'm
mediately to Gerald:
''Yes, did get your note. but I am
not at home on Tuesday. Can't you
come Wait a moment. What are you
doing this afternoon"
"Why, I'm going back to the office
with Mr.. Neergard."
Nonsense! oh, Mr.. Neergard, would
you mind"-very sweetly-''if Mr.. Er-
roll did not go to the Office this after
noonT"
Neergard looked at her-almost-a
fixed and uncomfortable smirk on his
round, red face, "Not at all, Mrs.
Ruthven, If you have anything better
for HIM
II have-an allopathic dose of it
Thank you, Mr. Neergard. Rosamund.
we ought to start, you know. Gerald"
with quiet significance. "Goodby, Mr..
Neergard. Please do not buy up the
rest OF Long Island, because we need
a new kitchen garden very badly"
Mrs. Ruthven's motor moved up
from its waiting station. Rosamund
was quite ready to enter when ALIKE
said cordially: "Where can we drop
you. dearf Do let us take you to the
exchange II you are going there"
Now, Rosamund had meant to go
wherever they were going merely BE-
cause they evidently wished to b
alone. The abruptness OF the check
both irritated and amused her.
III knew anybody In the Bronx ia
make you take me there" she said
yindictiVely. "but as l don't you mar
drop me at the orchils'. you uncivil