Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-03-31

| llCSSluS lOI WANT VI a pSb-
er confidant. Think of a lover here
in the twentieth century, anxious to
we'd the girl Of his choice yet unable
even to see her because an obdurate
ather has the dutiful daughter secure
y guarded in a country house. And
what is worse. the announcement has
been made of her engagement to some
foreign fellow whose father happens
20 have had title. Bess doesn't want
to marry Count Bolenski and | don I
blame her. but just how to prevent
he match and assume the role OF
bridegroom myself, an arrangement
mutually agreeable, is more than
can figure out just now"
Whopp-r. this being the name to
which the canine answered, barked
alphabetically and squared himself
as If TO show what he would do to the
count if given an opportunity. Some
thing in the pose of the dog suggested
an idea to Easley. True. the thought
was only in an embryonic state but
here was possibility of elaboration.
"I'll do it. Whopper, and you will
nave chance to play the star part"
announced Jimmy as he knocked the
ashes from his pipe and prepared to
cave the room.
Madge Whitworth and he always
lad been friends and it was to her he
hurried that he might enlist her aid in
oerfecting and carrying out his
scheme From the time that the two
we're playmates in childhood they had
ooked to each other for assistance in
| light places, and IL was natural that
lie should go to her now for counsel in
,olving the most vital problem he had
ever faced.
Intuitively, it seemed. the woman
ielt that something out of the ordinary
lad brought Easley to her house so
early in the day, for it was hardly
line o'clock. Without waiting to
complete her toilet she hurried into
he reception room. She understood
! he situation and knew, with the we'd
ling of Bess Almond to Count Bo-
enski set for no distant date, there
vas need of immediate action. Just
What was to be done she did not know,
,ut she would do her part, whatever it
night be. and gladly, too.
For nearly an hour they sat on the
! zig window seat and discussed jim
ny's scheme. Whatever the plan was,
both young persons certainly regard
I'd it as excellent, for frequently the
| ;ilvery laugh of the girl and the bass
If the man rang out together, fully at.
testing their confidence of ultimate
success. And the interview had been
90 encouraging to Easley that he was
smiling the old smile that had made
aim famous in college, when he left
he house. Apparently the weight of
recent worry was lifted from his mind.
Immediately after his departure
Madge hurried to the telephone and
called for the country home of Jonas
Almond. Her request that she be per-
mitted to speak with Miss Almond,
who in truth was allowed little more
liberty than the inmate of a Jail, at
| first met with fiat REFUSAL but per-
severance. had its reward and finally
the fair prisoners hello" sounded
over the wire. Madge cautioned Bess
to say nothing that would indicate
what was being told her, but to listen
and remember. They talked for sew
eral minutes. Smiling at the surprise
her message must have caused the
girl at the other end of the line
Madge finally hung up the receiver
without waiting for a reply. Then
started to her room.
1T will be hard on the count" was
her spoken thought. But Jimmy de-
serves that girl. and she loves him."
The following afternoon precisely at
three o'clock closed carriage was
driven up the avenue of tall naples
which led from the public road to the
imposing home in the very center of
Shady Grove, the Almonds country
estate. No sooner had the vehicle
stopped than woman. closely yelled,
alighted and walked briskly up the
broad steps as IL bent on business of
! the utmost importance. Speaking
rapidly to the butler who appeared at
the door in response to her ring. she
was shown into the hallway and. a
moment later. maid reported to Miss
Almond that the modiste for whom
she had sent. desired 10 see her.
Laughingly bewailing the fact that
she was constantly at the mercy of
those who designed her clothes. the
young woman instructed tn maid to
bring the caller to her room immedi-
ately.
"Madge."
"Bess."
The words. the embrace. and the re-
sounding kiss that followed the de-
parture of the servant, left no doubt
but that the dictator OF fashions was
most welcome. For several minutes
the two girls talked excitedly. but al.
ways in low tones, Bess ever watch
full lest someone enter the room or. at.
tempt to spy upon them. When the
conversation closed. Miss Almond
was informed concerning the plans for
frustrating her wedding to the foreign
nobleman and for concentrating a
marriage much more to her liking. as