The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1910-05-11
Ion. Algernon found her the next

"How do you do?' he said with
frigid politeness. II looked round
early to say 'Goodby,' as have to
catch train to town at once"
"Oh goodby," said the
Mink, half turning in her chair.
Don't trouble to stop-you might
miss your train. / con-
gratulate you, OF course.
And, oh, by the way-how about our
bargain?"
The Member gravely deposited his
hat on the floor and sat down.
"That," he answered, "is mainly my
reason for calling. It's very unfor-
tunate. But, you see, you have lost"
"Yes," sighed the Mink, ut can't
be helped. You've won
and and those six wretched
old laborers promised to vote for you
not for Mr.. Clump at all. | must
have mixed the names up somehow,
.suppeee-"
la "TRese accidents will happen"
\ sympathized the Hon. Algernon, dole.
fully shaking his head. zone always
feels a bit sorry for the loser, espe-
ciaIly after such gallant tight; but
ones grief in the present instance
may at least be tempered by the re-
Election that the loss is not irrepara-
ble."
"I don't see how you make that
out" objected the Mink, with little
frown. 1.-THE loser can't win after the
game is over"
"Unless," suggested Mr. Faring-
ford thoughtfully, "the winner re-
signs"
"But even then Mr.. Clump couldn't
get in-that is, without another elec-
tion: and besides," added the Mink.
horrid fear suddenly assailing her
with regard to the photograph in the
illustrated papers, you don't surely
mean that you would be such a
donkey as Toto"
The Member raised a deprecating
hand.
"I was not referring" he remarked
dispassionately, "to Mr.. Clump, but to
you-to our-our bargain, in fact.
It seems such a shame that you
should have lost. l could hardly
sleep last night for thinking Of your
distress and chagrin; and SO at length
I was forced to arrive at the only
decision possible under the circum-
stances. l decided to"
| go on" urged the Mink, regarding
him stonily. "To-what?"
ITO resign my claims" concluded
the Member, in tone of sad though
determined renunciation, "in favor Of
the loser"
"Am I to understand by that" re-
torted the Mink, with icy hauteur,
"that you wish to imply that you in
tend to--that is, Toto"
"Cry quits on a division" put in
the Member amiably. "You have
caught my meaning to shade. 1t
seems only fair, don't you think, con-
sidering-"
81 will consider nothing of the
sort" announced the Mink emphat-
ically, "and don't in the least under
stand what on earth you are trying to
drive at"
'I am driving at this" explained
the Member, with studious calm.
"By your energetic endeavors to re-
turn Mr.. Clump at the head OF the
poll-endeavors whick would appear
to bear but one nterpretation-you
have led me with some clearness to
!, infer that you desired our matri-
monial engagement to terminate"
, "That sounds like prepared
, Speech" objected the Mink.
at isn't. I am speaking extern
. PORE" Mr.. Faringford informed her
: with dignity. "And I was about to
J add, when you interrupted me, that
under these circumstances my line
, of action seems to be clearly indi-
Gated. AS one is strong one should
, be merciful. / therefore do hereby
, give you back your freedom"
: "Then l won't take it," declared
the Mink, looking very red and de.
! termined.
"You must!" said the Member in.
flexibly.
r Rubbish! I tell you I won't-so
there! I'll-I'll have you up fol
breach of promise!"
"Bless mel" calculated the Mem
, ber, gazing at her in surprise. "Dc
, you mean to say that you really wan
, to marry me after all?"
{ "Do you think 1 should have go
those stupid laborers to vote for yot
, Iif-if didn't?" she demanded wrath
. fully. "You are really too idiotic fol
q words!"
, The Member rose, and taking thu
q Mink firmly by one arm, assisted hel
? to a vertical position, and so, by grad
. ual stages, to close proximity to hi
waistcoat.
"Then you actually wanted me tt
get in all the time, you little Minx?'
he inquired sternly.
ooh Alpy Won old DEAR SiQh6{