The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1910-07-05
COACHEDAT
\ A COURTING
By HARRY VAN AMBERG
Copyright. 1870 by American Press
Association.


and | were Jchums before they were
married. She has never been at all
Jealous of 'me--something unusual in
such cases. She invites me to her cot
tage every summer and is good enough
to say that she would not consider
party complete without me.
tell her I'm never complete with
out a party.
Mrs. Poland has hobby. 1t Is
matchmaking. She tried to match me
several times and always failed. The
reason. she said, was that | did not
understand women.
II have girl for you" she said.
II thought you had given me up"
II have so far as your management
is concerned. This time wish you to
leave your part of the affair to me-"
Now you're getting down to some
thing practical. who Is the ladyT
"She comes tomorrow-Miss Annabel
Vail. She is pretty. intelligent, stylish
and has some means of her own,
though not much"
Very well. So long as you keep me
Instructed I'll do anything you like.
But be 1t understood that I'm to have
no headwork to do on my own account.
You understand%
Perfectly"
Miss Vail arrived as expected. She
was all Mrs. Poland had claimed for
her On the afternoon of her arrival
Mrs. Poland Informed me that she ex.
pected me to drive with her guest
The carriage would be at the door at
4 o'clock. told her | would be
charmed to drive with Miss Vail If she
thought the young lady could endure
me without other company. We drove
two hours and returned In time to
dress for dinner. During the evening
Mrs. Poland asked me how | liked
Miss Vail. and | told her | had been
much pleased
II doubt it," she said. "A man who
is much pleased with woman can find
plenty to say to her Miss Vail has
told me TINT you didn't say anything
but Yes and No.
II was always good listener"
A smiling party was arranged for
days outing on the water In Poland's
yacht Mrs. Poland instructed me be.
fore starting to devote myself almost
exclusively TO Miss Vail My motto
was obey orders II you break own
ers." Miss Vail was very seasick. and
] escorted her to the side of the vessel
and held her head. She motioned me
away, but | clung to the Job. Then.
when she sank back into reclining
concluded that must do all the talk
ing myself talked till she told me
II ! would only 20 away and let her
alone she would feel much relieved.
Mrs. Poland that evening told me
very impatienty that | didn't know
how to make myself agreeable to u
girl, but 1t was impossible for any one
TO teach me.
Haven't l done all you have told me
to dop ] asked. very much crestfallen.
Goodness gracious, do you expect
your coach to follow you about TO tell
you when to talk and when to keep 81.
lent? Must you he worked like the
figures In n Punch and Judy show?"
"From what you say Miss Vail has
not been especially impressed with
me-"
II wouldn't say so. except that 1t is
all up with your suit. but she says
you're the most aggravating man she
ever met.
Cant we wipe OFF the slate and be.
gin all over?"
you'd be the same
"ldiotY"
Mrs. Poland was silent. She was
scolding me MS she would scold one of
her own children whom she dearly
loved. There was nothing more to- be
said by either OF us. SO we dropped
the subject.
Bridge was the game for the even.
Ing, and in order to show Mrs. Poland
that was willing 10 do all In my pow.
er 10 meet her wishes ! invited Miss
Vail TO be my partner. She was very
stupid at cards. and when she trump,
ed my tricks. although | said nothing,
i could not help looking grave. This
she interpreted as condemnation and
after finishing rubber arose and left
the table, Mrs. Poland was watching
us and as soon as we were alone said
10 me-
"Wbat did you scold her for?"
"scold her! didn't say word"
"But you looked It."
was discouraged. | made no reply.
you'll never win that girl In the
world You needn't try any more to
please me. give II up"
The next day Mrs. Poland was very
cross with me. | asked her II had
offended further. She said that
had not. but Miss Vail was so offend
Cd with me that she was intending TO
cut short her visit.
That's too bad" replied. "Not for
the world would ] consent to remain
your guest after having driven a guest
or yours from your house. / beg OF
you tell Miss Vail that 1t is | who am
going. Let her remain"
"Oh. tell ner yourself. I'm tired of