Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-09-04

An, how close q shot did Chloe make
when she used this plea II he could only
have held her in his armsl But she would
think of him a. a elod-hopper-she must,
II he had but gone more into society, in
stead OF grinding all the hme-at aero
nefs, and the like And now, no was ire
tPievably Mt q disadYantage, by his gross
mlsbehayior in the bedroom-standing like
an idiot, she deamlnR him a fugitive, hold
ing In his hand--oh, the enormity OF It'll
her corset, The objectionable sin, II ever
one committed itl'
Nevertheless, he sent Aunt Chloe to In
form Miss Suarez that the robber Of the
South Beach, and the stowaway OF the
Roc, was no other than the man with
whom, in 3 touching confidence in the old
ehiyalFy which regards an unprotected
woman relative ~ a sacred charge, and
lays the obligation Of gratitude on the man
rendering the service, she had come 10
live.
Uncle Theodore was stately. ceremoHioua,
and with due allowance for RundFy bushes
when Miss Virginia emitted . little giggle,
promptly smethered In her napkin, quite
grand In hts demeanor at luncheon. He
formally kissed Vlrginia's hapd-and when
she told Of her need Of her reliance on the
Carson fidelity he yielded to the temptation
without a moments hesitation. He became
her uncle entered calmly upon the decep-
ton, oblivious Of the vast consequences
involved. or of the real right and wrong OF
the matter. sho trusted him, she made
claims upon him; and she Yves not to be
panied by explanations, He was only q
boy, you know,
81 have the hopah," said he. 80 drink
- ~. aV.A
the hope OF the Carson family
He rose, as II At the formal signal for
withdrawal took both his hands, and kissed
him on the forehead. There were tears in
her eyes.
THANK you, Uncle Theodore" said she;
and went out slowly, without looking at
him He stood there, quite motionless,
until he heard her walking about In the
upper hall.
He was wrong. of course; but there were
excuipating circumstances. The situation.
almost Immediately, however. approached
the impossible. In the first place. Theo-
dore had expected to make only days
halt, TO push on, get his motors, and go to
the South Beach-where Captain Harrod
wondered at his long absAnee--instAll his
engines, and fly north, where Craighead
was organizing companies at q rate that
would have dazed Mr.. Carson. had he not
been already dased,
The first day, he sent orders for the ship
ment OF the engines. and began to provide
better equipment for the house. He brought
as a compAnion for Miss SuArsz, an elderly
widow, Mrs, Stott who was addicted to the
writing of poems OF a love-lorn nature
Virglnia's opinion OF her new uncle's
worldly wisdom rose at this provision for
chaperonage; but she gave him too much
credit. He merely thought of Virginla's
becoming lonely
He could not depart until sure that Miss
Virginia" would not feel sighted should
he push on. Every morning opened new
avenues Of service. They began reading a
book-And they had to finish IT. She was
fond OF fishing She wanted to explore the
upper reaches Of the river; and they spent
long days on the stream, Mrs. Scott was
afraid OF the water-and stili more afraid
OF Vlrginia-and they went alone, while
that good lady wrote verses and mailed
them to heartless publishers.
How can she do such things7" said
Virginia, one day.
Why not2" inquired Theodore, They
sound a good deal like-llke the other
poets"
But she's $3.50 puddingyl" urged vir-
ginia. And she has mustaohe!"
That" said he, advancing the spark,
would not seem material. Shakespeare
had one
Virginia was trailing her hand through
the water and looking at the bubbles.
"A great engineer" said she but you
don't shine in literary criticism"
WAS II that kind?" he queried.
Virginia drew In her hand. The inn
piled rebuke stung her
"of course, I'm a nasty little cat" said
she, Ito find fault. But you are not to
Jump on me like that, unke. l wont have
II. Now, take your old big handkerchief
and wipe my hand. lie awfully cold with
the wind blowing on e."
Theodore complied. and held the hand
moment-to warm IT, She drew Il away
gently, and with a smile.
Wen have Mrs. stott 60 home" said