St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1910-12-10

C6IdIu.
Jimmie, curly-haired Jimmie, prince
or the bells" at the Carlton, waited
Tor Mr., Baxter to satisfy his curiosity
to its utmost.
Baxter read the brief message
again. 1t was delicious in it's brevity
and succinct humor.
Frances Baxter,
THE Carlton,
Lost Beach, N. ].
viii you marry me? III. t.
Then suddenly the wrath of Mr..
Francis Baxter scared for prey, over
coming his sense Of humor. He had
opened a telegram that did not be-
long to him. 1t was a peculiarly per-
sonal message. He had a we'll formed
idea that the true owner would be
glancfng about for a proper party on
whoa to dispose her own wrath, pres
emily.
Say, Jimmie, what do you mean by
bringing me this thing" he roared
out. Cant you read? Frances. Look
there?"
Jimmie glanced imperturbably at
the superscription on the torn envel
ope.
you opened the envelope after
you'd seen that, didn't you?" he in
quired nonchalantly. II didn't notice
Nibs says to give it to you. Blow
him up, not me-"
Mr.. Baxter checked his inclinations
to impart penitence to the stout, dap
per little figure beside him. He hand
ed~b back the envelope, also the mes
sage, also 81 bill, and kept his eyes
upon those of Jimmie
Jimmie, would it be possible to
have new envelope placed on that,
before this Miss Baxter sees it?' he
asked.
Sure, I can fix It," retorted Jim
mie. affably.
"And, say, Jimmie, it's queer about
the name, you know. I'd like to know,
just out of curiosity, who she is"
Jimmie never smiled. He had been
at the Carlton through three seasons
now. :.,.
Sure" he made answer After din
ner, tell Nibs you want to send me
on message. see? Then I can come
up to your ROOM"
Until after dinner, life was a
squeezed orange for Mr.. Baxter, a
yapid, novelty shorn void of medioc-
rity. He scanned the dining-room for
new faces. 1t was the same old crowd.
He rambled out around the rotunda
office, and carelessly looked at the
register There was no Frances Bax-
ter written on its last few pages.
"Nibs," as the bells called the clerk,
was beyond trifiing with. He was the
son and heir of the wealthy widow
who owned the Carlton. and he up
held the exclusiveness of the place to
a degree most annoying.
III. T., H. t." unused Baxter, after
he had retired to his room, and rang
up the office for Jimmie to go on an
errand. Didn't dare to sign his
name Didn't dare to show up, and
ask her to her face. Had to telegraph.
The wary dog"
Jimmie tapped at the door.
"Well?" demanded Baxter, as soon
as the door closed. Did you
"Guest of Mr.. Atterbury's," said
Jimmie glibly. 1T was sent here by
mistake"
Ibid you see herr"
aSure," said Jimmie. "Nibs sent
me over with it. She's all right, Mr..
Baxter, all to the good. Swell locker,
kinder blonde. and"
ibid you see her when she opened
the telegram"
"sure. Wasn't I standing right
there?"
..Ere-was there any answer, Jim
mfe?'
Jimmie squinted refiectively.
II forget" he said hopelessly.
Baxter did not smile. He handed
over another dollar.
"please know" he remarked.
.She wired back, Doubtful. Am
writing"
aHuh." said Baxter.
arts the novelty Of the thing" he
assured himself later. as he hurriedly
crossed the beach walk towards the
Atterbury cottage. He suddenly had
recalled pressing engagement with
Hal Atterbury. youngest hope of the
house. Hal would back him up. More,
Ia would comprehend perfectly the
snterest which the situation held for
ana Of discerning mind. What man
co,,,d resist the chance of looking at
: girl who would cali forth such a
nasty helpless, Iove-struck telegram
= that sent by H. TIP
n appeared that Mr.. Atterbury was
not n. He was walking along the
shore with Miss Baxter, to show her
the moonlight effect on the Rhino
Rncks. No, he had not specified when
he would return. Mr.. Baxter said he
ro,,Ia not wait. AS he walked back
- the hotel ne marveled. Old Hal
{ = osn,s 20 slow. But il he knew what
natter knew. would he take any
.hanca On moon1iaht stro''s with