Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-03-24


II couLDS T MARE Up FOR TIE ABSENCE
OF FORTY CHORUS GIRLS.
Of forty chorus girls" She delivered
This parting shot over her shoulder.
But Mr.. Devine had not seen the
last Of the countess for that night. in
a moment she came back.
81 hope | did not say too MUCH
she began. CHANGING timidly at him.
you are not offended. are yOu:"
Mr.. Devine smiled reassuringly DO
look very savage?'
II was afraid. you know. that on
thinking 1t over about the clippings
and 80 on you might be angry. II you
should meet my father you wouldn't
say anything about 1t. would you?"
There was q look In her eyes which
somehow made the Cherub feel as II
he had been shaking a club at her.
mot q word from me Why
would act as II we were the best oil
friends"
Papa. you know, is merely shocked
and Indignant at the wild things YOU
do. He thinks that you should be re-
strained or punished. but I believe
that perhaps 1t Is all owing to the in
fiuences which surround you-your
companions, you know. and the men
you meet in business. They are net
very nice men. are they"
Most of them manage to keep cCt
of JAIL
Yes, Of course. But. tell me, dom!
they drink heavily and gamble anG
and do other things which they
shouldn't"
well. there are good many high
rollers in our bunch"
And they lead YOU on to do as they
do, don't they? And there isn't an>
one to tell you that you are worthy OF
better things: | knew it. But if you
could be brought into contact with It
different class. If y'u could minglc
with persons in the higher grades ol
society. | an sure YOU would wish t.
live differently"
Think oughtto go in for society
do you;" The Cherub's beamin- face
presented a picture of complace.t ii
terest
We'll. in a way. or course YOU
would find 1t difficult to step at once
into the best society. but you could
make beginning
Il could work up, ch:'
1T would be slow, there is so much
reserve about cur best families. l.
fact. there are certain circles which
to enter"
Couldn't break in with an ak. sup
pose:''
The countess smiled You have
such an odd way Of putting things, Ii
wouldn't be necessary for you to en-
are plenty Of nice people that You
could meet-that IS, If you wanted to
change your associates
You think it would he good
scheme, do you!'
"Oh. splendid! You'll not mind my
speaking to you about it, will YOU
You see, l have wanted for n long
time to do sOmething II the kind Cor
some one. Our bishop has urged me
to go into home missionary work.
have tried. but the villagers here are
so unrcsponsive that | haven't had
much success"
well. you can try any kind Of re
form on me that you like
"Oh, the bishop will be delighted
when ! tell him.
'It's what you might call stroke
OF luck for both Of us. isn't III" Querlcd
the Cherub. But Just how are you
going to tackle the job;'
I'm sure don't know" Perplcxi-
y dwelt>in the brown eyes for an in
slant. ut Is my idea, you know, that
personal influence and example count
for a good deal. If | could only talk
To you about your reckless habits
"Well. why not? There'll be all day
tomorrow"
"But probably ] shall not see you
again, Papa doesn't expect mo to-
"Oh, say, you're not Going TO stay
shut up In your rooms all day, are
your
Except for little walk in the gar
den right after breakfast"
About 0 O'Clock. eh? III be there
mo. no. you mustn't! That is, You
mustn't plan to he there. OF course II
It should be purely by accident
"I'll ~ to that part Of 1t. all right
You'li be In the garden. will you?"
The countess hesitated. Then she
half whispered. POSSIBLY" gave hin
an elusive glance and ned MS II to rs
crSs the results of her daring.