The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-04-07
CHAPTER TX. (cOntlnued.)

Betty had been making tea for Aunt
Selma, and Of course when she heard
us up there, she followed, tray and all,
and we drank Aunt Sellna's tea and
had the first really nice time of the
day Bella had come up, too, but she
was still standofish and queer, and
she stood leaning against a chimney
and staring out over the river. After
little Mr.. HARRISON put down his cup
and went over to her, and they talked
quite confldentially for n long time.
thought It bad taste in Bella under
he circumstances, after snubbing Dal
las and Max and of course treating
Jim like the dirt under her feet, to
turn right around and be lovely to
Mr. HARRISON. It was hard for Jim.
Max came and sat beside me. and
Flanagan, who had been sent down
for more cups, passed tea, putting the
tray on top of the chimney. Jim was
sitting grumpily on the roof, with his
ieet folded under him, playing Garfield
In the shadow Of the parapet, buying
the deck out of one pocket and putting
his winnings in the other. He was
watching Bella, too, and she knew 1t,
and she strained a point to captivate
Mr. HARRISON. Any one could see that.
And that was the picture that came
out in the next mornings papers, tea
cups, cards and all. For when some
one looked up, there we're four news.
paper photographers on the roof of the
next house, and they. had the imperti.
nence to thank us!
Flanagan had seen Bella by that
time, but as he still didn't understand
the situation, things were just the
same But his manner to me puzzled
me; whenever he came near me he
winked prodigiously, and during all
the search he kept one eye on me,
and seemed to be amused about some
thing.
When the rest had gone down to |
dress for dinner, which was being sent |
in, thank goodness, l still sat on the |
parapet and watched the darkening |
river I felt terribly lonely, all at
once, and sad There wasn't any one |
any nearer than father, in the West, |
or mother in Bermuda, who really |
cared rap whether sat on that par
apet all night or not, or who would
be sorry IL leaped to the dirty bricks
Of the next door-yard-not that l
meant to, Of course.
The lights came out across the
river, and made purple and yellow
streaks on the water, and one of the
came painting back to the
yacht club, coughing and gasping as if
t had overdone. Down on the street
we're starting and stop
ping, cabs rolling, doors slamming, all
he maddening, delightful hustle of
people who are foot-free to dine out,
% dance, to go to the theater, to do
my Of the thousand possibilities of a
ong February evening. And above
hem | sat on the roof and cried. Yes.
.ried.
was reused by some one coughing
ust behind me, and tried to straight
N my face before l turned 1t was
Tlannigan, his double row of brass
uttons cleaning in the twilight. lt
Excuse me, MISS" he said affably, '
but the boy from the hotel has left !
he dinner on the doorstep and run,
he cowardly little divil! What'll l do I
18th 1t? | went to Mrs. Wilson, but /
he says it's no concern of hers" Elan
igan was evidently bewildered.
You'd better Keep it warm, Elan r
igan," | replied. you needn't wait; i
m coming" But he did not go.
Tiff you'll excuse me, miss" he b
aid, don't you think ye'd better tell n
lem?" a
Tell them what?" II
THE whole thing-the joke" he A
aid confidentially coming closer.
It's been great sport, now, hasn't 1t? is
ut I'm afraid they will get on to it D
,on, and--some of them might not be Il
greeable. A pearl necklace is a pearl 81
acklace. miss, and the lady's wild" D.
what do you mean?" / gasped.
You don't think--why, Flannigan--" In
He merely grinned at me and thrust lc
s hand down in his pocket When bl
, brought it up he had Bella's brace q,
{ on his palm, glittering in the faint
ght q
where did you get it?" Between M
lief and the absurdity of the thing, ! q
as almost hysterical. But Flanni- bV
IN did not give me the bracelet; in CT
ead It struck me his tone was sud gS
'nly severe.