The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-08-02

QOor Oh his chambers, and ahe went
to 1t as she was. buster in hand, the
sleeves Of her oft-washed print frock
rolled up to her elbows. She opened
the door and found at the threshold
boy Of fourteen in Elton Jacket, white
waistcoat, and light trousers. His very
shiny top hat was pushed on to the
back of his head; for the morning was
hot and the chambers Of the Honor
able John Ruffn are at the top of four
flights Of stairs.
"Why--why! It's Ronald" cried
Pollyooly; and her clear pale cheeks
flushed to the hue of wild roses. and
her blue eyes shone on him.
by Jove! It's Mary" cried Lord
Ronald Peterborough, his dark eyes
shining with an equal pleasure
They shook hands; and Pollyooly led
the way into the sitting-room, whore
her little brother rose from among his
bricks on the floor at the sight of a
stranger. and stared at him solemnly.
ITS my little brother, Roger. But
everybody calls him the Lump" said
Pollyooly by way of introduction.
"Goodness He 10 red.hehded. His
hair is redder than yours" said Ron
aid.
Hes a cherub-a genuine cherub--
everybody says So" said Pollyooly
quickly and with decision.
"Ah. yes" said Ronald = little
vaguely.
They looked at one another with
eyes full Of interest and pleasure.
Then, as he took in the duster. the
print frock, and rolled-up sleeves,
Ronald's face fell little; and he said,
What are you doing herein my
cousins chambers?"
I'VE live here-the Lump and me-"
said Pollyooly.
Eyes. But what do you do? Are
you-are you John Rufins servant?"
said Ronald, with some hesitation.
I'm his housekeeper--it's posi-
ton of dignity-he often says So"
said Pollyooly, with an air Of great
dignity herself
"Oh, see." said Ronald; and his
face again grew brighter.
as the Court just as nice as 1t was
in May? And the dogs? And has any.
one else but you found out that
wasn't Marion? And have they found
herr" said Pollyooly, eager to learn
what had happened since her fort
nights impersonation of her double,
the Duke of Osterley's little daugh-
| ter.
The Courts all right" said Ronald,
sitting down in an easy chair. Its
| jolly enough, though not so jolly as
when you were there to knock about
| with. And the dogs are all right.
| There's two new ones-not up to
much. And nobody has ever guessed
you weren't Marion. l told you they
wouldn't; you're much too much
like heron the outside. And they
haven't found her; and they're not
likely to. They didn't begin hunting
for her till you bolted from the Court;
and, of course, she'd really been lost
| fortnight then. They never will find
| her now"
That's all right. said Pollyooly
She paused, sighed, and added, Il
do wish was going to the Court
again-with the Lump"
81 wish you were" said Ronald
You're the only girl ever came
across one could be really pals with
And then, of course, you we're in the
great mystery. It's awful luck for a
girl" He ended with faint. sigh of
envy.
II didn't care much for the mystery;
was SO afraid of getting found out.
But did like being at the Court"
I'VE did have good time. But the
mystery was the thing" said Ronald
And what have you been doing
since l went away?" said Pollyooly.
Ronald gave an account of the term
at school and his riding, fishing, bird
nesting, and adventures on his wan
behring's with the dogs at Ricksborough
Court; and Pollyooly's many questions
heightened it out.
When he came to the end Of 1t she
sighed and said, ooh, do wish had
been there!"
81 wish you had said Ronald, with
fervor. But, l say, this is a very
jolly morning. Couldn't you put or
some clothes and come out? The
Park isn't up to much; but it's better
than nothing at all"
Pollyooly's eyes shone; but she said
81 can't leave the Lump"
Bring him alone: he won't howl
suppose"
HE never howls," said Pollyooly
quickly.
Right o: hurry up" said Ronald.
Pollyooly was not long dressing her
self and the Lump in the clothes witt
which they had been presented by Mr.
Hilary Vance. the artist to whom Pol
lyooly had sat for the illustrations t.
set of fairy stories in the Blue Maya
zine. Ronald looked at her little
anxiously as she came into the room
but at the sight of the Liberty con
lection which so admirably adorned
her angelic beauty, his face cleared
and he said. by Jove, you do look al
right"
Pollyooly smiled the gracious smil
of one who has received q tribut
known to be deserved.
They sailed forth from the Tempt
into Fleet Street, and found it YER
like an oven.
Wed better take a taxi to Picca
dilly," said Ronald,
What for?" cried Pollyooly, aghas
at the extravaganza There's lots o
motor buses and they'll take us Their
just as quick. It's no use spendin
money on taxis when there are 8
much nicer things to spend it on"
"But I've lots of money. M
grandmother gave me f1ve-pound not
last night: and I only changed il thi