Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-29

ly, smiling. Indeed, I scarcely know
what the resources of the establish
ment are, having entered into posses
sion only today; but whatever they
are, they are at your service"
There's no help for it, | suppose"
answered Haldane somewhat gloomi.
ly. II guess you will have to keep US
until morning"
Think how happy you make a lone.
~ old bachelor" returned Gormly, by
being his Christmas guests. And II
you will accept this situation, as In
deed I fear you munt, ! shall make ar.
rapgements so that you can be taken
to your own place on Christmas orn
ing. Let me consult my butler. who
was Mr.. Goodrich's major domo before
I bought the place. and sec what can
be done"
A brief conversation with that func.
tionary threw some little cheer over
the situation. qormly's own ward
robe, which had been sen down.
would amply supply the men with
whatever they needed, and the butler
impaired the cheering news that the
l~odgekeeper was a married man with
two grown daughters, and he had no
doubt that such things as the women
required might be secured from them.
Send at once" said Gormly quick.
ly, land ask Mrs. Bullen to come up
she can to the ladies. How are we
of for ~bedrooms?"
Plenty Of them, sir, and all ready
for guests.
We'll see that they are prepared.
and have Mrs. Bullen here immediate.
ly."
AS the butler went of to attend TO
these orders, Gormly re.entered the
room and found the whole party COM
fortably gathered about the fire. He
explained that he had found a. won.
an on the place, the lodgekeeper's
wife: that he had sent the station
wagon for her; and hat she would be
present doubtless within a half hour
with such Indispensable articles of at
tire as might serve to make the wom-
en- guests at least comfortable.
III you were only in communication
with your shop, Mr.. Gormly." said Mrs.
Haldane-and whether she meant to
be offensive or not, Gormly could not
tell-"we would lack nothing"
Il am sorry for your sake, madam,
that | am not. AS 1t Is, we shall have
to do our best with the limited re-
sources at hand"
Conversation ran on desultorily this
way for a short time, when the butler
announced the arrival OF Mrs. Bullen.
AS he did 80, the tall clock unsteady
chimed out the hour OF nine.
Now that your m Ia here, Mr..
Gormly," said Mrs, Ilaldane, rising,
''as am somewhat fatigued from the
to my room. ! suppose you young
people won't think of going to bed
at this unearthly hour?'
mo, indeed" answered Miss Stew
art. Il think III stay awake unit
Christmas"
VIII you go. Beekman?" said Mrs
Haldane. addressing her husband.
"ny-eT-ihy NtuI-
81 was about to propose a table o
bridge" said DR.. DeveauE?" .
An excellent idea" returned Hal
dane quickly: "but there are SIX o
us here and"
e! don't play" SAID Gormly quickly
"Ill stay out also" said Eleanor. "
! don't care mucn FOR bridge at best.
,r-oI -tohtp cnil No, IEo1ln~,
moving away. escorted by the butlei
T and met outside presently by Mr'
Bullen.
+ MIR Gormly and will watch you
! game" said Eleanor.
r by the way, Eleanor, may | as
where you met Mr.. Gormly?" Querie
her father.
: He Is very much interested in o,
social settlement work. Many of h
employees live In the vicinity of IL
new settlement house We are buildin
and l have had occasion to consu
Q him at his Office a great many times
n "Ah," said the elder man relectiv
ly, wondering how much might be b
y hind that entirely innocent statemer
y Meanwhile a footman arranged
card table. at which the quartet to-
st their places and instantly became Q
X sorbed in the game, Miss Halda'
manifested no special interest In I
~ play, and at Gormly's suggestion S
left the hall and went with him in
Id the inviting little library through t
v. broad open doors that gave access
1t from the hall. Another Are "
y. burning there. He drew a low chi
I'd before II in which she sat down.
at himself stood with his arm resting
the mantel. looking down on her.