Middletown transcript., 1911-07-15

the way I've imposed upon his
good nature, for no matter how
much the laugh was on him, he
always saw the point Of the joke,
he always vowed he will get even
with me sometime, but I am not
losing any sleep over his inten-
tion.
MissDilton 5 smile Of apprecia-
ton came near developing into
a giggle. think we may credit
him with having made a success
full effort, her eyes full Of mirth.
Benton looked at her in sur
prise.
Did he write anything else on
the back Of the card? he asked
quickly.
Nothing at all. See! she held
it up before him. But 7 am safe
in prophesying that you will &C.
knowledge that he has paid off
all aid scores.
Has he 'phoned to you since he
left me? His tone was puzzled.
No, he hasn't telephoned. Shall
I tell you the point Of the joke?
she leaned forward, smiling.
He gazed fascinatedly at the
whiteness Of her throat where
the Dutch neck Of her gown left
it exposed. I'm consumed with
curiosity.
Well-suppose I told you that
Mr.. Hartley didn't telephone me
tonight, that he never has, ,phoned
to me, and that, furthermore 7
never met him in my life, nor
had I ever heard his name until
you sent up bis card tonight.
He rose to his feet in astonish.
ment. What! he shouted.
Never, she responded laugh
ing. I hope you are as good
natured as you represented him
to be-for the jokeis certainly on
you.
His face flushed with shame.
What must you think? If you
will allow me a moment to make
humble apologies I will make as
graceful retreat as the circum.
stances permit.
Miss Dilton smiled and pressed
the electric button beside her. !
have always had the weakness
for playing practical jokes my
self, and this seems an unusually
good one. Suppose, since we
have already met and conversed
at length without proper intro
duction, you remain uutll John
brings some sandwiches and tea,
and you can tell me some Of the
college tricks thatled to the just
retribution that has befallen you
tonight.
His relief was visible on his
face. The gods have not only
been merciful, he said softly,
they have been most amazing
kind.
Three months later Benton en-
tered the lobby of his hotel and
ran into Hartley. Hartley's face
expanded in his old-time grin.
Glad to run into you again, Ben
ton, have you been stalled here
ever since I left you at the stat
ton last fall? he asked.
Not exactly all the time. I have
been stationed in New York as
usual, but run down to Philadel-
phia some few dozen times, Ben
ton answered.
Thought you didn't know any
one in town.
| Benton smiled and led the way
into the grill room. Didn't until
you gave me that card of intro
duction.
Hartley slapped him on the
shoulder energetically. So you
really went to call on her? he
howled gleefully.
Yes, indeed! And I have call.
ed dozens of times since.
Hartley's eyes opened wide.
By jove! / have been wanting tt
meet that girl for the past two
years and I don't know a sou,
among her acquaintances. You
don't know the good thing you
have stumbled into, Bent, ole
boy, she is the SWEETEST of the
swell, and practically the belle
of the city. Let's call bygone
bygones, he said pleadingly, and
fix up some plan to have me
meet her.
With the greatest pleasure
, but you will have to pospone it 8
few weeks-the lady in question
lis to be married tomorrow.
Il just my luck, Hartley growled
disgustedly, who is the lucky
man?