Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-05
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR NOVEMBER S. 1911

My position here, Sir, IS truly the most
enviabe in the world. Prudence IS an
admirable cook, particularly as regards
Yorkshire pudding; gentle, little Miss Pris-
ella is the most-er-auntlike and perfect of
housekeepers; and Miss Anthea is our sover-
eign lady, before whose radiant beauty
Small Porges and |, like true knights and
gallant gentles, do constant homage, and in
whose behalf Small Porges and | do stand
prepared to wage stern battle, by day or by
night.
aIndeed,~ said Cassilis and his smile was
even more supercilious than usual
"Yes, Sir" nodded Bellew, Il do confess
me most fortunate and happy wight who,
having wandered hither and yon upon this
planet of ours, which is SO vast, and 50 very
small, has by the most happy chance found
his way hither into Already.
"And may | inquire how long you intend
to lead this Arcadian existence
a fear cannot answer that question until
the full o the moon, Sir. At present, !
grievc to say, do not know.
Cassiis struck his riding boot sudden
smart rap with his whip; his eyes snapped,
and his nostrils dilated, as he glanced down
into Bellows imperturbable face.
AT least you know, and will perhaps ex-
plain, what prompted you to buy all that
sale, understand.
"Who bought anything, yes" nodded
Bellew.
"And, pray, what was your object You,
a stranger?
"Well, replied Bellew slowly, as he began
to fill his pipe Il bought it because it was
there to buy, YOU know; bought it because
furniture is apt to be rather useful, now and
then; | acquired the chairs to-er-sit in,
the tables to-er-put things on, and
"Don't bubble with me, Mr.. Belew!'
al beg your pardon, Mr.. Cassils''
"When | ask question, Sir, | am in the
habit of receiving direct reply.
"And when | am asked a question, MIR.
Cassilis, | am in the habit Of answering it
precisely as please, or not at all.
"AIr Bellew, let me impress upon you,
once and for all, that Miss Devine has
friends, old and tried friends, to whom she
can always turn for aid in any financial diff
Guilty she may have to encounter, friends
who can more than tide over all her difficult
ties without the interference of strangers;
and, as one of her oldest friends, | demand
to know by what right you force your wholly
unnecessary assistance upon her!
"A1y very good sir, returned Bellew,
shaking his head in gentle reproof, really,
you seem to forget that you are not address
ing one OF Your gTOOrnS, or 1OOL1ne1, cO1lSe-
quently YOU force me to remind you OF the
fact; furthermore
"That is no answer!" said Cassilis, his
gloved hands tightly clenched upon his hunt
ing crop, his whole attitude one of menace.
Furthermore" pursued Bellew placidly,
settling the tobacco in his pipe with his
thumb, "vou can continue to-er-demand
until all's blue, and | shall continue to lie
here, and smoke and gaze up at the smiling
serenity of heaven
The black brows of Cassilis met in sud
den frown, he tossed his whip aside, and took
a sudden quick stride toward the recumbent
Bellew with so evident an intention that
Small Porges shrank instinctively farther
within the encircling arm.
RUT at that psychic moment, very fortu-
= nately for all concerned, there came the
sound Of a quick, light step, and Anthea
stood between them.
"Mr. Cassilis Bellew!' she ex-
claimed her cheeks flushed, and her bosom
heaving with the haste she had made.
"Pray, whatever does this mean?'
Bellew rose to his feet, and. seeing Cassills
was silent, shook his head and smiled.
upon my word, hardly know Miss An
thea. Our friend Mr.. Cassils seems to have
got himself all worked up over the-er-
sale fancy