Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-18

Mulligan. He had come out from New
York on the train that reached Minister at
Z O'Clock. and had fastened to the oak
tree post Office at the far end of the park
before entering the house. He found two
little missives for each day that he had
been away. and as he was careful to read
them in exactly the order in which they
were sent. and was quick TO note their
progressive feryor. strange buoyancy
filled his bosom as though his soul were
dancing for joy Well, probably ii was.
Their affair had progressed amazingly.
although kept strictly within the boy and
girl limits which they had originally set:
and the one time that he had kissed her.
she had refused to he Modified until he
had produced half dozen standard child
stories to prove that this was an Incl
dent strictly consistent with the game
they were playing. Even then she had
refused to permit repetition. in spite Of
his convincing arguments that this bit o.
realism was positively necessary to give
class to their purely histrionic produc-
ton.
She had proved to be a rather exacting
young lady, refusing to step foot on the
Bennington grounds, even though the tan
gled seclusion was greatly preferable Ia
the possible publicity OF the country road
where he had met her while riding Ro-
land. Furthermore. she would not speak
to him during the day, but insisted on US
ing the oak tree and written communica-
tions. And this was carrying things In
extremes. because she had caused a small
pavilion to be erected in the corner of the
Burton grounds close to the oak tree
that she could write her missives in the
pavilion and mai them without leaving
il. Dick was getting his first personal
experience of feminine unreason.
This pavilion had been erected to mis-
lead the young lady's aunt. who was in
clined toward catechzing and who de-
manded ample reasons for any change OF
routine. A book and notebook seemed
ample excuse for maiden seeking the
privacy of a pavilion. and Bayard, the
collie. lent dignity and safety to the sit
uation. Not that lying on a rug and
waiting for something TO happen was
career which Bayard would have selected
had his choice been free one. Humans
are straining trial to an intelligent and
discriminating dog.
Strange as II may seem to those who
have not observed closely, or who have
forgotten, Dick and the girl scarcely
they had even forgotten that they had
any. or course, 1t Is undeniable that sci
entifc mating. which would take into ac-
count inherited tendencies. would greatly
improve the human. as 1t has already
many Of the brute species. but. unfortu-
nately, most marriages are arranged by
impulsive young things who forget that
there are more than two members Of the
human race. and what is even more dis
astrous. entirely overlook the possibility
of the membership ever being increased
After Dick had read, reread and read
over the notes he scrubbed a hasty
swer which pleaded eloquently for a
prompt interview. and then he FASTENED
in to breakfast. AS soon as this was fin
ished he and Muliigan hurried hack to
the oak tree. 1t was still early and no
answer was waiting. This so wrought on
Dicks nerves that he tore through the
mderbrush. filing Mulligan with ex-
pectancy and causing the keepers endless
annoyance. When at last they caught up
with Dick he made 1t perfectly clear that
there was an incompatibility between
himself and them which no amount of at
tention could bridge. and after they had
acted on Dicks suggestion and had gons
to guard the part Of the park closest To
the Staunton place, Dick returned to the
woodsy post ONCE with the disappoinf Cd
Mulligan, and was elated to find an an.
swer waiting him.
Go Be continued tomorrow