Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1911-01-14
CHAPTER TX.
A Kettle of Fish.


Few disputes exist which have not had
their origin in women.-Juvenal-
l saw the heavy face of Mr. Paken-
ham go pale, saw the face of the Bar
oness Won Ritz flash with a swift reso-
luton, saw the eyes of Mr.. Calhoun
and Mr. Tyler meet in f1rmness. An
instant later, Mr. Tyler rose and
bowed our dismissal.
Mr.. Pakenham drew apart and
engaged in earnest speech with the
lady who had accompanied him; so
that meantime 1 myself found oppor-
tunity for word with. Mr.. Calhoun
Now" said 1, "the fat certainly is
all in the fire!"
Mr.. Calhoun took snuff.
You don't know women, my son,
and you don't know men, either" The
thin white skin about his eyes wrin-
killed..
Certainly 1 don't know what arts
may have been employed in Mr.. Cal
houn's Office at half-past two this
morning I smiled frankly now at
my chief, and he relaxed in turn.
I'VE had most pleasant visit OF an
hour. A delightful woman, a charm
ing woman, and one of intellect as
brain, her purse, and she laughed, for
the most part. Yet she argued, too,
and seemed to have some interest
as you see proved now All, 1 wish 1
could have had the other two great
motives to add to my appeal"
"Meaning-?''
"Love-and curiosity With those
added, 1 could have won her over; for
believe me, she is none too firmly an
chored to England. / am sure of that,
thought it leaves me still puzzled. If
you think her personal hold on yonder
gentleman will be lessened, you err,
he added, in a low voice. Il consider
it sure that he is bent on her as much
as he is on England. See, she has
him back in hand already! l would
she were our friend,"
rs she not?" l asked suddenly.
I'VE two may answer that one day.
said Calhoun systematically
Now 1 offered to Mr.. Calhoun the
note 1 had received from his page.
This journey tonight" 1 began;
| "can / not be excused from making
that? There is very special reason
What can it be?" asked Calhoun
| frowning.
II am to be married tonight, sir, >
said i, calmly as l could.
1t was Calhoun's turn now to be
surprised. Married? BOUNDS, boy
| what do you mean? There is no time
to waste"
4 do not hold it quite wasted, sir
said 1 with dignity. Miss Elizabeth
Churchill and for long time"
! Miss Elizabeth, So the wind is
there. Ell? My daughters friend
know her very well, of course Very
well done. indeed. for you But there
can be no wedding tonight"
/ looked at him in amazement. He
was as absorbed as though he felt EN-
powered to settle that matter for me
| A moment later, seeing Mr.. Pakenhan
| taking his leave, he stepped to the
/ side of the baroness
Mr. Trist," said Mr. Calhoun, g
| beg you to hand the Baroness vor
Ritz to her carriage, which will wal
at the avenue" We were then stand
ing near the door at the head of the
steps.
So now 1 took the lady's sunshads
| from her hand, and we two, making
adieux, passed down the shaded wall
| toward the avenue
"You are good cavalier" she sai(
to me. q find you not so fat as Mr.
Pakenham, nor so thin as Mr.. Cal
houn- Ny faith, could you have seer
that gentleman this morning in g
| wrapper-and in a red worsted night
capt.
"But what did you determine?"
| asked her suddenly. What has m,
| chief said to cause you to fail poo
| Mr.. Pakenham as you did? 1 pitieS
the poor man, in such a grueling, and
| wholly without warming"
-atcnsieur is droll.' she replied eva