The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-06-04
lfernaiIy busy, you seen!'

l QlQu see. luOuSu AC ue1o OOCA
saying this all morning. But as he
seemed to think he was busy, wasn't
going to make any dashed break con-
tradicting him, you know. So 1 pre-
tended l did see.
Thank you-thank you, my boy!"
He patted me on the back. And as
you'll have an opportunity of seeing a
little more Of that charming girl, Miss
kirkland" Charming girl, indeed!
7 wondered what he would think, il
he knew Of her designs on poor Jack!
81 want you to go in for her a bit
cultivate her little; you may change
your opinion-eh?" He laughed soft
ly and paused in our progress through
the library to dig me sharply in the
side. GO ahead-hirt with her, my
boy! She will like it-all girls do,
and it will do you good; do both OF
you good!" The old boy beamed at
me over his glasses as he vented a
horrible chuckle; didn't seem to no
tice how painfully shocked l was.
A Irritation, indeed! And with the
trump, of all others! Of course he
was Just having his little joke, and
didn't seem to realize what devilish
poor taste he exhibited as the father
of my darling.
Thank you," 1 said rather coldly,
ssbut I don't think that-er-sort OF
thing would show much consideration
for Frances-and"
Rubbish" And, by JoVe, how he
laughed! "Do you think Francis would
show any consideration for your
he snapped his fingers. Il think you're
a bit too qu1xotic, young mani"
I didn't know-don't know now;
never was up on any Of those legal
terms. He knew what he meant!
"Pshaw, now!" he went on, 'ff that's
what's restraining you, you must drop
it! I want you to have a pleasant
time while you are here with Miss
Kirkland-get along with you!"-then
he pulled me back again-"You
needn't be thinking about the slight
est obligation so far as Francis is
concerned. Why should you when the
affair Is ali one-sided?"
"One-one-sided?" repeated falter-
ingly.
"Why, yes; the girl doesn't care for
anybody in the whole world except her
old father-and he idoliEes her!"
Oh, did he!
$50 you go on in there and loosen
up-have good time-and make her
have one; and keep it up this after
noon. I'm so anxious for, you to find
something to interest and occupy
YOU" His glance dropped an instant
to the papers and law books as though
wishing he had something better with
which to occupy himself. Besides"
he added carelessly, Francis won't
be here to see what you do-gone on
with Scoggins up somewhere in the
hills-big dog-fght up there and Fran
els took four ours, Scroggins two
they won't be back till night-so go
ahead!"
But I had caught the back Of a
chair.
"Dog-fght?" said family. Frances
up in the hills-and-and with Scog-
gins?" And she had only left me a
half-hour ago!
why, certainly" he said YEARLY,
almost testify. What of it? l tell
you you've got to get your ideas all
readjusted about Francis. What's the
matter with the dog-fght?'
$3.50 surprised I faltered; so
unexpected, you know!"
"Poof!"- he pushed me out
through the doorway-"I never face
anything unexpected in that quarter!"
But l think he would have, If he had
followed me across into the dining
room and had faced, as did
Frances! -sr7%'7 assFszssFss 'stt4sissA
$50 glad you didn't go to the dog
fight" I said presently, beaming
across at her delightedly.
Her sweet lips glowed at me as her
dainty fingers poised the tiny trident
before her lips. Jove, how envied
that jolly oyster! Then she smiled
witchingly, teasingly.
ct wasn't because didn't have an
invitation" she responded archly. l
knew! That beast, Scoggins!
"Umph," grunted the trump, seated
on the curve between us. Il verify
believe Francis would go to any
thing!"
scowled-couldnt help it, dash it!
And Frances saw, and ducked her
head, biting her lip and blushing. /
could have choked the trump for so
embarrassing her!
Yet the woman did try to be pleas
ant to me.
Did you ever find pearl in an
oyster, Mr.. Lightnut?" she asked.
"By Jove, no." 1 said, staring at her
for the fool question. For who could