The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-01-05
90
&C


air Of satisfaction, and twice the NOV
ing but silent. lips Of Erebus repeated
it.
Then she said, "Oh, uncle, it's splen-
did,
Sir Maurice turned sharply: "You
tell anyone, little pitcher and I'll pull
your long ears" he said amiably.
Here he comes said the untnoved
Erebus, nodding toward figure com
ing swiftly across the common.
Three strides brought Sir Maurice
TO the top Of the steps. I'm going
back TO bed Tell him I'm in bed |"
he cried. and, slamming the door. he
vanished.
Captain Baster spent n barren morn
ing, chatting furiously at his failure to
find the man he had made his bosom
friend. The early afternoon was no
less barren but at tea-time he found
him at Colet House Mrs. Dangerfield
had invited her neighbors TO meet her
brother and Captain Baster. The
HIGHER Mathematician. the father OF
Virgins had come. and Mrs. Blenkin-
sop and Mrs. Morton aud the rector
aud DIS wife. and the squire. Mr.. Car,
niher nj Virgins had comeyNith
the Twins Mrs. DangerheH had
taken advantage Of the st. Martins
sumner afternoon to have tea In the
garden.
Captain B5ster's heart swelled big
within him: here was his chance to
shine. lie scizeu il with enthusiasm;
he was the life and soul Of the gather
ing; when he was NOT being humorous
he was important. telling them Of his
country-hOuse. his fiat IN town, his
race-horses, his hunters. his motor
cars, his exploits at polo cra1Set and
golf lie patronized everybody witha
splendid uffabllity, everybody @ 'ept
Sir Maurice. and him he addressed VI
tones of perfect equality. as "Maurice,N n
old boy" or "Nlaurice. old chap" or
plain Maurice" lie did shine his
agreeable exprtions threw him into
pcrspration his nose shone especially
and they all hated him. lie had re-
duced them to blank silence when
he told them how he had been stoned
by hulklng scoundrels the night be
fore. He paused and looked round Tor
sympathy.
Erebus rose from her seat and went
10 the gravel path; their eyes, slightly
dHzcd, followed her; she was a relief
"Curlous-very curious" said the
rector politely TO Captain Baster.
ErebuS chose three pebbles from the
path with great care. The first pebble
hit the wcathercock above the house
plumb in tine center; the second missed
its tail by perhaps an inch the third
hit the tail full ana the weathercock
spun round ms though vigorous gale
were devotug Itself to Its tail only
That's wherr meant to hit It the
a ftl
explanatory wave of the hand; and
she returned to her seat,
The silence that fell was oppressive:
Captain Baster was gazing earnestly
at Erebus his rowing black eyes were
fixed in an incredulous, unwinlSing
stare.
THAT shows you the danger of jump
ing 90 hasty conclusions" said the
Higher Mathematician in his clear,
agreeable voice. II made sure 1t was
the Terror"
$50 did l." said the Rector
Tho silence fell again. Mechanically.
Captain Raster rubbed the blue bump
on his marble brow.
Erebus broke the silence: she said.
"IIas anyone heard Wiggins's new
song?"
At least three hasty, thoughtless peo-
pie cried with one voice, NO! Let's
hear IT,"
"Come on. Wigglns,' cried the rec
tor ana the squire together, heartily.
The situation was saved.
Sir Maurice Thought not be knew
what was coming, knew II in the depths
Of his CONSTRUCTED heart: he glared at
the pqunnt glowing face Of his niece
as If he wished the earth to open and
swallow her mp.
Virgins held back little. Then.
pushed forward by the eager Terror.
he stepped forward and in his clear,
shril treble, sang, slightly out of tune
"Whcre did his colonel dig him up.
So young. so fair. so sweet,
With his shining nose and his square,
square toes.
Was it Wrapping or BasInghall
Street,"
As he sang, Virgins looked artlessly
at Captain Baster: as he finished.
everybody was looking at Captain Bas-
ter's boots; his feet required them
square-toed.
Captain Basters face was a rich
rose-pink he glared round the frozen
circle staring at his boots he saw the
faces melt into irrepressible smiles;
he looked at Sir Maurice, the man he
had made his bosom friend, for an in
dIgnant outburst; Sir Maurice was
smiling too.
Captain Baster snorted; then he
swelled with splendid dignity, and said
loudly. but thlckly II refuse Yes, ]
refuse TO mix in a society where chill
dren are brought up as hooligans-yes.
as hopligans"
He turned on his heel. strobe TO tho
gate, and turned and beloved, "Hooli-
gans %
He went through the gate. and
strobe violently across the common.
"Oh, Virgins! How could you"
cried Mrs. Dangerheld, in a tone Of
horror.
ut wasn't Virgins II was US We
made him - said the Terror
I'VE taught him! Virgins didn't
understand cried Erebus.
81 did understand absolutely. But
why did he call me 'Freckles'g' said
Virgins in a vengeful tone. Nobody
oan haIn havlner fraaIrlaa -