Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1912-05-24

On, WASH ST GN "'fCs WIZ
dered what re v3::iG think il 10 ta:
heard our conversation IL the hall!
But it wasn't for he TO tell him he
was warming a What's-iJs-name to his
bosom, so | just mumbled reply.
Nevertheless" he shrugged, 1T is
EASY to see that she can't stand the
sight OF Francis" He shook his head
dismally. Charming girl, Mr.. Light
nut-a rare and perfect type OF the
English beauty at hor best
Oh, was she! Not if l knew any
thing about it, and l had seen three
seasons in London. By Jove, l was
so terribly shocked | could just feel
it in my face!
He seemed surprised. Don't you
think SOP" he insisted.
We'll, rather don't, you know!"
1t Just blurted out Of itself. Ion, l
say-noW, you're hot really in earn
est?" And I screwed my glass SO
hard in my embarrassment, hurt my
eye-"You know she's a freak! Why,
dash it" l pulled up, TOR alter eli,
she was a fellow guest.
He stared, damned his hands deep
in his pockets and bent toward me.
"Now. look here, my boy, do you mean
to say you don't think Miss Kirkland
q beautiful and winning sirl?'-l
guess he did see I meant it, for he
slowly emitted an expressive whistle
We'll, you are hopeless then-utter-
ly hopeless!" and dash it, he just
Groaned!
But now, my dear young friend"
he went cn, and with glance At tho
Uttered table, Il want you to go out
and get some fresh air before the
bloom OF the morning is past-if you
go out this way, you will avoid en-
countering those girls'-his hand gen.
thy but firmly urged me. ut has been
just abominably selfish of me to have
kept you stuffed in here; l know
have bored you to death with all this
talk about the family black sheep
feel that now I must let you escape"
"Oh, no-not at ALL" I protested
hastily and pulling back. Never would
do to let him feel that way, you know!
Really, pom honor now, thing l want
to do is just stay here and talk to you
about Frances"
"Oh, damn Fran-h'm-I mean
Francis viii keep" He caught him
self hastily before the stare OF my
glass, fumbling with the papers to
cover his confusion. Then he clapped
me on the shoulder, pressing me again
toward the door. You just go ahead
and 10 whatever you can with Fran
els, yourself-you are my only hope!
Or wait, and I'll prepare the way for
you tonight-that's it; that's best!-
and he went to nodding. Then he
halted my progress and eyed me in
tently. There's another thing"-his
voice dropped-"I think it's just as
we'll Jack shouldn't know Of your in
tentions about Francis; he would
never approve-oh, never"
He pursed his lips to just thin
curve as he shook his head positively.
His eyes bored at me over his glass
es l moistened my lips.
Il know he feels you have already
concerned yourself enough about
Francis" he said deliberately. THE
other night ct your rooms-er, you
know! Jack is so particular in those
little things. All, there's model for
you'll"
He looked upward and wagged his
head as he laid his hand upon the
door-knob. BY Jove, how l wished no
would open it, for the room was get
ting devilish warm!
And as for things l deplore IN
Francis-oh, no, never any OF that
with Jack!"-he stiffened proudly
The may, as have said, imbibe lit
tie too much, now and then; but
when It comes to scandal-Well, l
have yet to hear the slightest
breath"
A sharp knock cut in abruptly.
Come I'M" And he swung the door
open.
It was Jenkins to say person was
waiting to see me on important bust
ness.