The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-05-24

 OVERNIGHT By Philip HI. BarthO1Omae Story of Fun and Frolic of Two Friends, Bride grooms, Who Find Themselves With Each $ Others Bride on the First Day of Their Honey moon-The Story Is One of Absorbing Interest

seessSAS6t6ttl6SllI llIlISllA12lSISIlIlij(N ) rled, forced into it against their will
 Presently she perceived them on tn
 balcony. They had just emerged fror tnelr rooms again. Kettle had foun,
 his watch and they were preparin, to descend for breakfast.
 The conspirators slipped behind tn oesk to watch the couple, listen t, thelr conversation and if possible fin, | in 1t some clue to the strange situa ton. But Kettle had overhead jus enough before they slipped out O sight to realize that he was bein, watched. Elsie too had heard ant she turned to Kettle in genuine des | pair.
 We will simply have to fool then somehow-to ,allay. their suspicious l We will have to: pretend to be very much in love with each other. IT kiss your hand and you call me deal or sweetheart" he said to her quick ly, in a low voice.
 Well, all right" she replied hesi- tat1ngly and disgustedly. Let's gc 1 down and have it over with. Bu, how about Percy and the note?'' 1 "Oh, that's. all right" he urged Just talk about Percy-the old fool -or something like that. Pretend he's your pet dog"
 With that they came slowly down the steps arm in arm, while Kettle rolled his eyes at her and sighed deeply. How charming you look, sweetheart" he began tenderly and Ioudly enough to be heard at the far ends of the big hall
 I'm so glad I married you!' she returned happily and very much as if she meant it. Kettle looked startled. Fine, that last one!" he whisper ed. Keep it up!"
 They had scarcely reached the bot Ff fh ~A>s-
 and Darling came in, walking should CT to shoulder and both still angry. Their faces looked hard and deter mined. On seeing Kettle and Elsie they stood for a moment as if petri- ged. Then emitting a little outcry of astonishment and delight they made combined rush toward their respec- tive other halves. Elsie had not ob- served them come in and her next re- mark caused Georgina to pause sud- denly aghast, before she had been noticed.
 You dear. you are just the dar- lfngest boy in the wide world" she was saving with considerable feeling ettle took her hand and lifting it. pressed his lips ardently against it. A look of scorn stole slowly over Geor- g1na's placid face. Darling stood with curling. contemptuous lip. q wonder how Percy is tonight?" Elsie went on with just shade too muck or flippancy. How do you suppose the dear little fool is getting along !? !! did have some compunction about leaving him, but then I have you!''
 And I have you," he sighed, with a melting look. Then dropping FL sies hand. he added, much as if he cocktail for breakfast
 II wish T. dared have one" she snickered.
 Apparently Miss Patchen and Mrs. Cleveland were convinced that their suspicious were unfounded, for they emerged from their hiding-place with an elaborate pretense of having just left the dining-room, 'I think I'll try one, they could hear Elsie say to Kettle All at once on turning his mead and glancing toward the other slde Of the staircase the latter caught sight of Darling and Georgina stand Ing glarlng at them. With remark aple presence of mind he slowly faced Elsie again and with forced quietness begged her not to make any outcry or to utter syllable of any kind, for her husband and his wife were stand ing together in that very room now. With the eyes of Miss Patchen and Mrs. Cleveland directed upon them and taking in the whole situation.
 Elsie wavered a little as if she were going to faint and she cIung to kettle,s coat laped for support. Ket- tie felt himself growing a little dazed and he chung to Elsie. But they stood their ground.
 Those two old hens are still there" he whispered tragically, ''and they must never find out So we must greet them casually
 All right, if you say so," Elsie muttered weakly just as Mrs. CIeya- land approached them to inquire how fvxyn f1a eymooners were getting on that morn ing.
 Why here are Percy Darling and his wife," Kettle heard himself say ing as he managed to walk across the nall and offer a haand to his old col lege friend-who still stood glaring hercely We must carry out this bluff," he added quickly in feverish undertone, until we can get rid of those two old hens!"
 To Kettles intense relief, Caroline and Rivers came in arm in arm and dragged the two reluctant old hens into breakfast. It left the field clear and rational manner Elsie stepned away from the support of the stair case banister and ran toward Darlinp
 Oh, Percy, I am so glad to find you at last!"- she cried with tears in her eyes. her breast heaving with 
 Hasn't this separation been awful GeorglEa! Kettle cried hastening toward his wife,
 But to their mutual bewilderment and complete discomfiture Georgina and Darling only glared back savage ly, arms folded and standing frigidIy | and condemningly aloof.
 Chapter XIV.
 
 Yes, can well imagine how awful 1t has been" sneered Georgina look | ing down at her little husband with fine scorn.
 put her in your carer roared l Darling with enraged sarcasm as he | strode toward Kettle and shook his l first in his face. Jolly we'll you've | taken care of heri"
 But think of the scandal" begged l Kettle as an explanation of his bluff. |
 The scandal must be avoided" agreed Georgina loftily.
 We will leave things as they are," l declared Darling, "and all depart on |