The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-05-17

was warming what's-its-name to his
bosom, so l just mumbied reply.
Nevertheless" he shrugged, lit 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 her best
Oh, was she! Not if l knew any
thing about 1t, and 1 had seen three
seasons in London. By JoVe, l was
so terribly shocked I could just feel
it in my face!
He seemed surprised. Don't you
think so?" he insisted.
We'll, l rather don't, you know!"
1t just blurted out of itself. "Oh, ]
say-now, you're not 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" 1 pulled up, for after all.
she was fellow guest.
He stared, jammed 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
a beautiful and winning girl?"-l
guess he did see I meant it, for he
slowly emitted an expressive whistle
-"Well, you are hopeless then-utter.
ly hopeless!" and dash it, he just
groaned!
"But now, my dear young friend"
he went on, and with glance at the
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
tly but firmly urged me. ''It has been
just abominably selfish of me to have
kept you stuffed in here; I know J
have bored you to death with all this
talk about the family black sheep
feel that now must let you escape"
"Oh, no-not at ALL" T protested
hastily and pulling back. Never woult
do to Let him feel that way, you know!
Really, pom honor now, thing wanl
to do is just stay here and talk to you
about Frances
"Oh, damn Fran-h'm-I mean
Francis will 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 do 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. I moistened my lips.
81 know he feels you have already
concerned yourself enough about
Francis" he said deliberately. THE
other night at your rooms-er, you
know! Jack is so particular in those
little things. All, there's model fol
you!"
He looked upward and wagged his
head as he laid his hand upon the
door-knob. By Jove, how wished ne
would open it, for the room was get
ting devilish warm!
"And as for things 1 deplore in
Francis-oh, no, never any OF that
with Jack!"-he stiffened proudly
"he may, as I have said, imbibe lit
tie too much, now and then; but
when it comes to scandal-well, ]
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 a person was
waiting to see me on important oust
ness. 'H4 >:s.;gS