The state herald., 1913-07-18

Stoddard. can only remember how
good you've been to us all"
But Susan would not be denied Il
thought you were proud and vain and
and worldly, Agatha. And l treat
ed you harsh, know"
mo. no. Whatever you thought, it's
all past now, and you are my friend.
You'll help me to take care of this
dear old place-yes?"
THE Lord will establish the work
of your hands. my child" She sud-
denly turned with one Of her prac-
tical ideas. II wouldn't let that new
city man In to see Mr.. Hambleton Just
yet, IL / were you"
rs MIR. Straker trying to get In to
see Mr.. Hambleton?"
Knocked at the door twice this
morning, and told him he couldn't
come in. Why not?' said he. Danger
OF fever said |. Then Mr.. Hamble-
ton asked me who was there. and
said. 1 don't exactly know. but it's
either Miss Redmond's maids beau
or press agent and then Mr.. Ham
bleton called out. as quick and strong
as anybody. Go way! l think I've
got smallpox And he went off.
quicker'n wink, and hasn't been
back since" Mrs. Stoddard's grim old
face wrinkled in humorous smile.
Il guess he'll get over his smallpox
scare, but Mr.. Hambleton don't want
to see him, not yet. He wants to see
you"
I'm going In to see him soon, any
way" said Agatha.
But still she waited a little before
going in for her morning visit with
James. 1t meant so much to her 1t
wasn't to be taken lightly and casu-
ally, but with little pomp and cere-
mony. Each day since the night Of
the crisis she had paid her morning
call, and each day she had seen new
lights in Jimmy's eyes. In vain had
she been matterof-fact and practical.
treating him as an invalid whose
yagaries should be INDUCED even
though they were of no importance.
He would not accept her on those
terms. Back of his weakness had
been a strength, more and more per-
ceptible each day, touching her with
the sweetest flattery woman ever re-
ceiyes. 1t was the strength OF a
lovers spirit, looking out at her from
his eyes and speaking to her in every
infection of his voice. Moreover, while
he stoutly and continuously denied
his feversickness he took no trouble
TO conceal this other malady. AS soon
as he could speak distinctly he pro-
claimed his spiritual madness, though
nobody but Agatha. and possibly Mrs.
Stoddard. quite understood.
I'm not sick; don't be an idiot.
Hand. And give me a shave. for
Heavens sake. Anybody can get
knocked on the head-that's all the
matter with me. Give me some
clothes and you'll see" Even Hand
had to give in quickly. Jimmy's
residence passed all expectations. lie
came up like rubber ball: and now,
on fine September morning. he was
getting shaved and clothed in one Of
Alexis suits. Finally he was propped
up in an easy chair by a window over
looking the towering elm tree and the
white church.
Er-Andy-couldn't you get mo
some kind of tie? This soft shirt
business doesn't look very tit. does
1t. without tie?" coased Jim.
IF you ask me. ! say you look fne.-
"Where'd you get all your good
clothes, Id like TO know" Incurred
Jim sternly. looking ut Hands i'm
maculate linen.
Miss Sallie washes 'em after | 20
to bed In the morning." confessed
Hand
"oh. she does. does shei" jeered
Jimmy. Well. you'll have to 20 TO
bed at night. like other folks. nov.
And then what'll you do?"
Il guess Miss Sallie'll have to sit
up nights" modestly suggested Hand.
when n slipper struck him in the back.
Good shot! What d'you want now
an opera hat?" he Inquired derisively.
Andy" calculated Jim. dismay set.
Ting on his features. i've lust
thought! Do you s'pose I'm paying
hotel bills all this time n, The
Larue7"
Hand grinncd unsympatheticaliy.
III you engaged room. sir. and didn't
give II up. believe it's the CUSTOM
"Thatll do for now. Handy Andy. II
you can't get up any better answer
than that. Lord. what's thatl" jim
suddenly exclaimed. AS II he hadn't
been waiting. all ears. for that very
step In the passage.
u guess likely thnt'll be Miss Red.
mond." replied the respectful Hand.
And so II was.
Agatha. fresh as tho morning. stood
In the doorway for contemplatiye
moment. before coming forward to
take Jim's outstrotched hand.
GRO NE coNTINuED)
Rare Attraction for a sideshow.