Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-02-12

very agreeable" remarked Cecilia coli
orlessly.
For myself" retorted Miss Hollis
ter, 81 should speak even more strong
ly. He repeatedly served us with tact
and delicacy. 1 had formed so high
an opinion of Mr.. Virgins that learn
ed with sincerest regret that his an.
cestors were Tories and took no part
in the struggle for American independ,
ence. There are times when 1 serious,
~ question the wisdom of the colonists
in breaking with the mother country,
but certainly no man Of character In
that day could have heSitated as to his
proper course"
Then. as though by intention, Miss
Hollister dropped upon the smooth cur
rent of our talk a sentence that drove
the color from Cecilias face.
"Hezekiah and Mr.. Virgins were the
best of friends" was Miss HoIlister'I
remark.
Cecilia's eyes were on her plate, but
her aunt went on in her hlithest fash,
ion:
You may not know that Hezekiah is
another niece, Cecilia's sister. She
was named. at my suggestion. for my
father, there being no son in the fam.
fly, and l trust that so unusual Il name
in a young girl does not strike you as
indefensible."
"On the contrary, il seems to me
wholly refreshing and delightful. AS
l recall the Sunday school of my youth,
Hezekiah was a monarch of great au-
thority, whose animosity toward Sem
nacherib was justified in the fullest
degree. The very name bristles with
spears and is musical with the truR-
pets of Israel. Nothing would make
me happier than to meet the young
lady who bears this illusrious name"
"As to the your knowledge of ancient
history, Mr.. Ames," began Miss Hol<
lister as she helped herself to the
cheese-sweets, L noted, were not in
Guided in the very ample meal l had
enjoyed-'it is clear that you were
well taught in your youth. l am not
surprised, however, for l should have
expected nothing less Of a son OF the
late General Ames OF Hartford. As to
meeting my niece Hezekiah, l fear that
that is at present impossible. Willis
Cecilia remains with me Hezekiah's
duty is to her father, and l must say
in all kindness that HcZekiah's ways.
like those OF Providence and the Gus
tom house, are beyond my feeble I'M
Outstanding. In a word, Mr.. Ames,
Hezekiah is different"
"Hezekiah" added Cecilia, with
feeling, lis a dear"
"PIease don't bring sentimentallsm
TO the table" cried Miss Hollister.
Mr.. Virgins once informed me in n
moment of forgetfulness-it was at
FOntainebleau, | remember, when
HeZekiah persisted in reminding a one
armed French colonel who was hang
ing about that we named cities in
America for Bismarck-it was there at
the inn that Mr. Virgins cOniided to
me his belief that Hezekiah bears a
strong resemblance to the common or
domestic peach. As a single peach at
thnt place was charged in the bin 1T
10 francs, the remark was III tirlcd, to
say the least But Mr.. Virgins was
so contrite when / rebuked him that
allowed him to pay for on" luncheon
no small matter, indeed, for Heze-
kiah's appetite is nothing If not ro-
bust"
Miss HOLSTER gave 50 many turns 40
the conversation that ! could reach no
conclusion as 10 her feeling toward
Virgins or Hezeliah HOLSTER, and, ~
for Cccilia. / was unable to determine
whether sh. was a prisoner at Hope
/ field Manor or the willing and devoted
/ companion OF her aunt.
Ia this bewilderei state Of mind,
| while we fingered over our coffee, the
| servant appeared with card for each
| Of the ladies / saw Cecilia start as
/ she read the name.
/ Mr. Virgins! How remarkable that
( be should have appeared just as we
/ were Speaking Of him" said Miss H0l-
/ lister. Be sure the gentleman Is com
( Portable in the library. James. We
/ shall be in 81 once. Mr.. Ames, you
viii. OF course be delighted to meet,
your friend lore. and you viii assist us
/ in distressing our meager hospitality
CTo De Loatiuued)