The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1914-05-07
why didn't you send me some

i can exlpain all that"
Girls, will you excuse us?" Broad
way asked, and as they nodded went
slowly down upon the lawn with Ran
KIN toward a clump of cedars. 1t had
Deen planted in circle, favorite and
1unereal form of lawn decoration in
those ATTITUDES, and in the solemn
space inclosed there was, he knew, a
garden seat. Gust few moments"
broadway pleaded as he went with
Rankin toward this deep seclusion.
Then I'll walk home with YOU"
All right" Curiosity consumed
the maidens. All this seemed exceed
ingly exciting to them. But, after all,
they were not sorry for an opportunity
to talk alone for a moment.
Broadway was very anxious, but
Rankin said no word until they were
within the leafy chamber. Even after
they had reached its solitude Broad.
way had to urge:
We'll. come on; what's the news?"
Surprising news, SIR" Rankin an
swered hesitantly.
Broadway was all the more impa-
tient. well, tell me; tell me! What
did she say? How did you get rid of
herr"
II didn't get rid of her, SIR"
What? Where did you leave her
them"
1-didn't leave her, sir. I've been
with her ever since"
Where is she now?" asked Broad
way timorously, his voice weakening.
She's here, sir"
This was terrifically shocking. The
worst had come to pass then-those
fears which were so bad that they
had been put aside as utterly unthink.
able. "She came back with your"
There was look of horror on the face
lOf Jackson Jones.
Eyes. sir"
His masters wrath rose. "You idiot!
What did you let her do that for?"
Rankin spoke slowly and reluctant.
,ly. "She insisted that she must see
you and talk with you, sir"
Now rose soul in wild revolt. 81
)
But she's right outside the hedge,
sir. You must see her!"
q"
"Oh, she's perfectly reconciled, sir;
believe me-"
Here was shock as pleasant as
the other had been terrible. 1t was
almost too good to be true Recon.
lciled! You mean she understands
that Il"
"Oh, yes, sir. She's already sent
out a denial of her engagement to
you"
His hearer could have rent the air
with shouts of Joy, but did not. He
lonly asked namely: HAS she?"
YES, sir" Now Rankin once more
|hesitated. I'm the form, sir, of-er-
lanother announcement"
This nearly stunned his master.
l"You mean she's engaged to someone
lelse?"
Eyes, sir; she's going to marry the
earl of Cortland"
The recently harassed youth bright.
Iened. Was life to be entirely smooth
and joyous after all, instead of only
partly merry, with the balance turned
into tragedy by his ancient Sweet
heart, dearie?" THE earl Of Cort.
Iland!" he exclaimed.
Eyes, sir; will you see her, sir? l
think it's best for all concerned"
You're sure, are you? It's not a
i
isn't trying to trap me?"
mo, sir. May ASH her to come in?
She's just behind the hedge"
did Bob see herr
mo: he was 20 busy talking with
his father, sir, that he did not recog-
nize US as we passed. Seems to be
most earnest, sir, his father"
Rankin, If you're certain. bring her
in. But If ~"
I'm quite certain, SIR"
Jackson waited for them near the
entrance to the verdant circle. He
thought 1t better not to 60 back to
the house. Even If the lady was quite
reconciled there still might be some
details Of her conversation which he
would not care to have heard by the
girls especially one of the girls.
Almost Immediately Rankin re-
turned with Mrs. Gerard, not only
walking by his side, but clinging to
his arm. Her voice did not sound
'warlike as she greeted Broadway.
How do you do, Jackson? she said
quietly.
How do you do, Mrs. Gerard!"
HAS Rankin told your"
Eyes, Mrs. Gerard; Rankin has told
me" a
She really seemed very much upset;
hut not belligerently 20. I'D never
.lbe happy II New York should imagine
i,rd been Tilted. or the subject Of q
I.psactical Joke, = she began simply. NY
,e1cnos Tor thriving you over l. 2 very,
,gsol NY snsag mt e tAs sax q
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