The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-07-23

Gently at the shifting clouds above the
tree tops.
He did not see the WrandaI motor
at his garden gate until a lusty voice
brought him down from the clouds into
the range of earthly sounds. Then
he dashed out to the gate, bareheaded
| and coatless, forgetting that he had
been sitting in the obscurity of trailing
vines and purple blossoms the while
he thought of her.
Leslie was sitting on the wide seat
between his mother and sister.
Glad to see you back, old man."
| said Booth, reaching in to shake hands
| with him. Day early, aren't you?
Good afternoon, Mrs. Wrandall. Won't
you come in?''
He looked at Vivian as he gave the
invitation.
mo, thanks" she replied. won't
you come to dinner this EVENING""
He hesitated. I'm not quite sure
whether 1 can, Vivian. I've got half
way sort Of
'Oh, do, old chap" cut in Leslie,
Sorry 1 can't be there myself, but
! you'll fare quite as we'll without me.
I'm dining at Saras. Wants my pri-
vate ear about one thing and another
see what l mean?"
1--WE shall expect you, Brandon"
said Mrs. Wrandall, fixing him with
her lorgnette.
'Ill come, thank you," said he
He felt disgustingly transparent I'M
der that inquisitive glass.
Wrandall stepped out of the car.
I'll stop Off for chat with Brandy,
mother
Shall l send the car back, dear?"
Never mind. I'll walk down.
The two men turned in at the gate
as the car sped away.
Well" said Booth, cts good to see
you. Patti" He called through base
ment window. Come up and take the
gentlemans ORDER
mo drink for me, Brandy. I've been
in the temperance state of Maine for
two weeks. One week more of it and
I'd have been completely picked l
shall always remember Maine"
Booth sat down on the porch rail
hooked his toes in the supports and
proceeded to fill his pipe Then he
struck match and applied it, Leslie
watching him with moody eyes.
How do you like the portrait, old
man." he inquired between punctu
ating puffs.
Its bully. Sargent never did any
thing finer. Ripping"
81 owe it all to you, Les
ITO me?"
you induced her to sit to me-"
$50 1 did," said Leslie sourly. e.
: was Mr.. Fix-it sure enough" He al
lowed short interval to elapse be
fore taking the plunge. 81 suppose
! old chap if l should happen to neet
I your valuable services as best maj
in the near future, you'd not disap
j point me?"
i Booth eyed him quizzica1ly. 81 trus
e you're not throwing yourself away
Les" he said drily. 81 mean to say
e on some one-well. some one no
quite up to the mark"
e Leslie regarded him with some sc
verify. "Of course not, old chap
What the devil put that into you
! head?"
4 Il thought that possibly you'd bee1
it making a chump of yourself up ii
the Maine woods"
y "Piff1e! Don't be an ass. What
the sense pretending you don't kno1
d who she is?"
y Il suppose it's Hetty Castleton,
said Booth, putting away at his pipe
] who else?"
n Think she'll have you, old man J.?
asked Booth, after a moment.
Il don't know" replied the Other
| a bit dashed. "You might wish m
| luck, though
| Booth knocked the burnt Tobacco
| from the bowl of his pipe seriou
| line appeared between his eyes. H
was a fair-minded fellow, withou
| guile, without a single treacherou
! instinct
i II can't wish you luck, Les" h
| said slowly. "YOu see I'm-I'm
! love with her myself"
n "The DEVIL" Leslie sat bolt Vi
Il right and glared at him. Il migf
have known! And-and is she j
d love with you?"
"A MY dear fellow, you reveal CO..
"a siderable lack of tact in asking tn;
question:
What l want to know is this" e
4 claimed Wrandall, very pale but vel
ID hot: sis she going to marry you?"
Booth smiled 'Ill be perfect
= frank with you. She says she won't
= Leslie gulped. 80 you've aske
,r herr"
"Obviously."
and she said she wouldn't? ST
ou refused you? Turned you down." H
~ little mustache shot up at the en'
I'd and a joyous, triumphant laugh brol
from his lips. "Oh. this is rich! H
nd ha! Turned you down, Ell? Poor O
Brandy! You're my best friend, al
dammit I'm sorry. l mean to say
he went on in some embarrassment
I'm sorry for you. OF course, "
can hardly expect me to-er-"
rd certainly not" accepted Boo
He amiably. Il quite understand"
We Then, since she's refused you. "
in might wish me better luck
ri THAT would mean giving up hope
he "Hope?" exclaimed Leslie quick
is. ''You don't mean to say you'll ann
d. her with your"
MS mo, l shall not annoy her." repli
no his friend, shaking his head.