The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-04
CONTINUED


able. She was learning to pronounce
my name and getting nearer and near.
er to II every day. At the time of
which now write she was calling me
with great enthusiasm) by the name
of "Go-go," which reduced to aborig-
inal American means Man. With the
Strong-Arm. Who Carries Baby"
1T is very nice of you to ask me up
to dine with you" said !.
isn't It about time was doing
something for you In return for all
that you have done for me? she In
quired gayly. I'VE are having par
ticularly nice dinner this evening, and
! thought you'd enjoy change"
"a change?" said /. with a laugh.
."As II We haven't been eating out OF
the same kettle for days.
81 was not referring to the food"
she said. and was very properly
squelched.
Nevertheless. speaking of food"
said l. ut may interest you to know
that expected to have rather sump-
tuous repast of my own to celebrate
the deliverance. A fine, plump pleas
ant. prepared la Oscar. corn fritters
like mother used to make, potatoes
Picard
"And a wonderful alligator pear
salad." she interrupted. her eyes dane
ing.
stared. "How in the world did you
guess?"
She laughed In pure delight, and l
began TO understand. BY the Lord
Harry, the amazing creature was in
viting me to eat my own dinner in her
sale manger! well. may l be hangedi
You do beat the Dutch!'
She was wearing wonderful dinner
gown of Irish lace. and she fairly spar
kled with diamonds. AS ! looked at
bic | couldn't help thinking that the
count was not only scoundrel but all
kinds of fool.
at was necessary for me to bribe all
of your servants. Mr.. Smart" she said
''You did not offer the rascais mon-
ey hope" | said in horrifed tone.
"No. indeedr' She did not explain
any further than that, but somehow
knew that money isn't everything to a
servant after all. 81 hope you don't
mind my borrowing your butler and
footman for the evening"" she went on.
Not that we really need two to serve
two. but 1t seems so much more like
function, as the newspapers would
call It."
1t was my turn to say "No indeed"
sand now you must come In and kiss
Rosemary good night" she said. glanc-
ing at my great Amsterdam clock In
the corner.
We went into the nursery. 1t was
past Rosemary's bedtime by nearly an
hour, and the youngster was having
great difficulty in keeping awake. She
managed to put her arms around my
neck when ! took her up from the
bed. all tucked away in her warm lit
tie nightie. and sleepily presented her
own little throat for me to kiss. that
particular spot being where the honey
came from In her dispensation lof
sweets.
was full of exuberance. An frre-
sistible impulse to do jig seized upon
me To my own intense amazement
and to Blake's horror began to dance
about the room like clumsy kanga.
roo Rosemary shrieked delightediy
into my ear. and ! danced the harder
for that. The countess. recovering
from her surprise. cried ont in laugh
ter and began TO clap time with her
hands. Blake forgot himself and sat
down rather heavily on the edge of the
bed. think the poor woman's knees
gave way under her
"Hurrah" ! shouted to Rosemary,
but looking directly at the countess.
Were celebratingw
Whereupon the girl that was left In
the countess rose TO the occasion and
she promoted with graceful abandon
before me in amazing contrast to my
jumping Jack efforts. Only Blake's
reserve and somewhat dampeaing ad.
monition brought me to my senses.
"Please don't drop the child, Mr..
Smart" she said. | had the great sat-
isfaction of hearing Rosemary cry when
] delivered her mp to Blake and starr
ed to stink ont Of the room in the
wake of my warm checked hostess.
"Yon would be wonderful father.
sir" said Blake. relenting a little.
had the grace to STAY. "Oh. spshaww
and then got ont while the illnsion
was still alive. tAs I've said before.
] do not like a crying babyl
1t was the most wonderful dinner in
che world. otwlthstanding 1t was serv-
ed on n kitchen table moved into the
living room for the occasion. Imposing
Candida bra adorned the four corners of
the table and the very best plate IN
the castle was put to nse. There were
roses in the center of the board, a
huge bowl OF short stemmed Marechal
Mel beauties
. "Have ! told you, Mr. Smart, that
am expecting my mother here to visit
me week after next:"
2 She tactfuly put the question to me
at time when | was so full of con-
tentment that nothing cvnld have de-
pressed me.
lyon don't say so." exclaimed,
quite cheerfnly.