The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-02-17
By j. Hartley Manners

|
fully good Of you. Some girls in your
position would have jumped at me
positively jumped. But you-why,
you're a genuine little hall marked Al
brick. I'm extremely obliged to you."
He took her little hand and shook it
warmly.
I you're plucky little girl, that's
what you area plucky-little-girl.
I'll never forget it-never. If there Is
anything can do-at any time-any-
where-calI on ME. I'll be there-right
on the spot.
BLESS you. cousin. You've taken
an awful load off my mind was
really worried. had to ask you.
Promised to. See you before you go!"
On the 30th day of June Mr.. Mont
gomery Hawkes. glanced at his ap-
pointments for the following day and
found the entry. Mrs. Chichester
Scarboro-in re Margaret O'Connell."
He accordingly sent telegram to
Mrs. Chichester. acquainting her with
the pleasant news that she might ex-
| pect that distinguished lawyer on July
| | to render an account of her stew.
ardship of the Irish agitator's child.
He was shown into the music room
and was admiring genuine Greuze
when Mrs. Chichester came in.
She greeted him tragically and mo-
toned him to Il seat beside her.
"We!l?" he smiled cheerfully. "And
how is our little protegec?'
"Sit down." replied Mrs. Chichester
som berly.
Thank you"
He sat beside her. waited moment.
then, with some sense of misgiving.
asked, Everything going well. | hope?'
Far from it," And Mrs. Chichester
shook her head sadly. she wants to
leave US today. She has ordered cab
She is packing now"
Dear. dear calculated the bewil-
dered solicitor. Where is she going?"
Back to her father"
"How perfectly ridiculous.'
But don't be uneasy" he replied cas-
lily: ''she will stay. May see herr"
Mrs. Chichester rose crossed over to
the bell and rang 1t.
There is one thing you must know.
Mr.. Hawkes.. My son is in love with
her." she said. as though in burst OF
confidence.
What? Your son?'
Yes" she sighed. "Of course she
is hardly suitable match for Alaric-
as vet. But by the time she is of age" =
Hawkes. was moving restlessly about
the room He stopped in front of Mrs
Chichester as Jarvis disappeared to
notify Peg
81 am afraid. madam. that such a
marriage would he out of the question.
AS one of the executors Of the late Mr..
Kingsnorth's will. In my opinion. 1t
would be defeating the object of the
dead mans legacy
Mrs. Chichester retortcd heatedy:
HE desires her to be trained What
training is better than marriage?"
almost any" replied Mr.. Hawkes..
Marriage should he the union of two
formed characters. Marriage between
the young is one of my pet objections.
1t is condition Of life essentially for
those who have reached maturity in
nature and in character. am pre-
pairing a paper OH it for the Croydon
Ethical society and
Whatever else Mr.. Hawkes. might
have said in continuation of another
of his pet subjects was cut abruptly
short by the appearance of Peg. She
was still dressed in one OF Mrs. Chi
chester's gifts. She had not had an op.
portunity to change into her little
travelling suit.
well. we'll. What an improvement"
he said
I'm glad you've come. Mr.. Hawkes."
why. you're a young lady" cried
The astonished solicitor.
"Ar, /: Ask me aunt about that"
replied Peg somewhat bitterly.
Now. my dear Miss Margaret O'Con.
aell''- began the lawyer
"N'ill We let me have f20?" suddenly
asked Peg.
"Certainly. Nov?" and he took out
his pocketDooE.
This mint" replied Peg positively.
with pleasure" said Mr.. Hawkes.
as he began to count the banknotes.
And | want ye to get passage ON
the first ship to America. this after
noon if there's one!" cried Peg ear
nestly.
"Oh. come, come" demonstrated the
lawyer.
THE f20 I want to buy somethin'
for me father-just to remember Eng
land by. II We think me uncle
wouldn't like me to have 1t because
I'm LAWN. why. then me father'll pay
ye back. 1t may take him long time.
but he'll pay It,"
Now, listen interrupted Mr..
Hawkes..
"Niebbe it'll only be few dollars a
week, but father always pays his debts
in time. That's all he ever needs
time
whats all this nonsense about go
ing away?"
ut isn't nonsense. I'm goin' to me
father" answered Peg resolutely.
Hawkes. hunted through his mind for
the cause of this upheaval In the Chi
chester home. He remembered Mrs
Chichester's statement about Alaric's
affection for his young cousin. Could
the trouble have arisen from that2 1t