The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-24
CHAPTER v.
I Become an Ancestor.

tracted from me. laid OF my
workmen the next morning.
They trooped in bright and
early. considerably augmented by fresh
recruits, who came to share the bene-
fits OF my innocuous prodigality. and
II l live to be thousand shall never
again experience such II noisome half
hour as the one | spent in listening to
their indignant protests against my
tyrannicai oppression of the poor and
needy. In the end | agreed to pay
them. one and all. for full days
work, and they went away mollitied,
calling me true gentleman to my face
and heaven knows what TO my back.
Punctually Ut D O'Clock that evening
i was in the balcony. thanking my
lucky stars that II was bright moon
Lit night. There was every reason to
rejoice In the prospect OF seeing her
face clearly when she appeared at her
secret little window. But she wore a
white, flny veil. naturally conclud
ed that she was homely.
Good evening"" she said on opening
the window.
Good evening"" said I. contriving to
conceal my disappointment How Is
the baby?"
Very much better, thank you. 1t
was so good of you to stop the work
men,
Won't yon take Off your veil and
stay awhile?" asked. politely face
tious. 1T is not quite fair to me. yon
know"
Her next remark brought blush Of
confusion to my cheek A silly notion
had induced me TO don my full even.
ing regalia, spiketail coat and ALL
Nothing could hrve been more lndi.
erously incongrnous than my appear
ance. am sure. and never felt more
uncomfortable in my life.
How very nice you look In your new
suit" she said, and l was aware Of a
muffied quality In her ordinarily clear
musical voice. She was laughing at
me. Are you giving dinner partyT
II usually dress for dinner" lied
with some haughtiness. And SO does
Poopendyke." ! added as an after,
thought. My blush deepened as re-
called the attenuated blazer in which
my secretary breakfasted. lunched and
dined without discrimination.
"For GreteIs benefit. l presume"
AHA! You do know GreteI. then?"
"Oh. I've known her for years. Isn't
she quaint old dear2"
II shall discharge her in the morn.
ing" said severely. "She is a liar,
and her husband is a poltroon. They
positively deny your existence in any
shape or FORM"
"They won't pay any attention to
you." said she. with laugh. "They
are fixtures. quite as much so as the
walls themselves. You'll not be able
to discharge them. My grandfather
tried 1t fifty years ago and failed.
After that he made it a point to dis
miss Conrad every day In the year and
Gretel every other day. As we'll try to
remove the mountain. Mr.. Smart
They know you can't get on without
them"
II have discharged her as a cook"
said triumphantly. "A new one will
be here by the end of the week."
'Oh." she sighed plaIntively. "how
glad I am! She Is an atrocious cook.
! don't like to complain. Mr.. Smart but
really 1t is getting so that can't eat
anything she sends mp. 1t Is jolly Of
you to get In a new one. Now we
shall be very happy"
by lover said I. completely stag
gered by these revelations.
81 have thought 1t over, Mr.. Smart" :"
she went on In businesslike manner.
"and | believe we will get along much
better together If we stay apart"
Ambiguous remarks ordinarily reach
my intelligence. but | was 30 stunned