The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-05-14
The Eueni1g Story
Nudge, Chaperon.
(By Fanny Kenderdine.)

egram TO Mrs. Ramsey. Sno re-
garded it with vexed resignation.
Girls she said, addressing her
pretty daughters, you must go home
with me. Mrs. Kittredgc wires me
that she will be in Boston on the
2Oth-tomorrow-to make me the
Compromised visit. OF all times in
the world to come.
But, mother objected katha-
rine, why can't you write Mrs. Kilt
redge and tell her to visit us here in
New York? We can have heaps
more fun
Mrs. Ramsey shook her head. I'm
possible. Celia Kittredge is my dear
est friend and circumstances have
combined so that she has never been
able to visit me in my home. Coming
direct from British Columbia her
first stop will be at my home. 1 must
be there to greet her." Her tone
was final.
There is no reason why we should
not remain until after the Beasley
concert began Rosalind, but the
look on her mothers face checked
her words.
"Unchaperoned? ?" asked Mrs. Ram
Sey in horror.
Find us a chaperon for the re-
mainder of the week and then we'll
come home and help entertain Mrs.
-<ittredge," urged Katharine.
Il do not know a woman in town
of whom l would ask such a favor,
but there is my cousin, Algernon
Mudge-you will remember that 1
have told you that he was custodian
of a private library and museum
he would be a most valuable guide for
you during the remainder of your
stay"
Algernon Nudge,
Visions of his portrait in an OBJ
scure corner of the library at home
assailed the mental vision of the girls.
Cousin Algernon Nudge was small and
pale and very learned looking. His
little moonlike face was almost OBJ
Scured by a pair of huge tortoise
shell trimmed SpectacleS.
gernon Nudge, their mothers second
cousin.
Il will write him a note and ask
him to call, and, Rosalind, pack my
bag-Katherine, order a taxi and look
up train-no, look up the train first,
goosies and then wire Hannah Mary
to have James meet me at the station
Oh, dear, we have been planning this
New York trip so long and 1 do hate
to go home and miss the concert" :.
While Mrs. Ramsey sighed and
wrote her note the girls flew around
obeying her commands
At o'clock they returned from the
Central station and faced each other
across the luncheon table in the hotel
restaurant
Algernon has received mothers note
by this time
Katherine slipped her bouillon.
Did you send the note by special
messenger" she asked, wide-eyed.
"Of course
Then he will call this afternoon
was hoping we might have time to
get used to the idea of having him
around
IF he is away-or cannot officiate
M n homo
at once" reminded Rosalind.
When they reached their sitting
room they were confronted by SER
want bearing the car of Mr.. Alger-
non Nudge.
All this for the benefit of a little
near-sighted student!
"Come!" said Katharine. and they
went down to the red parlor where
the visitor awaited them.
But the only occupant of the red
parlor was a tall, big-framed young
man.. smartly arrayed in most fleck
less clothes.
Where was Algernon Nudge, the ex-
pected chaperon?
The handsome young man gazed ex-
pectantly at the two girls.
oh" murmured Katharine in con-
fusion. Il thought he said Cousin
Algernon was here
The young man bowed profoundly
Il am here" he said pleasantly.
"You-you are mistaken" said
Rosalind haughtily. We are looking
for our cousin. Mr.. Nudge"
Il am Algernon Nudge" insisted
the youth, placing a card on the ia
BILE. MY father is laid up with an
attack of rheumatic govt and he sent
meas a sort of substitute chaperon.
Hope you don't mind"
The girls looked at each other in
dismay. They knew what their moth |
er would have said under the circum-
stances.
Katharine looked appeaiingly at her |
elder sister.
I'VE didn't know that Cousin AL
gernon had a son." confessed Rosa |
lind. I'VE thought he was a child |
you. Cousin Algernon; but we were
mo wonder" said Algernoon, shak-
ing hands vigorously Expecting a |
neat little chaperon like dad, and find |
ing mel"
I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you won't |
do" sighed Rosalind.
TOO young-and attractive?'' He
laughed outright.
Entirely too young corrected |
Katharine, with hooking eyes. I'VE
are so sorry about dear Cousin Alger- |
non. I suppose we shall have to go |
home" she ended with a sigh.
"Oh, bOther!" said young Algernon. !
Let me take you about bit. How |
long have you been here?'
Arrived last night" announced |
ROSalind, trag1cally-
Say, that's bad luck, isn't it? Ever |
been here before?"
mo: we live in Boston. and it hasn't |
seemed-Seemed necessary" went on |
Rosalind. But now we are here there |
are so many things we wanted to see;
just common everyday sights that |
you will laugh at
For instance?'' he suggested pleas !
antly.
.-Oh, Grants tomb-the Statue of
i1ar RI he
Zoo-the Aquarium-the Flatiron
building and the Woolworth-"
And Brooklyn bridge and Staten
Island" added Katharine defiantly