The Washington herald., 1915-07-04
THE METEORIC ADVENTURES OF COME-ON CHARLEY %aSdaa

know, shipped them home yesterday
! to Eversole Castle
And thus, in the most natural way in
! the world, began Mr.. Carterts >acquaint-
ance with a delightfully."- democratic
nobleman.
Mr.. Teeters placed his hand over the
telephone transmitter and looked mys-
terious. Ny. Carter. peeping out into
the sitting-room from his bedroom door,
was torn between native modesty and
the desire for information: for he was In
his birthday suit. having stepped trick
ling from his bath at the secretary s
hail.
Its a lady. Come-On," proclaimed Mr..
Teeters.
Charleys eyes kindled
Say. BY George" he whispered with
unnecessary caution. Hold her, Skeet-
ers--'
Charley disappeared. and Mr.. Teeters
addressed himself to the fair one at the
other end of the wire. When Mr.. Carter.
attired in slippers and bathrobe. came
sprinting through the door not thirty
seconds later. Mr.. Teeters was arising
from the telephone There was an air of
repressed excitement about him.
It's all over he announced.
Mr. Carter stared at his secretary.
What do you mean he demGnded.
Mean" retorted Mr.. Teeters. why
You and me are going round to Tortonf S
tearooms on the Avenue and ask for
Miss Vera Kingsley. She wants to talk
about picture to us-an oil liza. ha.'
Mr.. Teeters simulated mirth with the
engaging expression of a man with the
tootha che. ''She must have seen us with
Harry Lynham. Said she'6 look for us
at l o'clock-and rang off with me sit
ting there like clam frozen in the mud.
EXtrornery, What"
past twelve
He leapcd back into his bedroom Mr..
Teeters heard him pulling out drawers
and slamming them shut. and giving
other indications of a hurried toilet.
The hour was not a fashionable one
at Tortoni's. and Mr.. Carter and his
secretary found the place a desert Of
empty tables. But a demure little maid
in bewitchinS apron conducted them to
a small room off to one side where sat
the lady at whose unconventional behest
they were come.
Sne regarded tnem StedullS from pair
of blue-graN eyes.
This is kind Of you she said simply.
and with grave smile.
''Glad I'm here" responded Charley
earnestly; and Mr.. Teeters mumbled
something intended to express his own
delight at finding himself present
He had, in fact. passed instantly under
the spell of the girls beauty. She was
tall and splsndidly rounded. Her feat
ures were lfke chiseled marble. and her
hair might have been sp0 from the red
gold of Ophir.
You are not strangers to me by sight"
Miss Kingsley informed them when they
were seated. But may l not pour YOU
some tea, Mr.. Carter-and you, Mr.
Teeters?'
There was tiny samovar before her.
and the fashionable tools appertaining
to it.
Thanks" said Charley. Good drink,
tea
Il was weaned on it," stated Mr..
Teeters. coming out Of his trance In
burst of lghtsome humor.
Miss Kingsley rewarded him with a low
laugh. like the tinkle of silver bells, apd
busted herself with the cups and sau-
GERS.
1T is because YOU are friends Of Lord
Lynham," she explained. that I VEN
tured to request this interview, and I'm
sure you will forgive me when I have
put my case I simply want you to help
me sell a picture to Viscount Lynham."
"Oh, that's it, said Charley, and look
ed at Mr.. Teeters.
rs it's it asking too much?" ques-
toned the girl. The laughter died in
her eyes. and the shadow of anxiety
"louded them
what about it. Come-On?" demanded
Mr.. Teeters. Can We do it? Harry says
he's played his string in this picture
game. Shot his wad-broke,' he inter-
preted for Miss kingsley's benefit.
oh. no. she exclaimed incredulous-
ly. why. his father, as everybody
knows, is the richest peer in England"
Guess he's picture broke" venture1
Charley. Gone his limit
But this is a Titan" cried Vera
Kingsley, as If this statement of itself
must sweep aside all objections.
"Ha. a Tishern," echoed Mr.. Teeters.
frowning wisely
Yes. 1t Is my mothers. 1t is a mar
velous example of the masters art. Lord
Lynham would surely buy it If he could
be induced to see it, But he won't lis
ten to me-
Too bad" .sympathized Charley.
faltered the girl. Il
thought that perhaps if l told you just
how 1t was you might arrange. for me
to See Lord Lynham, lf-if you would
be so good:''
She bent toward Charley with a little !!
supplicating gesture that made a lump |
rise in his throat. He Sulred it down. |
and jumped up from his chair with an
energy that overturned it
That's the trick" ne declared. Percy, |
get a cab. Come on. Miss kingsley, |
Hotel Spcnditt Tackle Harry. Make
him take a look
Miss Kingsley veiled her eyes. There
was light in them she would not have
him see.
Lord Lynham fortunately was in. and
came down to them in the drawins-room
IF the Spendtt He greeted Charley and
Mr. Teeters with his usual good fellow
ship. but when Miss Kingsley was pre-
;ented his manner grew distinctly formal.
'Oh. yes he remarked in 4 casual
way. II believe--eh?-that1 I've had the
honor of receiving several notes from
you. Miss Kingsley"
ITO which," returned the :. spirit
sdly. II have not had the honor of
reply. Lord Lynham."
Il regret to say that I was not inter-
ssted.' he rejoined.
But. Harry" interposed Mr.. Teeters.
she's got a-a-- What did YOU say it
Has?" he asked Miss Kingsley.
'Tish something prompted Charley.
Lynham lost his hold on his glass, and
TO have difficulty in finding it.
1T is Titan, Lord Lynham," said
he young woman, directing her words
70 that nobleman in what one might
nave fancied was almost tone Of re-