The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1915-03-12

did not like the part he was playing
and felt that the meeting lacked that
warmth there should be between two
persons who were intending to be
married. But ii was not long before
Miss Ellison began 10 appear more
used TO the change she found in him
and seemed especially DESTROYS for Il
return To the former feeling that mad
existed between them years agOne.
But she gave no hint that she expect
ed the careSSes To which lovers are
privileged This was comfort TO
Archibald
The day after this meeting Archi
bald informed Miss Ellison that he
had brought friend with him from
America VINO knew no one in Rome
When about 10 start out with her to
see the sights he asked permission to
! introduce him. This was granted, and
Mr.. Duncan was introduced as Mr..
Archibald.
Il am pleased to meet you. Mr.
Archibald" said the lady. Indeed
any friend of Mr. Duncan's is friend
| of mine If he cares to be SUCH"
Duncan WINGED. There was not the
slightest sign that she recognized her
| fance. A party. the two men and the
lady being among the number. was
driven to the coliseum. then to the
| forum and other objects of interest.
and during these visits Miss Ellison
devoted herself to the real Archibald,
leaving the real Duncan severely In
the cold. She seemed inclined 10 get
her pretended fiance away from the
others and was not at all careful OF
her speech In referring to Duncan.
who was much disgruntled at the sue
cess of the ruse and his position with
reference to his fiancee.
"Your fat friend doesn't seem TO be
in very good humor," she said loud
enough for Duncan to hear. What's
the matter with him?"
This put quietus on the fiat
friend 8" sightseeing with the others
for that day. He disappeared while
the party were exploring the forum
and did not return.
Archibald mildly demonstrated with
the lady. saying that his friend was
fine fellow, very sensitive. and his
overhearing her remark had doubtless
wounded him to the quick. Miss Eli
son professed regret and promised IL
Archibald would bring the gentleman
back she wouldn't do so any more.
That evening when the two men
were together at their hotel Archibald
had great difficulty In keeping Duncan
from returning Mt once to America.
whats the use Of my hanging about
here?" the latter exclaimed The ro-
nance Of a dozen years ago has gone
up In smoke. Great Scott. man. I'm
your fat friend!"
Archibald finally secured a promise
from Duncan that he would see Miss
Ellison once more before returning to
America, and when he did so she re-
ceived him so graciOusly that he was
sufficiently Modified to join a party
for visit to the ruins of the baths
of Caracalla. On this occasion Miss
Ellison shifted her favors from the
spurious to the real Duncan. This was
not to the formers satisfaction. and
when the two men met for dinner 1t
was Archibald who would return to
America.
shes as much of dirt" remarked
Duncan. las she ever was. 1t was
born In her.
What a fool I have been." replied
Archibald. Ito permit myself to be-
used in such Il matter I'm out of it
from this time forward"
Il heard you promise to 20 with the
party to st. Peter and the castle of
st. Angelo tomorrow morning."
well. that shall be the last Of it,
I'm Off the next day for Genoa and
thence home"
At St Peters and st. Angelo the
wind shifted again. and the spurious
Mr.. Duncan came In for all the favor
itism. And 80 1t was that Miss Ellison
kept the two men on the eve of going
home. FIRST one. then the other, till it
looked as IT their friendship would
not only be broken. but they would
have each others hearts blood
One day a little note came. address
ed to Mr.. Archibald for the real Mr.
Duncan from Miss Ellison, asking him
II he could find it convenient to call
upon her that evening. He accepted
the invitation with alacrity and found
the lady alone in her private parIor.
IL have sent for you. Mr.. Archibald"
she said. ito tell you that my engage
ment with Mr.. Duncan. Of which you
are aware. must be broken. I should
be obliged II you, as his bosom friend,
would break 1t to him as gently as
possible"
'I-you-you don't mean itv'
II am dreadfully sorry. but 1 can't
help it,
Am to tell him that there Is an.
other attachment
The lady cast her eyes on the floor
Then she suddenly threw her arms
around her companions neck.
"Will." she said. what did you mean
by folsting your friend upon me as
yourself?'
"You knew me?"
Eyes; at once"
But I've changed. I'm bald. and
Two