Middletown transcript., 1915-11-13


delicate Of all exhilarations. In the
melody itself there was an appealing
sympathy, and, in that moment. these
two were in as perfect accord as their
voices. There is something In the
music of the human tone which exerts
a magnetic attraction like no other in
the world; which breaks down the bar
riers OF antagonism, which sweeps
away the walls of self-entrenchment,
which attracts and draws, which ex-
plains and does away with explana-
tion. This was the first hour they had
spent without clash, and Rev. Smith
Boyd, his eyes quite blue tonight,
brought another stack Of music from
the rack.
The butler, an aggravating image
with only one Joint in his body. pa
raded solemnly through the hall, and
back again with the card tray, while
Gail and the rector sang "Juanita"
from an old college songbook, which
the Reverend Boyd had discovered in
high glee. Aunt Grace came down the
stairs and out past the doors Of the
music salon. There were voices of
animated greeting in the hall, and
Aunty returned to the door just as the
rector was spreading open the book
at Sweet and Low"
Pardon me-" beamed aunty.
There's little surprise out here for
you"
A rush of noise filled the hall. Lu-
cile and Ted Teasdale, handsome Dick
Rodley and Arly Fosland and Houston
Van Ploon, had come clattering in as
an escort for Mrs. Davies, whose pet
rad was to have as many young people
as possible bring her home from any
place.
where's the baby?" demanded
handsome Dick Dodley, heading for
the stairs.
SILLY, you mustn't" cried Lucille,
and started after him. Flakes should
be asleep at this hour"
Il came in for the sole purpose of
teaching Flakes the turkey trot," de-
clared handsome Dick, and ran away,
followed by Lucille.
"Lucile's becoming passe," criti.
cized Ted. She's flirting with Rodney
for the second time"
Can you blame herr" defended Arly
Fosland. She was sitting in the deep
corner Of her favorite couch, nursing
a slender ankle, and even her shining
black hair, to say nothing of her shin
ing black eyes, seemed to be swapping
with wicked delight.
Lucille and handsome Dick came
struggling down the stairway with
Flakes between them. and Gail sprang
, instantly to take the bewildered puppy
from them both. Little blonde Lucille
gave UP her interest to the prior right
but Rodley pretended to be obstinate
about it. His deep eyes burned down
into Calls, as he stood bending above
her. and his smile, to Howard's con
centrated gaze, had in it that danger
Gus fascination which few women
could resist! Gail was positively smil
ing up into his eyes!
"Tableau!" called Ted. "All ready
for the next reel"
Hold it while" begged Arly, and
even Rev. Smith Boyd was forced
to admit that the picture was
handsome enough to be retained. The
Adonis-like Dick, with his black hail
and black eyes, his curly black mus
tache and his black goatee, his pink
cheeks and his white teeth; Gail
gracefully erect, her head thrown
back, her brown hair waving and her
fluffy white Flakes between them; II
was painfully beautiful.
children, go home," suddenly com
manded Mrs. Davies. "Dick, put the
dog back where you found It,"
81 suppose well have to go home,
drawled Ted. Dick, put back that
dog"
| Put away the dog, Dick" ordered
the heavier voice of young Van Ploon
Come along. Gail. I'll put him away
At his approach. Dick placed the
puppy, with great care, in Calls
charge, and took her arm. Van Ploon
took her other arm, and together the
trio, laughing, went away to return
Flakes to his bed. They chung to her
most affectionately, bending over her
on either side; and they called her
Gail!
The others were ready to go when
they returned from the collie nursery
/ and the three young men stood for a
moment in row near the door. Gail
looked them over with puzzled ex-
preston. What was there about them
which was SO attractive? Was it poise,
sureness, polish. breeding, experience.
insolence, grooming-what? Even the
stiff Van Ploon seemed smooth of
bearing tonight!
They still were standing in the hall.
and the front door opened.
Brought you a prodigal," hailed
Uncle Jim, slipping his latchkey In his
pocket as he held the door open for
the prodigal in question.
Gail was watching the doorway.
Someone outside was vigorously
stamping his feet The prodigal came
in, and proved to be Allison. buoyant
of STEP sparkling of eye, firm of jaw,
and ruddy from the night wind. Smil-
ing with the sureness of welcome, he
came eagerly up to Gail, and took her
hand, retaining it until she felt COM
PEELED to withdraw it, recognizing
again that thrill. The barest trace of
o~N-NsNsNN-NNsN~NsNe
/ LAUGHING AT SERIOUS THINGS