The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-09-06

travel around with an unintere9tlnS
person like that. suppose he DEM
ineers over her and won't let her eat
this, that or the other thing while he
stuffs himself, and makes her walk
five miles every day while he rolls
around in automobiles. and makes
her accept engagements which she
hates, and insists upon her practicins
when she'd rather be out playing ten
mis-, and altogether makes himself a
general nuisance"
mo doubt" laughed Jack. II sup
pose she detests him."
"Just Think" she went on. There
he is new out there lolling around in
that delightful place. while his poor
singer Is enduring all kinds OF ago.
MES In this hot house."
Awful" declared Jack. Lets go
out and give him punch and dump
him into the lake"
Peggy's eyes twinkled. Gracious!
What hair-trigger disposition you
have! Poor little Dutchman!" Then
jumping up! But I'll 60 out with
you just for lark. ! feel sort Of
don't know how to explain 1t ex-
actly-but I'd like to do something
awful. I've been shut up pretty
much lately working hard. Don't
look so surprised, It's true. And Id
like to break loose and do something
unconventional"
Jacks eyes kindled. Il get you. Il
feel the same way myself. Let's sneak
out this way. move we give Herr
Dinklespiel a ducking."
Peggy giggled. Maybe he'll be
gone when we get there!"
Jack held the door and they soon
found themselves on the terrace.
"All right, then we'll tind some
thing else. Want some choco-
latest" He took box out his pocket.
II got them for the kids, Jessie
doesn't allow them to have any, so /
have to- smuggle them"
Peggy broke the seal and fished
out walnut. What an outlaw you
are!" she exclaimed admiringly. u
adore any one who has courage to
defy the laws and conventions"
Jack bowed appreciatively. "I'll
commit a murder Instantly! There!"
He stepped on an ant. my reward,
please"
Peggy held chocolate cherry to
his lips and he devoured 1t eagerly.
They came to the end of q pergola,
and below them spread the lake. On
bench hundred yards or so away
sat the little fat man putting cigar.
The lake was directly beneath him.
"Sh!" whispered Peggy, drawing
back. Don't let him see us!"
"Shall II" asked Jack eagerly.
She hesitated, then nodded i'm
pulsively Eyes, yes, 1t will do him
good! I've heard how mean he is to
Gardner"
So, tiptoeing through the shrubs,
Jack grabbed the bench in both
hands, suddenly tilted 1t toward the
water, and-splash! The little man
was in.
Jack came back grinning. HE
can't drown. It's only four feet deep
there. Let's go and tell Gardner. She
ought to give us something NICE"
Peggy was Instantly penitent. "He
might catch cold!"
Gold! Today! About as likely as
having sunstroke in January See!
He's crawling out, cussing like a Chi
uaman. Come on, let's 60 over to the
summer house and hunt up the kids. I"
So, leaving their victim to dry. out
as best he could, they climbed the
, hill to the little rustic summer house,
sort Of out-of-door nursery, where
three children in charge Of a nurse
were having a glorious time.' The
baby held up its little arms to Peggy.
you darling!" she cried, lifting it.
Baby gurgled with delight. Peggy
buried her face in the soft little neck.
Lets take her back with u.s." she
begged.
Jack was distributing the candy.
Sure thing!" he cried.
I'll take good care of her!" smil-
ed Peggy to the nurse as she started
down the hill with her burden. I'll
have to hurry" quickening her pace.
Tin expected at the house. VIII
you please, tell me the time!"
"Four-thirty," he answered, look
Ing at his watch. Cant you stay
just little longer?" he begged.
II did intend to-, but I've changed
my mind. Let's go In and hear the
rest Of the music. Maybe Gardner
will sing something you can under
stand"
II doubt it. but I'll go IL you do. )"
Splendid" she cried.
But what shall we do with the
baby?"
take her along!"
Just as you say" he agreed
doubtfully. I'll have to go and wash
the chocolate off my hands, though.
You so in and I'll join you in min
ute."
Five minutes later. Jack Park re-
turning through the big hall heard a
familiar song, "Mammy's Little Ala
bama Coon" coming from the crowd
ed drawing room.
He looked through the door and
there beside the piano, her arm
thrown around the baby, stood Peggy
singing. Her hair curled in pretty
confusion, ner dress was rumpled and
smudge Of chocolate showed nes.
the dimple in her cheek.
"Hush-a-bye, my little pickininnS