The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-10-07


rected mistress.
IF you will not regard II as a
liberty" said he, 81 should like to
express my relief and happiness at
your restoration among u.s."
Thank you-William," whis-
pered Mrs. De Peyster.
William, having delivered his
fluctuations, bowed slightly, and
started to turn away. But Matilda
had stepped forward behind him,
an imploring look upon her face.
Please, ma'am = please,
ma'am!" said she, in a tone that
left no doubt as to her meaning.
WAIT, William" weakly COM
manded Mrs. De Peyster. William
paused.
William, Matilda has - has
just confessed your engagement
She has also confessed how, dur
ing my-my absence-one night,
after driving with you, she-she
lost control of herself and serious
/ y offended you. She asks me to
apologize to you and tell you how
very, very sorry she is"
Indeed, l am, William" put in
Matilda ferveatly.
1T is my wish, William" con-
tinued Mrs. De Peyster, that you
should forgive her-and make up
things between you-and never
speak of that incident again--and
he happy and stay with me for
ever"
Matilda timidly slipped an arm
through Williams.
Forgive me, William" said
she appealingly.
Williams craven face exhibited
strange phenomenon--it witch
ed slightly.
THANK you, Mrs. De Peyster, !"
said he. And, bowling respectfully,
with Matilda upon his arm, he
went out.
well. Mary, I guess we'd bet
ter be going, too" said Jack, TAX
ing his wife's hand. Mother
respectfully, yet a little defiantly
Tin sorry that Mary and have
by our trespassing caused you so
much inconvenience. But Mary
and l and our things will be out
of the house within an hour.
Goodbye"
wait, jack" Mrs. De Peyster
reached up trembling hand and
caught his sleeve. "Olivetta," said
she. perhaps you and your =
your fiance could find-another
place for your condolences"
"Oh!" exclaimed Olivetta, start
ing up with flush. 2 .r
AS the pair went out: Mrs. DE
Peyster slowly raised herself up
and stood gazing for a moment at
her son.
do you really-want to
leave me, Jack she whispered.
81 have been invited to leave"
said he, "but l have never been
invited to come back"
With timidity, shot through
with tingling daring, she slipped
an arm about his shoulders.
Then l invite you," she said
TREMENDOUSLY. Wont you stay,
Jack?"
And Nary" said he.
Mrs. De Peyster slipped an arm
about Mary, and daringly she
kissed Mary's fresh young cheek,
and she drew the two tightly, al
most convulsively, to her. Moth
err" cried Jack; and the next in
slant the two pair of arms were
about her. And thus they stood
for several moments; until
Caroline" broke in the deter
mined voice of Judge Harvey, Il
told you was going to propose to
you again. And I'm going to do it
right now. Please consider your
self proposed to-"
She looked up-shamefaced,
+, flushing.
What, after the foolish woman
I've"
"Caroiine!"
The next moment Judge Har-
vey's arms had usurped complete
possession of her. And she wilted
away upon his shoulder, and Sob
bed there. And thus for several
moments.
They we're aroused by a polite
cough. Both looked up. Hallway
to the door stood Mr.. Pyecroft;
gazing at him, TREMENDOUSLY bewil-
dered.
Pardon me-" said he, In his
grave manner. pardon me, Judge
Harvey, but I believe you failed
to mention at what time your Of
flee opens"
What time my office opens?"
Judge Harvey repeated blankly.
Why?"
Naturally" said Mr.. Pyecroft,
81 wish to know at what hour
am supposed to report for work."
"Well-well-" But for q mo-
ment Judge Harvey could get out
no more. He Just stared.
Then in a voice of dryest sar-
casm: Would you consider It i'm
pudent on my part--I wouldn't be
impudent for the world, you know
Ito inquire what might be your
real name? I have heard you vari-
ously called Mr.. Simpson, Mr..
Preston, Mr.. Pyecroft. Perhaps
you have a few other aliases"
| 81 have had-yes. My real name
Ia Elliot Endieatf pradford TIL 4