Gilpin observer., 1917-05-31
T0Trenches


If have my way, the last. Dear!
Dear! Could one wonder If my dazed
state as left "Doves Nest" aroused
the suspicious of the policeman at the
corner? Could one wonder If made
tracks for the nearest hotel and
gulped down large brandy and soda?
''You must come and see us, old
man, directly we get settled" Jack had
said. "Pussy-I mean Florrie-says
you're the first of my pals to be in
vited. She's always had a fancy for
you."
The contrariness Of women! At
Jacks wedding had been in par
ticularly bad humor. For one thing,
detest weddings; for another, Swiper,
the scratch player at st. Bede's, had
invited me to have round on his
course. AS everyone knows st. Bede's
is one of the swagger links, and it
isn't everyone that Swiper will play
with. To make matters more annoy
ing, it turned out just one of those per-
feet September days that seem sent
on purpose for golf. And to be COM
PEELED to decline such an outing for a
wedding. Ughl
And so-in spite Of my scowls-
Pussy pussy. indeedD had taken to
me. By-the-by, Tabby-I mean Pussy
had sister. She played the part
Of bridesmaid at the ceremony-one
of those bunny-brained, bird-eyed crea-
lures who babble and babble until
their victims are reduced to state
bordering on idiocy.
The love birds had nested in one
of those offensive outrages against
good taste erected by the jerry-build-
er and advertised as desirable resi-
dences." 1t formed one of a pair of
doll-like boxes, despatched with col
Ored pebbles stuck in cement, while
the tenants had the advantage of
peeping at the outside world through
narrow Sits that served as windows.
Jack himself opened the door. His
greeting was of the overdone, effusive
king, common to the man who receives
a friend in his own house for the first
time.
"Awf'ly jolly glad to see you, old
chap. Come in. Let me take your hat
and coat. Fluffie's in the kitchen CIV
ing the girl lift with. the dinner.
You've no idea what job it is get
ting maids. This Is the third in six
weeks
So, he was beginning to find it out
already! I could scarcely hide a
glance Of pity. Fluffie! The last
time we met it was Pussy. What
would 1t be next?
From the smell Of burning that came
from the kitchen I foresaw that was
let in for young wife's elementary
attempt at something in the culi-
nary line that was beyond her powers.
This surmise proved painfully correct.
As Jack and I were smoking
cigarette in small box of a room he
called his "den," the Pussy-Fluffie
creature made an abrupt entry, show
ing heated complexion tragic man.
ner. and strong inclination to fall
In Jacks arms and weep ON his shoul-
der.
"Why what's the matter, wee one?"
he asked, throwing away his cigarette
Gone of my best brand, too) and has
tening to meet her.
"It's-it's the omelette," the "wee
one" sobbed. I'm sure did all the
cooking-book said, and it's turned out
awful"
'"There, there, chickabiddy, don't
trouble! Bob here won't mind, will
you, Bob, old sport?"
The idiot was pattlng her back and
stroking her hand. had made pre-
tense Of being absorbed in a photo
graph Of the ''chickabiddy" that had
prominent place on the mantelshelf.
You know the type of photo? 1t is
that particular one they all have taken
when they have secured the captive.
preston of the unsatisfed huntress
is replaced by the offensive smirk Of
triumph.
suppose I said the right thing. I
don't know She was gushing and bub-
bling in a way that beat Tennyson's
brook into fits. "Was sure I shouldn't
mind II the dinner wasn't quite what
1t should be7" $50 good Of me to give
up my club for them" afraid must
find 1t very dull"-and lots more Of
that kind Of poppycock.
The dinner showed me that 1t was
a distinct misfortune to be the first
friend they had entertained in this
manner. OF the dishes 1t will be kind
er to say nothing. Jack made a dis
NAL attempt to carry the affair Off with
- lcv,~ -