Courier Democrat., 1917-02-15


jewell
"Plcase don't mind Buzz, Mr.. Car
ruthers-he just can't help buzzing."
"For always I will be your humble
slave, Mile. Susan" was the answer
I made into her laughing eyes.
'sThat will do, Robert. You don't
know how spoiled Susan is, and you're
making trouble for me. Besides, you
haven't seen the baby Belle in war
paint yet. Let's go call on her now!"
And that Mr.. Buzz Clendenning was
in moment ready for making moro
new friends for me. "Come on, Su-
san, we can tie Prince Bob on the
running board
'Why, there's Belle at the gate now
and-yes-it's Mrs. Whitworth with
her. l wonder when she came from
New York." said Mile Susan as we
went to meet the guests approaching,
I on the one side of her and the Mr.
Buzz on the other.
"The beautiful Madam Whitworth
came down upon the same train which
I occupied l said as l remembered
to raise from my head my hat by that
action on the part of my Mr.. Buzz
"Oh, then you have been presented
to L'Aiglon?" said Mr.. Buzz to that
Madam Whitworth, who stood smiling
while I was presented to the very
lovely girl of very great blondness,
who both blushcd and what is called
giggled as I kissed her hand, though
in her eyes l found a nice friendliness
to me.
1--WE are old friends who know all
about each other. aren't we. Mr.. Rob
ert Carruthers?"
Indeed, 1 have much joy that l was
given the opportunity to know the very
beautiful Madam Whitworth at SO ear
ly a time i'll my life in America
made answer to her question in words
as l bent also over her hand for kiss
Of salutation.
And then l had great amusement
at the skill with which that Madam
Whitworth brought it to pass that l
walked with her from that gate and
left the three new and lovely friends
lection and regret at my departure
"Of course, it was horrid Of me to
snatch you like that from those in
fants, butt really had the claim to
have you for q little time to hear your
impressions of IIayesville, now. didn't
1?-you boy with eyes as beautiful as
girls she said to me as 1 walked
down the wide street beside her
Il hope you will always make such
claims Of me, madam" l made an
swer with the great sweetness with
which l was determined for the time
to keep covered the steel knife.
Il know how to claim-and also to
reward" she answered me with a
warmth that gave me a great discom-
fort. "And how did you escape from
the general into feminine society on
your very first day? Wasn't there work
for you at the capitol? I understand
that they are expecting that French
commissioner very soon now" She
asked the question with an indiffer-
ence that [ knew to be false.
81 think it is that 1 am allowed to
get my-what you say in English?-
land legs" I answered With much un-
concern.
Speaking Of that Frenchman who is
coming down for the mule contracts,
Of which by this time you have doubt
less heard, wonder why it is that the
Count of Lasselles, your friend, is
sending one Of his lieutenants instead
Of coming himself. Did he say any
thing OF coming down later? I wish he
would, for to my mind he is one of
your greatest soldiers, and 1 would like
to look into his face. That portrait in
the Review is one Of the most interest
ing l have almost ever seen. Is there
any chance of his coming down?" And
I was of a great curiosity at the anx-
iety in her face about the movements
of my capitaine, the Count de Lasselles.
"1ie told me only that he would go
to the grain fields Of English Canada,
madam" answered her by guardedly
telling her no more than my words
upon that train had revealed to her.
"lf he writes to you you must tell me
about it," she said, with great friendI-
ness. II am interested in everything
that happens to him"
II will do that, with thanks for your
interest" I answered to her, with an
air Of great devotion. "And behold, is
it not the Twin Oaks Of my uncle see
across the street?" I asked as 1 stop.
ped in front Of that fine old home that
was now mine,
"Come on down the street to my
home and I'll give you cup Of tea,"
she invited me with very evident de-
sire for my company for more ques-
tioning.
II give many thanks, but that is not
possible to me, as l must write notes
to my Pierre and old Nannette for the
evening railroad. | bid you good day,
beautiful madam" And again l bent
over her hand In salutation of de-
parturc.
"Then I'll see YOU again SOON" she
snid ana smiled at me as ! stood, with