The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-11-02
An Invitation
to Tea
By SADIE OLCOTT


was not the only thing about her that
resembled boy. She was given to
sports, rode on horseback astride be-
fore other girls got as far as divided
skirts, her own costume being a pair
Of baggy breeches. She was the best
chauffeur in the county and ran her
own machine without regard to speed
limits.
Her older sister, Amelia, was her op-
posite. Amelia was dignif1ed and was
never known to do anything that was
not eminently proper. She was en-
gagged to young lawyer. Ralph Per-
kins, whose clerical bearing marked
him rather for clergyman than an at
torney. Amelia's father, Mr.. Rowley,
was somewhat opposed to the match
because Of Perkins want Of fortune.
but he had no idea Of forbidding 1t.
Among Billie's idiosyncracies was
love for practical jokes. This was her
greatest real fault. Practical jokers
are burden on society, and the only
thing that kept Billie popular in spite
Of this propensity was that she was in
every other respect fascinating.
Papa" she said one morning, II
have come to a knowledge Of some
thing that will pain you very much"
"What Is 1t, sweetheart"
amelia is very undutiful. She Is
going to disregard your wishes respect
Ing Ralph Perkins. She's going to mar
ry him despite your objections to the
match"
"She doesn't need to do that. have
never refused my consent to it."
Nevertheless she's going to do It.
This afternoon Ralph is coming to tako
her to ride in his new car. They're
going to stop at st. James rectory and
be married"
"You don't mean itv'
Eyes, do. Now. l have q scheme
that should make the affair a very
pleasant one. Let's you and I and
mamma follow them in my car and be
present at the ceremony"
That same afternoon Perkins and
Amelia started on their ride. They
had no intention Of being married, but
they We're intending to take afternoon
tea with Mrs. Hardesty, the wife of
the rector Of st. James church, having
received an invitation to that effect.
True, the invitation had been forged
by Billie, but the lovers didn't know
that and so 1t didn't deter them.
A second car containing Mr. and Mrs.
Rowley and Billie left the house short
ly after the couples departure and
kept them in sight until they reached
the rectory. The lovers were admitted
BY a maid. and since they came by in
vitation, went in without asking for
MRS Hardesty. The lady was not AZ
home. Mr. Ilardesty was In the study
and on being told that Perkins and
Miss Rowley had called went In to see
what he could do for them.
He had scarcely entered the room
when there was ring at the doorbell
and the balance Of the Rowley family
entered.
There was surprise all round.
Amelia" said her father, "you have
been very much in error in supposing
that 1t was necessary for you to mar.
~ despite my consent. I am ready
to give you away and have provided
your dowry."
"Father." cried the astonished girl.
Il didn't come here to be married. l
came on invitation Of Mrs. Hardesty to
take afternoon tea"
At this Mr.. Hardesty took an interest
in the proceedings. he said there must
be some mistake. since his wife had
gone out and would not be back till
dinner time.
"Well." drawled Billie, "since you're
here, why not get married and have
done with it?"
Mr.. Rowley, well knowing Billie's
propensity for practical joking, looked
at her searchingly. She looked very In.
nocent. but did not undeceive him. He
hesitated between giving her a severe
reprimand and helping her through
with her scheme.
Mrs. Rowley looked much perturbed
and arose to go. She was not con.
vinced that Amelia was not deceiving
them.
There seems to have been some mis-
take" said Mr.. Rowley, "but since we
are all here, ready for wedding II
you two-referring to the lovers
choose to get spliced, have no objec
ton. This episode is bound to be
known and will excite much talk. II
1t is given out that the wedding wa.
expected by the family, 1t will be pass
ed of with no especial comment. II
on the contrary, 1t becomes known thai
1t is the ridiculous affair it Is we will
all be the laughing stock Of the town.
i agree with Mr.. Rowley," said Per
kins. II think we had better have Il
over with now and here. A forma
wedding would be bore to me-"
But it wouldn't be bore to me,
moaned Amelia.
Il have house ready for you," pu
In MIR. Rowley. "and l have brough
the rest Of your dowry," producing ,
check for $4,000.
The groom, Mr.. Rowley and Billie al