Williams news., 1917-10-18

"It's like your cheek" observed Craven. Have you mentioned the matter to Lydia?"
 Certainly not! She's having too good time. Women won't listen to a gratuitous lover unless bored or ac- lively unhappy"
 "Then why bother me with your lovesick vapors?"
 "Well, wanted to see how rusty you'd cut up. Besides, Mrs. Beggar- staff has discovered my hideous se- cret, and is now busy-or about to distributing handbills."
 Cant you shut her up?"
 'The law forbids cruel and inhuman punishments. Besides, I'm not sure I want her hushed. I'm not ashamed of the fact, and if let the Beggarstaf alone, sooner or later she or someone will mention the matter to Lydia, and then-well, rouse a woman's curiosity, and half your battles won.' Craven turned to inspect the pair at the rail. "She might do worse," he observed.
 ''Thanks
 "Than Quoin, mean" "Curse '" said Peter, flushing. "I'm in earnest, Tad"
 q believe you are" Mrs. Merrilees interjected with dispassionate scien- tific interest. q really believe you are, Peter. Certainly you were never so intolerably stupid when in love with me-"
 Peter, by this time recovered, fixed her with a reproving glance. Uttered in the presence of a third party" he said severely, islander is actionable. Merely because I didn't like to show my distaste for your infatuated ad- | vances, you take up with an emergoA- cy ration like Tad here, and then get sore because I don't forbid the bannS- peevish child!"
 "Just for that" said the woman, "just for that, Peter, I'm going to heap coals of fire upon your ungrate- rul head-and heaven knows I hope they'll scorch and blister"
 "Marble?" Craven suggested with open incredulity.
 Be quiet, Tad, and run an errand for me, like a biddable child" Mrs. Merrilees loosed the drawstring of a lacework wristbag, took out a tiny pocketbook, and from this last extract ed slip of paper. "Take that to the purser and bring me what it calls for"
 With assumed reluctance Craven heaved up from his place and rolled forward, while his fiancee cradled her chin in her hand and regarded Peter with whimsical smile.
 Quit itl" he said grossly. "You know"
 How about the others?"
 "Others? I never looked cross-eyed at girl before this."
 "PeterI"
 "Well, hardly ever. And, anyway, from now on I'm going to wear a sign board here" He sketched the site upon his waistcOat:
 Private. No Thoroughfare. This means
 "It seems so funny-you Laugh ing quietly, the woman looked up to review Lydia with a long glance | SoAC Q O dCdi 6lil, oAS oDoSh sSo.
 Promise never to call me mamma, . and I'll do my best for you."
 "What chance have I got, with Quoin making the pace? He's a regu lar fellow-Pm only a drawing room entertainer"
 He's a strange man," Mrs. Merri lees unused. "If he hadn't taken uI such an impossible profession"
 Do you suppose he has a case ir hand now; aboard this vessel, mean?'
 Gall him, and I'll ask"
 Peter complied with the best grace imaginable. "Quoin! I say, Addison come over here a minute. A beautiful lady wants to ask you something In a lower tone he added, You're the best little diplomat ever. I'll be grate full as long as I live" And rising witf the sunniest of smiles, he drew III chairs for Lydia and Quoin.
 "Yes, Mrs. Merrilees?" the detective inquired, taking the place at her side
 "Peter and I have been pickering about you," the lady fibbed brazenly Are you, or are you not, wasting you brilliant talents on my devoted trail ? Quoin looked puzzled. "Somethint on your conscience?' he advanced ten tatively. "You don't mean to try an! smuggling this trip, I hope"
 q can't make up my mind. I'd lov' to. Are you interested?" l "Only in your interests. Be ad yised-dontr
 'sWhy?" Mrs Merrilees pouted [ "W'hy not, if, as Peter would say, , can get away with it?'' of for no more moral reaSnnn Sail