The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1918-06-27

little help. You won't mind giving me
a few points till get used to it, will
your"
NO, indeed" he asSented almost
too promptly, and he thought he no.
ticed Fred cough slightly to cover a
laugh. He began to wonder how he
could get sick on Sunday, but his
thoughts were dashed to pieces. He
knew that unless he poisoned himself
he could never deceiva Fred.
"Oh, it will be such fun exclaimed
Mrs. Campbell, and she smiled at him
happily.
They had a very pleasant hour, but
Tom had little conversation with
Fred's sister-in-law. BY mutual con-
sent Fred seemed content that he
should talk to his wife, while he him
self entertained the stately sister. Tom
understood that Fred wanted him to
know his wife better, so that he might
be more interested in women in gem
eral, and that he would approve of
his friends choice. So he listened to
the charming little lady and he became
her abject slave for evermOre And
he also thought that Fred had done
better than he deserved-he couldn't
possibly appreciate such marvellous
girl. And he told him so on the way
home. Fred laughed heartily.
you're wrong, Tom he contradict
ed him. Il assure you that | think
my wife is the most wonderful girl in
the world, and adore the ground she
walks on. But 1 thought you would
be more interested in my siSter-in-
law. | really think you are, tOO-but
you don't know it -
You're crazy. Fred. She may be
wonderful, but girls don't interest me
at all-Im through with all that sort
of thing forever"
But Fred only laughed again and
told him he'd be married himself in
six months, and Tom walked off in
dignantly.
The next afternoon Tom Kenny had
note from Mrs. Campbell.
Dear Lieutenant Kenny:-Tm sor.
ry. but I shan't be able to go skating
with you all tomorrow. I've strained
my ankle slightly, and would not dare
to try to skate on it so soon.
But the party will be just the
same. for my sister is anxious to go.
Will you come for her at the same
time, and we shall expect you to come
back to supper with US. Too bad Fred
doesn't care much about skating.
CORDIALLY yours.
ELEANOR CAMPBELL"
Tom shuddered. The worst had hap
pened. He would have to get Miss Ely
and pull her around the ice alone, and
Fred would stay home and laugh at
him. 1t was too much!
But he could not find Il way out so
he avoided Fred and appeared at Mrs.
Campbelps at the appointed hour. To
his surprise he found her alone in the
room, evidently dressed for going out.
You're better?" he asked Il was
sorry to hear you were sick"
81 wasn't" she denied, 'it was my
sister"
But you wrote me-"
"No, | didn't write you-that was
my sister, tool"
Il don't understand ut all--so many
sisters and things that I'm all mixed
w. Whose sister are YOU anyway
"Freds and Eleanor'S-I thought
You knew in the first place. but YOU
didn't. And then YOU began to think l
was my sister, ana 1t vas all So funny
that l just let YOU. Eleanor thought
it was good joke, and they helped me
pretend the other afternoon when you
were here. oh, I hope you won't mind
because I'm not Freds wfe-Im So
sorry if you're disappointed in me-"
Tom could hardly believe his ears.
and in his excitement he took the
girls hand in his.
disappointed :" he cried. "Why, |
never was so pleased about anything
in Iu% life. I'm SO glad you are only
Fred's sister that ! can't think, The
only thing | wouldn't like would be to
have You promise to be a sister 10 me
roo. Please don't do that, viii you?"
Dorothy Ely blushed and laughed ~
She got to her feet and walked toward
The door.
You'll have to invite me 10 be one
tirSt-and besides, have two brothers
of my own. Shall we 90 skating now,
or do you want to wait till my sister
can come along and chaperone uS?'
'No, l don't, but I'm ready to 90
anywhere in the world you ask me to
provided you are there, too. Do you
think you could be?'
Dorothy looked up at him and then
blushed again, and Lieutenant Camp
bell knew that his suit was won.