The spectator., 1918-08-16
CHAPTER x-Continued.

gers. and. besides, never did any calling except on Thursdays.
 Vida pointed her finger at me for shame, the way children do. and led him away before 1 could think of any thing more.
 Ned says" she smiled at me as they went on up the beach. "that heav- en is place where there are no dra- matic critics"
 You tell him for me-" retorted, "that he knows more about heaven now than he ever will from actual ex- perience-unless, added. .'the girl he Is engaged to actually marries him."
 She waved her thanks and trotted on at the fat magazine mans side. Yes, said fat. There was something about him that was annoyingly fat, possibly his intellect. In figure he was no more fat than I am, but some way his avoirdupois Haunted itself fla g-antly
 disliked MT. Clair so thoroughly and heartily for few minutes that nearly forgot what I was standing in the lake for. I gathered up my clans and went back to the house. With criminal caution I went in the back way. SO that no one would see what 1 had brought. and built fire in the long unused stove. In getting those blyalves to loosen up 1 ruined two hatchcts, a can opener, a thumb and an already frazzled temper. Lucille came downstairs while l was iu the kitchen, but she did not come out where was. heard her asking some one in the living room. "Who left the telephone ofY the hookT'
 There was mumbled reply in the voice of Captain Perkins which l did not catch. Lucille apparently put the receiver back in It's place, because presently the telephone bell rang, and she answered 1t.
 "No," I heard her say. "Mr. Clair Is not here" Then. after a pause: "NO Miss Dunmore isn't here either Who shall I say called? Oh, you don't wish them to be notified? Very we'll" There was a click as of the receiver being placed on the hook.
 came in from the kitchen. Lucille greeted me pleasantly enough when asked her how she had enjoyed her nap.
 "I don't think I've been asleep" she denied. Il just rested. that was all" did not tell her that 1 did not be- lieve her.
 Your mother called up," said briefly.
 Called upr Lucille repeated. How could shef"
 From Huntingdon's island" I ex- plained and went on to tell what l knew of Mrs. Greens experience.
 ''She had no right to frighten me so.' Lucille exclaimed; also Lucille seltshly disregarded my suGerinss; also those of Bopp. His emotions, I imagine were chiefly confined to his digestive apparatus, but l suppose they must be classed as sufferings just the same.
 Ipointed out to Lucille that her moth CT had escaped only by a miracle.
 What possessed her to do such a thing?" Lucille was as pctulnnt as q half awakened child.
 'l had brother once who used to walk fin his sleep. There was a zebra that
 interrupted Captain Perkins. Your mother was scarcely responSible.' l said
 My brother was that way" chimcd in the real estate captain. You never could tell where you could find him nights. But the time that the zebra bit him was the curiousest. allow
 "The zebra bit him?" Lucile's inter- est was aroused
 The captain settled himself to tell his favorite tale, but did not get started because Vida breezed in with a rather shamefaced Clair in tow.
 She came directly to me.
 "l'u take that ring, please" she said.
 Do you really want itl'
 Certainly. am entitled to wear It." "Of course she ought to have your ring" urged Lucille. That one will do until you can get her something else. May I congratulate you, Miss Dunmorer'
 Has MT. Blainey told you about it?'' Vida asked. naturally surprised that a third party should take m interest in . testing wager
 He didn't need to-" Lucille smiled.
 With Clair present could hardly explain that Miss Dunmore had won my ring because K1c had made him propose to her. Thus I allowed my. self to be misunderstood once more.
 I retired as gracefully as possible tc the kitchen. to be followed there short ly by Lipton $. Clair.
 May speak with you aloneT' hc demanded cautiously, looking first right and then left like stage villain
 You will never see me more lone some than in your company" 1 return d. stirring my clans.
 Have you ever been engagedT He actually blushed as he said 1t.
 Why. yes"-I was inclined to bc reminisceD.-"chronically. I've been engaged ever since I was about six ,een years of age. Do you care t aA-