The diamond drill., 1919-08-23

Rather Not"
happy. We won't urge YOU II you'd
really rather not"
II really wouldn't" he said content
edly.
Half an hour later George was pass
ing through the upper hall. In a bath
robe stage Of preparation for the eve
ning's gayeties. when he encountered
his Aunt Fanny. He stopped her.
Look herer' he said.
What In the world is the matter
with your" she demanded, regarding
him with little amiabIlity. "You look
as II you were rehearsing for a villain
In play"
His expression gave no sign OF
yielding to the request: on the con-
trary. its somberness deepened. II
suppose you don't know why father
doesn't want TO go tonight" he said
solemnly.
HE never wants to 20 anywhere
that / ever heard OF" said Fanny
what is the matter with your"
HE doesn't want TO go because he
doesn't like this man Morgan. Look
here. what makes you and-and ev-
| erybody SO excited over him?"
Excited" she jeered. Cant
people be glad to see an old friend
without silly children like you having
20 make to-do about IL? I've just
been in your mothers room suggest
ing that she might give a little dinner
for them"
"For who?"
For whom. Georgiei For Mr.
Morgan and his daughter"
Look heref" George said quickly
Don't do that Mother mustn't do
that. 1t wouldn't look wen"
Wouldn't look well =" Fanny
mocked him; and her suppressed We
hemence betrayed surprising acerb-
ity. 'See here, George Minafer.
suggest that you Just march straight
on into your room and finish your
dressing Sometimes you say things
that show you have pretty mean
little mind"
George was so astounded by this
outburst that his indignation was de-
layed by his curiosity. "why, what
upsets you this way?" he inquired.
IL know what you mean" she said,
her voice still lowered, but not de-
creasing in sharpness. you're trying
to insinuate that I'd get your mother
to invite Eugene Morgan here ON my
account because he's widower"
II amp George gasped, nonplused.
'rm trying to inslnuate that you're
setting your cap at him and getting
mother 10 help you? Is that what you
meanf"
Beyond a doubt that was what Miss
Fanny meant. She gave him white
hot look. "You attend TO your own
affairs :" she whispered fiercely. and
swept away.
George. dumfounded. returned to
his room for meditation.
He had lived for years In the same
house with his Aunt Fanny, and II
now appeared that during all those
years he had been thus intimately as-
sociatlng with total stranger. Never
before had he met the passionate
lady with whom he had just held
conversation In the hall. So she want
ed 20 get married. And wanted
Georges mother to help her with this
horseless-carriage widoweri
"WelI. / viii be shot r. he muttered
aloud. II well--I certainly will be
shot" And he began TO laugh.
'Lord 1mightyw
But presently. at the thought of the
orseless-carriage widower's daugh-
ter. his grimness returned, and he re-
solved upon line OF conduct for the
evening. He would nod TO her care
lessly when he first saw her; and
after that he would notice her no
more: he would not dance with her
he would not favor her In the cotil-
lion--he would not go near herl
He descended to dinner upon
the third urgent summons OF the col
ored butler, having spent two hours
dressIng-and rehearsing
The Hon. George Anderson was
congressman who led cotillions--the
sort Of congressman an Anderson
would be. He did n negIigently to-
night, yet with infalIlble dexterlty.
now and then glanclng humorously az
the spectators. people OF his own age.
George had carried out his re-
henrscd projects with precision. He
had given Miss Morgan nod studied
into perfection during his lengthy tot
let before dinner. "Oh. yes. do
seem TO remember that curious little