The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1919-04-05

"No accident has happened, if that is
what you mean," she said.
"But-why, yes, that was what 1
meant. You was SO awful late, and
you know you said you'd be home for
dinner, so'-
II changed my mind. Come, Steve"
She turned to leave the room. Pear
son at that moment entered it. Ste
phen saw him first.
"What?" he cried. "Well, of all the
nerve! Look, Carol"
"Jim-Mr. Pearson I mean-ran in
few minutes ago." explained Captain
Elisha, bewildered and stammering.
HE thought, of course, we'd had din
ner-and-and-he just wanted to wish
you many happy returns, Caroline"
Pearson had extended his hand, and
Good evening" was on his lips. Ste
phen's strange behavior and language
caused him to halt. He flushed, awk-
ward, surprised, indignant.
Caroline turned and saw him. She
started, and her cheeks also grew GRIM
son. Then, recovering, she looked him
full in the face and deliberately and
disdainfully turned her back.
"Come, Steve" she said again, and
walked from the room.
Her brother hesitated, glared at Pear
son and then stalked haughtily after
her.
Captain Elisha's bewilderment was
supreme. He stared open mouthed aft
er his nephew and niece and then
turned slowly to his friend.
what on earth, JIM" he STAN
mered. whats 1t meanT'
Pearson shrugged his shoulders. 81
think I know what it MEANS" he said.
II presume that Miss Warren and her
brother have learned of my trouble
with their father"
'Hey? No, you don't think that's it?'
II think there's no doubt of it."
"But how?"
II don't know how. What do know
is that should not have come here. l
felt it and, if you will remember,
said so. I was fool. Good night, cap
tain"
Hot and furiously angry at his own
indecision which had placed him in this
humiliating situation, he was striding
toward the hall. Captain Elisha seized
his arm,
"Stay where you are, Jimw he COM
manded. "If the troubles what you
think it is I'm more to blame than any
body else, and you shan't leave this
house till I've done my best to square
you"
'Thank you, but I don't wish to be
squared I've done nothing to be
ashamed of, and have borne as many
insults as can stand. I'm going"
mo, you amt. Not yet. want you
to stay"
At that moment Stephens voice
reached them from the adjoining room.
II tell you I shall, Caro-" it pro-
claimed fercely, "Do you suppose I'm
going to permit that fellow to come
here again-or to go until he is made to
understand what we think of him and
why? No, by CAD! I'm the man of
this family, end I'll tell him a few
things"
Parsons jaw set grimly.
"You may let go of my wrist, Cap
tain Warren" he said. "I'll stay"
Possibly Stephens intense desire to
prove his manliness made him self
conscious. at any rate, he never ap-
peared more ridiculously boyish than
when, an instant later, he marched into
the library and confronted his uncle
and Pearson.
I'll want to say he began ma
jestically. II want to say
He paused, choking, and brandished
his fist.
II want to say he began again.
"All right, Stevie," interrupted the
captain dryly, then I'd say it if was
you. I guess it's time you did"
IL want toto tell that fellow there"
with vicious stab of his forefnger in
the direction Of Pearson. that con-