The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-04-25
E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
Copyright BY Little, Brewn and companv

y. = Z Z.
We know that he has a wonderful
gymnasium there, but the only def
mite rumor I have ever heard about
the place is that men fight there who
have grudge against one another
and that they are not too particular
about the weight Of the gloves. That
doesn't appeal to US, you know. Mar
garet, but 1t isn't criminal"
IF that were ALL" she murmured.
II dare say 1t is" he declared. LON
don. as you know, is hot-bed Of Cos
sip. Everything that goes on Is ridic-
ulously exaggerated, and think that
1t rather appeals to your fathers Gu
rious sense Of humor to pose as the
law-breaker."
She pressed his arm a little. The
day was overcast, a slight rain was
beginning to fall.
Francis" she whispered. 1--WE had
perfect day here, yesterday, Now
the sun has gone and 1 am shivery."
He understood in q moment.
We'll lunch at Ranelagh," he sug-
gested ut IL almost on the way up.
Then we can see what the weather is
like. If 1t is bad, we can dine in town
tonight and do theater."
"You are DEAR" she told him fer
vently. II am going in to get ready"
Francis went round TO the garage
for his car, and brought 1t to the front.
While he was sitting there. Sir Tim
othy came through the door in the
wall. He was smoking a cigar and he
was holding an umbrella to protect
his white flannel suit. He was as
usual wonderfully groomed and turned
out, but he walked as though he were
tired, and his smile, as he greeted
Francis, lacked a little, Of its usual
lighthearted mockery.
In the distance they could hear the
sound Of hammering on the other side
of the wall. Francis moved his head
In that direction.
Il hear that they are preparing for
another Of your wonderful entertain
ments over there" he remarked.
ION Thursday" Sir Timothy assent
ed. Il shall have something to say to
| you about 1t later on"
"Am to take 1t that 1 am likely to
receive an invitation?" Francis asked.
II should think it possible" was the
calm reply.
"What about Margaret"
my entertainment would not appeal
to her." Sir Timothy declared. "The
women whom have been in the habit
of asking are not women of Margaret's
type"
"And Lady Cynthia?"
Sir Timothy frowned slightly.
II find myself in some difficulty as
regards Lady Cynthia" he admitted.
~ am the guardian of nobody's NOR
ais, nor am the censor Of their tastes,
but my entertainments are for men.
The women whom 1 have hitherto
asked have been women in whom l
have taken no personal interest. They
are necessary to form picturesque
background for my rooms, in the same
way. that / look to the gardeners to
supply the floral decorations. Lady
Cynthia's instincts, however, are
somewhat adventurous. She would
scarcely be content to remain a deco
ration"
'The issuing Of your Invitations"
Francis remarked, sis Of course
matter which concerns nobody else
except yourself. If you do decide to
favor me with one, shall be delight
ed to come, provided Margaret has no
objection"
"Such reservation promises well
for the future" Sir Timothy observed,
with gentle sarcasm. Here comes
Margaret, looking very well. 1 am
glad to see."
Margaret came forward to greet her
father before stepping into the car.
They exchanged only few sentences,
but Francis, whose interest in their
relations was almost abnormally
keen, fancied that he could detect
signs of some change in their de-
meanor towards one another. The
cold propriety Of department which
had characterized her former attitude
towards her father, seemed to have
given place to something more uncer-
tain. to something less formal, some
thing which left room even for
measure of cordially. She looked at
him differently. 1t was as though
some evil thought which lived In her
heart concerning him had persisted.
"You are busy over there, father?'
she asked.
"In a way" he replied. 1--WE are
preparing for some festivities on
Thursday"
Her face fell.
another party?"
Zone MORE" he replied. perhaps
the last-for the present, at any rate"
She waited as though expecting him
to explain. He changed the subject,
however.
Il think you are wise to run up to