The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-05-29
CHAPTER So
CHAPTER So
DOTH Manville and his aunt were
I'D watching me he rather impa-
tientlY as Il he could not under

tiently as If he could not under
stand my hesitancy; she rather
longingly. Perhaps if l went / could
play with Lawson Mckee as 1 had.
done at June's. Then thought of
Anna and said very slowly:
Certainly, take your aunt, Manville.
/ will stay at home with Anna"
That's all settled them" he returned
in a lively tone. Neither he nor his
aunt thought it necessary to thank me.
Manville dropped us at home then
went out to do an errand. While he
was gone Lawson Mckee called. 1
talked with him a moment before
sent word to Aunt Cynthia. / told
him 1 had been invited to the party
but was not going.
81 am sorry. l had hoped to play
opposite you some time during the eve
ming"
Mrs. Markham, it seems, did not
know aunt would still be here and no
provision was made for her"
And little saint that you are, you
pleasure for her. l hope she is CRATE
full"
made no reply. and in a moment
aunt came in.
Mrs. Hyde tells me you are to play
bridge at Mrs. Markham's," Lawson.
remarked after he had greeted her.
Yes. My nephew and 1 shall at
tend"
II think Mrs. Hyde very generous.
Not many would give up going to such
party to please another"
Mrs. Hyde plays a very poor game
Of bridge. Her husband wishes me to
60 with him"
II sincerely hope you will win one
ofthe prizes. I hear Mrs. Markham
has unusually handsome ones"
You will be there?" She was mol
lifted by his last speech.
mo. 1 have a previous engage
ment."
l looked at him in establishment
He had just told me he hoped to play
opposite me, now he declared he was
not going. Fortunately said moth
ing. But all regret because l had de-
cided to stay at home vanished.
"a very pleasant young man." Aunt
Cynthia said after he left. Then: Il
shall have a new dress for the bridge,
Susan. Nothing ] have is quite fresh
enough"
Perhaps had gone might have had
new dress, thought, but without
bitterness. And i entered into a dis
cussion of colors and materials with all
the enthusiasm could muster. Law
son Mckee would not be there, hence
the party had lost much of its attrac-
ton for me. There was no one else
in Manville's set, among his friends,
with whom felt comfortable or could
joke or laugh with.
Then 1 forgot bridge, eevrything in
the excitement which followed aunt's
retiring to her room to dress for din
ner. heard her calling, listened, and
noticed she was repeating "Commo-
dore" over and over. Then her door
opened and she came out upon the
landing wringing her hands and cry
ing.
What is it?" l called.
''My darling Commodore! Get a doc
tor quick !"
"A doctor! Who is ill.," Manville
came in just in time to hear her clos
ing sentence.
Commodore He is dying 4 am
afraid. Call a doctor Immediately"
"A veterinary?"
"No, DR.. Lee, and don't waste time.
Get him at once If he is out call
someone else and moaning she return
ed to her room.
Your aunt thought it unforgivable
for me to have Mysteries over Anna.
She seems to think a cat a pod rea-
son." could not help saying to Man
vile as he called DR.. Lee.
do not criticize your elders, Susan.
1t is a very bad habit"
In spite of his reply had an idea
| he did not sympa thize with his aunt
to any great degree l knew he cared
nothing for Commodore, rather dis
liked all house pets in fact. But he
dutifully gave her message to DIR. Lee,
who, when he found out it was a cat
who needed his services, fatty refused
to come. Manville called another ply
sician, leaving a message for him to call
at our number at once. He then
went upstairs, 1 following, to do what
he could for his aunt.
She had the great cat on her lap. He