Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-26

IN justice to Uncle George 1t should be said
that Mr.. Roberts poor opinion Of him was
not quite q unanimous verdict. Several days
later as he waited In the sitting room Of their
suite for the return of his nephew, ward, heir,
and severest critic, several points might be
mentioned. He carried his 40 years. If not
with the dignity of the Great Victor!ans" at
least with iron gray distinction that i'm
pressed few men and affected an occasional
lady He had converted an inherited quarter
Into q complete and comfortable million. His
bachelorhood was the result OF true romance
faithful to its bereaved end There were pleas
ant, deep lines in his face and q lurking gray
twinkle in his eye that not everybody under
stood.
Perhaps Mr. Roberts himself didn't always
understand that twinkle. He put 1t down to
Uncle Georges innate frivolity, but at mo-
ments 1t made him uncomfortable. For ex-
ample when he returned tousled and pufhng
from what had come to be a customary dip
in the Bay Of Cannes, his guardian said flip
PANTY, well, Kirby, old boy did you catch
any mermaids?"
In other words, ne could never be sure ex-
actly how much Uncle George knew, or pre-
cisely what he meant to imply, except that 1t
was certain to be silly and undignified.
II enjoyed bit Of healthy exercise, II that's
what you mean," he said, glancing suspiciously
ut the window sill, where the marine glasses
remained as he had left them. II dare say.
sir, that all the mermaids 1t Cannes had been
lured to the Ambassadeurs by the hope of
dancing . tango with my distinguished guar
diam" = Is
Uncle George laughed. Perhaps" he said.
j.. "Im pretty hot stuff at It," y, ~ -aa ,r
"Hot stuff" Mr.. Roberts shuddered at Uncle
Georges yulgarisms. From the doorway he re-
marked Are you aware, sir, that the Phocians
who settled on this coast something over 1000
years ago had Q rhythmical music quite as
- ~ n
it, OF course, some men," he added, some
men have advanced . bit beyond those things
trl. the brief interval .r,.
Spy the way, Kirby,p said his guardian, II
forgot to tell you we're dining at the Annbassa-
deurs this evening. It's . gala night but you
need not look at the entertainment. want to
talk to you about something important and
we can do that over cocktails before we join
the ladies."';ae@ =, 49,. -
Mr.. roberts paused II shah be glad" he
said, ito talk to you for o change about some
thing important. Perhaps I'm leave the Adies
to you I've some reading to do"
mo" said Uncle George-that confounded
CLINT of insincerity In his eye-"that won't do.
especially want you TO meet these ladies.
mother and her daughter. The daughter. 1
hear, is serious minded enough for you and the
mothers childish prattle anuses imbeciles like
me-"
This matter Of importance, sir?" ...
Uncle George sat up straight. He seemed 10
his nephew to be almost Ill at ease. well. you
see Kirby, old boy" he began. paused and
then plunged on-"you see, this business OF
getting married Is q very important matter. In
fact. I'm embarrassed to do so. but I think
1t only fair to discuss 1t with you"
"You needn't be embarrassed Uncle George.
Mr. Roberts sat forward himself. 1t was sub
tect he recognized both important and in
teresting, and he was pleasantly surprised that
his guardian was considering his future suf-
fciently to bring it up for discussion. why
should you be embarrassed, sir?" he continued.
THE truth Is / was going to inquire Of you