The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-01-13
CHAPTER v-continued

~ was, UNFORTUNATELY, MOSES VINO
answered the rap at the knocker. His
mouth was full Of stolen sweets--he
had eaten up almost the entire con-
tents of Mary's box of candy-and he
had no eye for style. He was not i'm
pressed by the appearance of the
strange man. Moreover, his own ap-
pearance could hardly have warranted
the hope that he might create favor
able impression himself The day be-
ing warm. and Mary otherwise occu-
pied, he had surreptitiously removed
most Of his clothing-in fact, every
thing except a pair of ankle ties,
which had no connection with modesty
and were retained simply because the
hemp carpet In the front hall was
rough.
Hello" he said.
I ''Er-hello," said the stranger, his
face twitching slightly. Does Miss
Mary Manning live here"
MARY? Yes. She's out in the back
garden, killing potato bugs =. that
way" said Moses. with a wave of the
hand, indicating the direction which
the stranger should take.
"Thank you very much" said the
man. his mouth still twitching, walk
ing off in the direction indicated.
Mary, hearing footsteps, Strengthened
up quickly from the task over which
she was bent, and turned deep Grim
son.
"Mr. Hamlin!" she exclaimed. in
great confusion "Oh, you must ex-
cuse mel When did you come?'
"Just now, from Boston," he said,
laughing and shaking hands. Il I'M
derstand you are more cordial to
guests from that locality than you
once gave me to understand you were
likely to be. / have had the pleasure
of--er-meeting one Of your small
brothers, and he told me / shonld
probably find you here. Aren't you
glad to see me?"
Moses! Oh, what dreadful thing
was he doing this time? Yes, Of
course ! am, but" her flush growing
deeper every minute.
"This time came because Philip
Starr asked me to. Naturally. I
didn't tell him how glad I was of an
excuse. He thinks I'm doing it entire
" out of friendship to him-only. it's
great luck, for me, that he happened
to fan in love with your cousin. It'll
get Hannah and me into touch with
you again-Philip is a young man of
unusual thoroughness, promptness and
decision, as you may have gathered in
your glimpse of him-qualities which,
unfortunately. are not often found in
one who is also an artist and an ideal
list. Moreover, he possesses very fine
sense OF honor. He seems to be in
tremendous hurry, but didn't think
1t right to press his suit until he had
been more thoroughly introduced. I
was instructed that as soon as this for
mality, through me, had been accom-
plished, I was to telegraph him at
Burlington, and he would return here
Unless, of course, 1t seemed absolute
" hopeless for him to do So"
SIS there any reason why it should
be hopeless?'
None in the world"
"Then come over and meet Cousin
Violet"
IAN right" replied Gale Hamlin
with twinkling eyes. "But remember
that afterwards I'm coming back here
to see you'll"
Two days later, Philip stood in the
white.paneled north parlor of Violet
Manning's house, waiting for Blanche
to come down to him. The room was
unlighted. and 1t was beginning to
grow dark.
The door opened and Blanche came
in. Philip took a step towards her,
and held out his arms. She walked
straight into them.
Lady Blanche-you little white
flower-Oh. my darlingl" was all he
said. and covered her lifted face with
his kisses.
CHAPTER VI