The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-09-11
The Amateur Gentleman
by Jeffrey FarnoI

stepped into the room ana. closing
the door. bowed to the company.
Gentlemen said ne, I have the
honor 70 salute you. Viscount-
your most dutiful. humble. obedient
father TO command"
My lord" answered the viscount,
gravely returning his fathers bow.
your lordship's most obliged and
grateful SOM"
My dear Devenham." continued
the earl solemnly, being, I fear.
something Of a fogy and fossil, I
don't know II you Bucks allow the
formality Of shaking hands. Still,
viscount, as father and son-or
rather son and father. it may per-
hsps be permitted US? How are
you. viscount?"
Now as they clasped hands, Bar
nabas saw the viscount set his jaw
grimly. and something gli5tened up
on his temple, yet his smile was
quite engaging as he answered:
Thank you, my lord-never bet
ter.
Yes" said his lordship. as he
slowly relinquished the viscounts
hand, your grace was right, as
usual-it IS his arml"
Then Of course he can not ride,
Bamborough-you will forbid it?"
on the contrary, madam. he
must ride. Being a favorite, much
money has changed hands already
on his account, and, arm or no arm,
he must ride now-he owes it to
his hackers. You intend to, Of
course. Horatio?"
My lord I do"
ITS your right arm. luckily, and
a horsemsn needs only his left. You
ride fairly well, 1 understand, Wis
count?"
"Oh, Indifferent well, sir. I thank
you. But allow me to present my
friend 70 your lordShip-Mr. BeY-
erley-my father!"
GO Barnabas shook hands with
- the viscount's Roman parent,
and, meeting his kindly eyes, saw
that, for all their kindness. they
we're eyes that looked deep into the
heart of things.
Come, gentlemen" cried the
duchess rising. If you have quite
finished breakfast, take me to the
stables, for I'm dying to see the
horses, I vow I am. Lead the way,
Viscount. Mr.. Beverley shall give
me his arm"
So toward the stables they set
forth accordingly, the duchess and
Barnabas well to the rear, for, be it
remarked. she walked very slowly.
Here it is. Barnabas," said she,
as soon as the others were out of
ear-shot.
What. MADAME"
"Oh, dear me, how frightfully
dense you are, Barnabas!" she eX-
claimed, fumbing in her reticule.
What should it be but a letter, to
be sure-Cleone's letter"
"A letter from Cleonel Oh,
duchess"
"Here-take it. She wrote it last
night-pOOr child didn't sleep a
wink. I know, and-all on your &C
count. sir. I promised I'd deliver it
for her-I mean the letter-that's
why 1 made scarborough bring me
here. That ridiculous Mr.. Tressider
told Cleone that it was the best
course he ever hoped to ride over
meaning the worst of course, so
Cleone's quite wretched, dear lamb
but oh, Barnabas. it would be dread
fm Tiff you were-killed-oh!" And
the duchess shivered and turned
away.
Would you mind2 So much,
madam"
'Barnabas-I never had a son-or
a daughter-but I think know just
how-your mother would be feeling
now"
And I do not remember my
motherl" said Barnabas.
Poor, poor Joan!" sighed the
duchess, very gently. Were she
here 1 think she would-but then
she was much taller than 1, and
oh. boy, stoop-stoop down, you
great. tall Barna bas-how am ever
to reach you if you dont?"
Ito Be Continued