Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 38, Number 55, 14 January 1913 — Page 2

fwCaSaaaiansaB."" Hflfls MgM nun PannsEy (Gnny die Matmpassaimtl i i

MA1TRB SAVAL, notary at Vernon, was pas-s'-nately fond of music. Still young, though Already bald, always carefully shaved, a little corpulent, as It was fitting, wearing a gold pince-nez insrjad of old-fashioned spectacles, active, gallant and Joyous, he passed in Vernon for an artist He 'hrummed on the piano and played on the violin, and gave musical evenings where Interpretations v re given of new operas. He had even what is called a bit of a voice; nothing but a bit. a very little bit of a voice; but he managed it with so much taste that cries of "3ravo!" "Exquisite!" 'Surprising!" "AdoraV.e!" Issued from every throat as soon as he had murmured the last note. ITe iv as a subscriber to a music publisher in Paris, who addressed new pieces to him, and he sent from time to time to the high society of the town, little notes something in this style: "Tou are Invited to be present on Monday evening at the house of Maitre Saval. Vernon, at the first production of 'Sais'." A few officers, gifted with good voices, formed the chorus. Two or three of the vinedressers' families also sang. The notary filled the part of leader of the orchestra with so much correctness that tho bandmaster of the One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment of the line said to him, on day. at the Cafe de L' Europe. "Oh! Saval. is a master. It is a great pity that be did not adopt the career of an artist." When his name was mentioned in a drawing room, there was always somebody found to declare: "He is not an amateur; he is a artist, s. genuine artist" And two or three persons repeated, in a ton. f profound conviction: "Oh! yes, a genuine artist," laying particular tress on the word 'genuine." Every time that a new work, was Interpreted at a big Parisian theatre, Saval paid a visit to the capital. Now. last year, according to his custom, he went to hear "Henry VIII." Ha then took the express which arrives In Parts at -4-ao p. m., intending to return by the 12:33 a. m. train, so as not to have to sleep at a hotel. He had put on evening dress, a black coat and white tie, which he concealed under bis overcoat with the collar turned up. As soon as he had planted his foot on the Kue 'Amsterdam, he felt himself In quite a Jovial mood. He said to himself: "Decidedly the air of Paris Is like no other air on earth. It has In it something Indescribably stimulating, exciting, intoxicating, which , fills you with a strange longing to gambol and to do many ether things. As soon as 1 arrive here, it seems to me, all of a sudden, that I have taken a bottle of champagne. What a life one can lead In this city of artists! Happy are the elect, the great men who enjoy renown in such a cityl What an existence Is theirs!" He would have liked to know some of those celebrated men, to talk about them in Vernon, and to spend an evening with them from time to time In Paris. But suddenly an Idea struck him. He had heard allusions to little cafes in the outer boulevards at which well-known painters, men of letters and even musicians gathered, and he proceeded to go up to Montmartre at a slow pace. He had two hours before him. He wanted to have a look round. He passed in front of taverns frequented by belated Bohemians, gazing at the different faces, seeking to discover the artists. Finally, he came to the sign of "The Dead Rat." and allured by the name, 'he entered. Five or six women, with their elbows resting or. the marble tables, were talking in low tones about their love affairs, the quarrels of Lucie and Hortense, and the scoundrelly actions of Octave. They were no longer young, they were too fat or too thin and they drank their beer like men. Saval sat down at some distance from them, and waited, for the hour for taking absinthe was at handv, K tall young1 man soon came In and took a seat beside him. The landlady called him Mr. Romantin. The notary quivered. Was this the Roman tin who had taken a medal at the last Salon? The tall young man made a sign to the waiter: "You will bring up my dinner at once, and then carry to my new studio, No. 15 Boulevard de Cllchy, thirty bottles of beer and the ham I ordered this morning. We are going to have a house warming." SavaJ Immediately ordered dinner. Then he took off his overcoat, so that his dress coat and his white tie could be seen. His neighbor did not seem to notice him- He had taken up a newspaper and was reading it. Saval glanced sideways at him, burning with the desire to speak to him. Two young men entered. In red vests, and peaked beards In the fashion of Henry 111. They sat down opposite Romantin. The first of the pair said: "it Is for this evening?"

Romantin pressed his hand. "Correct, old chap, and everyone will be there, I have Bonnat. Guiliemet Gervex. Beraud. Herbert Guez, Clairln and Jean Paul Lauren a It will be a glorious blow-out! And women, too! Wait till you see! Every actress without exception of course. I mean, you know, all those who have nothing to do this evening." The landlord of the establishment came acrosa "Do you often have these house warmings?" The painter replied: "Oh. yes, every three months." Saval could not restrain himself any longer, and In a hesitating voice he said: "I beg your pardon for Intruding on you. sir. but I heard your name proaouneed, and I would be very glad to know if you really are the gentleman whose work In the last Salon I have so much admired?" "1 am the very person, sir." the painter replied. The notary tnen paid the artist a very wellturned compliment, showing that he was a man of culture. The painter, gratified, thanked him politely in reply. Then they chatted. Romantin returned to the subject of his hous warming, going into details as to the magnificence of the forthcoming entertainment. Saval questioned him as to all the min he was going to receive, adding: "It would be an extraordinary piece of good fortune for a stranger to meet at one time so many celebrities assembled In the studio of an artist of your rank " Romantin, overcome, answerea. "if it would be agreeable to you, to come, you're welcome." Saval accepted the Invitation with enthusiasm. Roth of them had finished their meal. The notary Insisted on paying the two bills, wishing to repay his neighbor's civilities He also paid for the drinks of theyoung fellows In red velvet; then he. left the establishment with the painter. They slopped in front of a very long house, by no means hlsti. of which all the first story had the appearance of an interminable conservatory. Six studios stood in a row with their fronts facing the boulevards Romantir. was the first to enter, and. ascending the stairs, he opened a door, and lighted a match and then a candle They found themselves in an Immense apartment, the furniture of which consisted of three chairs, two easels and a few sketches lying on the floor along the walla Saval remained standing at the door In a stuplfied state of mind. "Here you are!" said the painter, "we've got to the spot; but everything has yet to be done." Then, examining the high, bare apartment, whose celling was veiled in shadows, he said: "We might make a great deal out of this studio." He walked round it, surveying it with the utmost attention, then went on: "I have a friend who might easily give a helping hand. Women are Incomparable for hanging draperies. But I sent her to the country for to-lay In order to get her off my hands for this evening. It is not that she bores me, but she is too much lacking in the ways of good society. She would be embarrassing to my guests." ' He reflected for a few seconds, and then added: "She is a good girl, but not easy to deal with If she knew that I was holding a reception, she woujjjd tear out my eyes." Saval had not even moved; he did not understand T-be artist came over to him, saying: "Since I have invited you, you are going to give me some help." "Make any use of me you please," was Saval s emphatic reply. "I am at your disposal." Romantin took off his jacket "Well, citizen, to work! We - are first going to clean up." He went to the back of the easel, on which there was a canvas representing a cat, and seized a very worn-out broom. "I say! Just brush up while I look after the lighting." Saval took the broom. Inspected it. and then began to sweep the floor very awkwardly, raising a whirlwind of dust. Romantin. disgusted, stopped him: "Deuce taka It! you don't know how to sweep the tloor! Look at me!" And he began to roll before him a heap of grayish sweepings, as If he had done nothing else ail his life. Then he gave back the broom to the notary, who Imitated him. In five minutes, such a cloud of dust filled the studio that Romantin asked: "Where are you? I can't see you any longer." Saval,. who was coughing, came near him. The painter said: "How are you going to manage to get up a chandelier?" The other, stunned, asked: "Whit chan4elirv

"Why, a chandelier to light a chandelier wta

wax candles." The notary did not understand. "I don't know." he replied '' The painter oegao to Jump about cracking his fingers. "Well, my dear sir, I have found a way. Have you got five francs about you?" "Why. yes." Saval replied. "Well, you go and buy for me a dollar's worm of wax candles while I go and see the cooper." And he pushed the notary in his evening coat Into th street At the end of five minutes, they had returned one of them with the wax candles, and tbt. other with the hoop of a cask The Romantin plunged his hand into 4 cupboard and drew forth twenty empty bottles, which be fixeu in th form of a crown around tbw hoop.

slap, slap their faces lth the bottles and the wax candlfa. . . Romantin uttered one soft word: "Mathllde." But sh did out pay any attention to him; she went on: "Wait a little my fine fellow: Wait a littler Romantin went over to her, and tried to take her by the hands "Mathilda. ..." he said softly. But she vas now fairly under way; and on she '". e'.nptjtns the vials of her wrath with strong words and reproaches. The words were hurled out as if struggling for exit She stuttered and muttered, suddenly recovering her voice to cast forth an insult or a curse He seized her hands without her having oven noticed IL She dlu not seem to see anything, so much occupied was she in holding forth and relieving

-p '

'I'll receive your friends," she shouted. "I'm going to slap their faces with the bottles and the wax candles.'

He then came down, and went to oorrow a ladder from the doorkeeper, after having explained that he had obtained the favors of the old woman by painting the portrait of her cat exhibited on the easeE "Are you active?" he asked as he brought in the ladder. "Why. yes." said Saval. "Well, you Just climb up there ana fasten this chandelier for me to the ring of the ceiling Then you must put a wax candle in each bottle and light It. I tell you I have a genius for lighting up. But off with your coat, confound It! You are Just like a waiter-' The door was opened brutally. A woman appeared with her eyes flashing, and remained standing on the threshold. Romantin gazed at her with a look of terror She waited some seconds, crossing her arms over her breast, and then, in a shrill, vibrating voice, baid: "11a! you scoundred! You are asaln doins the swell, while you pack me oft to the country. You'll soon see the way I'll settle your Jollification. Yes. " aroiim eeelv vour f rin.i3. Ir- g-0;nir o

her heart And suddenly sne began to weep. Ths tears flowed from her eyes without making her stem the tide of her complaints. But her words had taken a howllnjr. Shrieking tone: they were a continuous cry interrupted by sobbings. She commenced afresh twice or three times. ti:i she stopped as if something were choking her. and at last she ceased with a regular flood of tears. Then Romantin clasped her In his arms and kised her hair. It was. for the dumbfounded Saval. a very affecting sight "Mathilde. my little? MathUde. listen. vou ,nU8t be' reasonable. You k.iow why I give a supper party to my friends. It Is to thank these gentlemen for the medal I got at the Salon. 1 cannot receive women. You ought to understand that It is not the same with artists as with other people." "Why didn't you tell roe this?" she stammered through her tears.

"It was In order not to annoy you, pain. Listen. I'm going to see you must be very ?er,st!le very nice." He turned toward Saval. who had ceede'l in hooking on the cliande'ier:

ly friend. I m coming Dack In flv mln-

not to give home. You at last sue-

utes. If any on arrives in my absenc. da ta honors for ma, will yon not?" And ha carried off Mathilda, who kept drying bar yes with her handkerchief as ah went along. Left to himself. M. Saval succeeded la pat Una; everything around him in order. Than ha lights the wax candles, and waited. Ha waited for a quarter of at hour, half an nouti, an hour. Romantla did not return. Than, anddenly. thera waa a dreadful noise on th stairs. II haard a song shouted out In chorus by twenty mouths and a tramping of feet Ilka that of Prussian regiment The whole house waa shakes by the heavy tread. The door flaw open and a motley throng appeared a long Una of man and worn a holding one another by the arm. and kicking thalr heels on th floor In proper lima, advanced Into the atudio Ilka a suaka uncoiling Itself. Their howled: "Coma, and let us all be merry. Pretty maids and soldiers gay! Saval. thunderstruck, remained standing under the chandelier. Th procession of revelers, caught sight of him. and shouted: -A waiter! A waiter!" And they began whirling round him. surrounding h'.ni with a circle of vociferations. Than they tools each other by lha hand and went dancing about madly. "Ladles gentleman ladles' ha attempted to explain. But they did not listen. They whirled about, they Jumped, they shouted at th top of their volcea "Gentlemen" began Saval again. A ta!l young fellow, falr-halred and bearded ta tne nose, interrupted him: "What's our nam, my friend?" "I am Mr. Saval." said tha notary, thoroughly frightened. "Yuu mean Baptlste." a vole exclaimed. "Let the poor waiter alone," a woman shouted. "You 11 cnJ by nfaklng him .get angry. He's pal to serve us, and not to b laughed at Then Saval noticed that each guest had brought nla own provisions. On held a bottle of .wine, and the other a pie. This ona had lost of bread, and that one a ham. Tha tall, fair young fellow placed In his hands an enormous sausage, and gave orders: "1 sayi Go and fix up tha aldeboard In tha corner over there. You are to put tha bottles at th left and th provisions at th right Saval. getting quit distracted, exclaimed: "But messieurs. I am a notary!" There was a moment's silence, and than a wild outburst of laughter. Una suspicious gentleman asked: "How comes It that you are here?" He expltlned. telling about his project of going to the opera, his departure from Vernon, his arrival In Paris, and tha way In which ha had apaat the evening. They sat around to listen to him: they greeted him with words of applause, and called him Scheherasade. Romantin did not come hack. Other guests arrived. Saval waa presented to them so that he might begin his story over again. When .ha declined they forced him to relate It They fixed him on ona of tha three chalra between two women, who kept constantly filling his g!asa He drank; he laughed: be talked: he sang. too. 11 tried tc waits with his chair and fell to th ground. From that moment h forgot everything. -I seemed to him, however, that somebody undressed him and put blm to bod. and that hla stomach got sick. When he awoke ft was broad daylight., snd he lay stretched with his feet against a cupboard, la a strange bed. An old woman. with a broom In her hand was glaring angrily at. him. At last she said; "Clear out, you blackguard! Clear outl 'What right has any one to act thla way?" a "Where am IT" he asked, sitting up In bed.' ' "Where are you. you scamp? Never mind whr you are. Take yourself out of her and lose , time about It!" He wanted to get up but he found ho waa r.akea In the bed. Hla clothes bad disappeared H blurted out: "Madame, I" Then he remembered. What was he to do? "Did Monsieur Romantin come back?" ha asked. "Will you get out of here?" th doorkeeper shouted for reply. "I haven't got my clothes." said Saval. They have been taken away from me." . He had to He there until his friends sent hire some money to buy clothes. He did not leave Prrls until evening. And now when people talk about muslo to blra In hi beautiful dra wtng-rootn In Vernon, Jj declares with an air of authority that painting Is'a rv Inferior art

BLESSING

i

In disguise

E3

By A. G. Greenwood

"1ST

EVER again. I'm sorry deeply

sorry." Dr. Holies shook hands with

Us patient. Lola Harley, loft the room and went slowly downstairs looking perturbed and distressed. Alone, Lois sat up in bed, staring across the room wlfch piteous, shocekd eyes, her bands to her breast where her heart was thumping. She heard the door of the flat shut and the whirr of the doctor's car aa he sped away. Then she drew a deep breath and began to sing very softly the first lines of "For Dream's Sake." "The hope I dreamed of was a dream, was but a dream, and now I wake, and now X wake exceeding comfortless" Th husky. faltering, uncertain notes died away. She shuddered and dropped her face Into her hands, sobbing bitterly. She would never sing again. She bad the truth from Dr. Holies at last What would Maud say when she came back from rehearsal? Maud who had scoffed: "Laryngitis! Pouf! it's only a bad cold! It only means a rest, old girl. We shall have you back at the theatre In a few days. Doctors are old frumps don't let them frighten you." "Lie still, lie still, my beating heart Lie still and break" She whispered the words In the wild abandon of grief. Her career It was to have been so meteoric her career for which she had given up so much, suffered so terribly, worked so hard her career was over. 8he would never sing aga'.n. The five words echoed throughout her being. The wind seemed to echo them They seemed written in letters of flame across the window-pane. An hour sixty sorrow-laden, despairing minutes passed. Then. Impitrously she flung back blankets and i In els. Bringing her feet j the floor, standing up swaying a little for she a as wakend oy long lying lr beo In feverish haste she dressed and scribbled a pjn II note for Maud, leaving it pinned on her dressing table "Don't wrrry have gone out for a drive I can't hear being alone any longer. Lola'

She slipped down the staircase and bailed the first taxi she saw. "Richmond Park," Bhe directed, and sank back a little exhausted, feeling an odd sense of bewilderment against the cushions. Tet the soft Spring air revived her and the songs of the birds cheered her. The fatal sentence of the five words no longer sounded so loudly. And it was not till the cab had whirled away, leaving her on a seat In an Isolated part of the park, that they began to come back. She would never sing- again. She sat. growing numb, staring with swimming eyes at the deer browsing under the bud-shimmered trees. Presently she saw two girls making toward her, and, ashamed of her red eyes, she rose hastily and slipped into the bushes behind her. There hid. she no longer tried to restrain her tears. She crouched down, her face buried In her bands in uncontrollable Srlef. She never knew how long a time passed in this silent agony. It waa a man's voice which first roused her. "It like this, Worm. The silver's all good stuff plenty of It Roselelgh's Isolated" "Where is it?" growled another voice. "Putney Hill. The butler's a boozer I sot to know 'im at the Five Acorns. I dropped in an had a pint an' one of "is master's cigars last Monday as ever was. Sam that's the butler Ms gain to meet me to-night 10 o'clock. There's no wimen servants master's a bacheloronly a charwoman what comes in daily. This Is where vou com in. Worm" The Worm, so called by his associates In crime on account of his capacity for wriggling out of scrapes, puffed at a ridiculously short pipe while listening to his comrade's plot Briefly, the Worm's part was to break into Roseleigh at 10:15 by the garden door, collar the stuff, as "Eel" Smith designated a splendid collection of old silver, and get clear with it what time Sam and his newfound friend would be chatting at the Five Acorns. Simple hahr ejaculated "Eel-

Smith.. "Yus." agreed the Worm gloomily "I'm on. Quarter share, as usual?" "Eel" Smith nodded, and rose. The two ruffians lounged away over the grass. Lois had not stirred. Through the bushes she had seen the two evil faces and heard the greater part of what had passed. In this remote part of the park, safe as they thought from the least danger of being overheard, the two men had not attempted to keep their voices down. At ursc Lois had been too startled to make her presence known. Then fear kept her silent It was not till they had left the seat a hundred yards behind them that she realized the full Import of what she had heard. Roseleigh was to be burgled that night She alone, beside the conspirators themselves, knew of the Intent Sam, the butler, was Ignorant. The owner was Ignorant It would be as simple as "Eel" Smith had declared unless she gave the alarm. The thought of the police first came to her mind. It would mean a hunt for the Worm and his accomplice. It would mean her Identifying them, her appearance at the police station, in the box her giving evidence against them. Jot only did she fear, but she hated the task. There was one alternative. She could fro to Roseleigh, warn the master of the house, and. having put him on his guard, leave him to deal with the affair as he chose. For half an hour at least she waited too scared to leave the sheltering screen of bushes. The sun was sinking when at length she crept out and started to walk to the gate by the Star and Garter. It was a iontr trudee. and Lrrs knowledge of the Underground was scanty. Much time was lost in going back to Earls Court, and more yet when In the dusk she set oat from Putney Station to find Rosleigh. Every one seemed to know the house every one directed her differently. It was close on eight when, weary and oispirited. she found the place at last She had no difficulty in recognising Sam the "boozer." as the ruffian In the park had called him when the butler opened the door. "Is your master In?" she asked. Sam shook his head. -No, miss; but he'll be here in fifteen minutes at the most He's going out to-nlgbt appointment at nine-thirty." Lois realized why Sam had decided on ten for hla meeting with "Eel" Smith. For a moment she thought of warning the man. Then she realized that he would probably disbelieve her. and that the story she had to tell would hardly redound to his credit

"May I wait?" she said. The butler made no demur. Lola was pretty and well dressed, and sam a. ;s obvious was not a suspicious person. Shown Into a drawing room obviously a man's idea of a drawing room, and one which was seldom used Lois sat down and waited. Eight-thirty elght-f orty-five nine o clock, chimed the huge brass clock on the mantleplece. Then came the welcome sound of a key grating in the lock and a man's voice shouting In the 'hall: "Buck up, Sam. with my water. I'm le 1 navn't a minute." -Sam puffed upstairs from his pantry with his information. But Lois did not hear his mumbled explanation of her presence. She had started up from her chair listening intently as the newcomer first spoke. A rush of blood dyed her cheeks, then receded, leaving her even paler than she had been. With a swift nervous movement she flicked out the electric light leaving only a small reading lamp alight and waited, trembling. In the gloom. The door opened. A young man came In, a frown of surprise on his brow. "I beg your pardon," said Lois swiftly In that strange. little husky voice of which her illness had made her a legacy. "I won't detain you. I've come here to warn you" In quick, short eeatences she told him what she had overheard. He stood staring at her in amazement Lois's back, was to the reading lamn. He could see a tall, slim figure, the curve of a rounded cheek, and the shimmering lights of a "lalo of golden hair. "I thought I had better tell you." concluded, and made a little movement toward the door. "It has been extremely kind of you." he said politely- "Indeed, I can't thank you enough. Let ma put up the light" "No no!" But his fingers clicked over the switch as the little broken monosyllable came from her. "Lois!" he said In utter, dumfounded astonishment "I didn't know it was you " she rriit wildly "Nothing on elrTh would have ThJl.iJ?. t0 COm' had 1 kaown. They d!dn t say your name""Don't explain." he said. "Believe me. I know, only too certainly that you would have avoided me li yoa could like a pariah, a leper " aioTate'ly0 eager. yet Ps' She moved on toward the noi- hut WlolSLn"tHde b T "Lois. I waa a fool an obstinate.

cruel fool." he said, talking In Jerks aa though each word cost him an effort "I had no right to dictate to you no rignt to ask you not to sins in public I was a jealous, narrow-minded prig. But it was my love for you urging me on. I acted as I did because I loved you. You may scorn such love. All men aren't built alike. But I wanted my the girl I loved to be mine alone each touch of her fingers mine, each smile, each glance, each heart-beat each note from her golden throat X realize I asked too mucn 1 realize that I threw away all my chance of happiness. I realize that I broke my own heart I'm humble. Lois now. I beg your pardon, I crave your forgiveness I apologize very deeply. I'm wondering If there's any hope for meT Lois Is there one ray?" She stood before him with bent head, tingling. She had loved him she knew she loved him still. The year since their quarrel had been a year of bitter perplexity. She had to choose between her career, her hopes, her ambitions and Ronald Bond. Sh owned she had made a mistake. A few months of the Galaxy had taught her that But she had been too proud to give him a slan; too modest, too much ashamed ever to let him guess, "Lei s." he asked again, gently, "Is there any hope for me?" With a huge effort she regained her self-control and lifted her head. "You mean you you want me, even if if I do not give up the stage?" She saw a spasm of pain flash in his eyes. He set his jaws, and she knew that his hands were clenched. "I mean that." he said. "I I can't sing any more." she said chokingly. "My throat I've been lit I'm never to sing again. My voiu nas gone" "Tour glorious voice," he muttered wonderingly. It touched her more than any other phrase could have done. It broke down the last barrier. She stumbled into his outstretched arms wildly weeping, clinging to him. in incoherent broken little sentences telling him her story. "Why did you go out to-day?" he asked hotly. "How dared you be so vnwise?" He had drawn her to the sofa and knelt beside her while ah spoke. With his eyes fixed on hers, with fingers Intertwining, he heard th account et her struggles, . of her Illness, of Dr. Holies' verdict "You shan't go back to that r.rrlbl little flat" he exclaimed. "Lola, yon must go to my sister. You reiuCi-,c.

"I've

"It'i

tried, cone.

her? Kate auch a good aort The best nurses. ths best doctors shall ttn

you. Well coax that lltUe throat back

iv uriuva. sou anaij you musi-again."

She ahook her head. ? l - - , I Jt ..Hlv

There oi , a bird beating hla wlnga in my throat a captive." "h. my darling." he muttered despairingly; "how much you've lost. "Lost!" she echoed, and stared down at him with drooping lid covering her great shy eyes. "Lost Ronnie! I I'm wondering if it can be really true that I have gained so truth so very much you!" "Lor"!" he ejaculated. "It's nearly half-past ten. Lois' I've missed my appointment I forgot all about It I'll ring for Sam to get us a taxi. Oh. you musn't throw obstacles in tha way. Kate will be delighted to see you! Kate says I've been a sullen beast since since you and I parted. She'll be so excited at our good news." He had crossed to the bell and had kept his finger on the push all the time he was speaking. "I fancy I heard Sam come th about a quarter of an hour ago." he said, puzzling. "Never mind, I expect we'll find one for ourselves." Beside her. her arm through his, ha led her downstairs. In their Joy of mutual discovery, amid the tense moments of explanation, of reunion, and the ecstasy of rediscovered Joys and the discussion of plans for the bright and promising future, they had both forgotten th purpose of Lois visit and tha warning she had come to give. "Brother Sam!" he said, testily; "the careless idiot's left the garden door open!" "The garden door!" she echoed, suddenly, standing stock still. "Ronnie! I I we forgot! The burglars!" "Gad! I I never gave rn a thought" he declared, his Jaw falling. "Wait here. dear. I'll run down" Over the banisters aha watched him look into various rooms and then disappear down the halL Lola!" he called. "Ifa all right they've gone. Come down." Timidly ah crept after him down the stairs, startlna at every sound. "Look!" ha said ruefully when ah jolnea uim. They stood In the dining room. On th left a great dresser showed shelf upon shelf of emptlnesa On the right a sideboard was equally denuded. On the floor lay a few discarded pieces of silver plate, with an array of footmarka "Fiv or six hundred dollars worth." he ejaculated. "They've taken every piece worth having!" "It waa ail my fault" ah cried with a sob. "I can't imagine how X -M 'rFt them. I've been trembling all th evening at the thought . till till you drove every other thought out of my head, Oh.

Ronnie. I am so sorry! I do sympathize mo how much you loot!" Sh wondered at hla audden happy, careless laugh. He flung his arms round her, shaking with merriment hla glowing eyea burning Into hers, his llpa not two Inches from her own. - "Lost!" he echoed. "Why, I owe them a debt thit I can never repay. Lost! Why, I shall bless them every day X draw breath. Lost! Why. If It hadn't been for them you would never here com her. Why. Lola what waa It you said? I'm wondering If It can bo true that X have gained mo much, a very much you!" Llttl did -Eel" Smith and the Worm, as they chuckled over ths division cf the spoils, realise that the rightful owner of all this valuable old silver plate was In a Joyful stat urpaaatnar thelra. Truly, love baa a valuation of Its own. Sympathy waa honestly wasted oa such a pair.

Upside Down FIVE o'clock tea was fa full .wing, and every woman was discaaslng th latest fashions, tha ways of men, th price of soap, and other little things. Mrs. Squeak and Mra Bubbl war engrossed In an exciting conversation oa -hobble skirts. "Tea." said th farmer, speaking about seventeen worda to th dozen, "i to throw mln away altogether." "Why la that dear?" asked her friend, "Well. It nearly strangled tha cook. -How was that?" "Tha ignorant girl borrow it. uid bv mistake aha triad it on upsida down.To Tight His Own Battiat ' Doctor Th Increasing .r..ttl your wife Is merely an Indication of advancing years, and you can tall bcr that Husband Bum! Would yon tJs lug her that yourself, doctor? A Soldier of Fortune.

Miss Golden I simply dot on.

tuera. An yoa a son oe Mara?

to

Mr. Hard up No; but X should VXa become her son-ln-law.

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