The Argosy, April 1916 — page 13: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A MYSTERY OF ROSCOE CONKLING PARK. 3 relays or drove tandem,” observed Miss Wayne. “I hope there is good team-work between the lot.” Of course, this was not intended for other listeners. Nevertheless Greenland grunted disapproval and Yale covered his mouth with his hand. “Such a knowledge of human nature,” he murmured to George. The suitcase and camera and umbrella were now consigned to a man-servant who appeared from the house, and the two young ladies approached the two young men, who instantly rose. “George, this is my friend Beverly Wayne, of whom you have heard me speak. Beverly, Mr. Greenland, my—my—” “Husband for to-morrow,” finished out Miss Wayne, accepting Greenland’s out- stretched hand and giving him a flash from her eyes. “And this is Mr. Kenneth Yale, who, like you, arrived without knowing anything about our wedding. Mr. Yale, Miss Wayne.” 7 There was no awkwardness in Miss Wayne’s manner. She bore herself like one who was continually being introduced to kings and princes and who never admitted - that they had anything on her for looks, position or independence of spirit. As Vale bowed, not daring to follow Greenland’s example in offering his hand, he saw hers, a small, well-shaped one, thrust toward him. He took it eagerly. There was no mistaking the heartiness of her grip nor the muscular strength of the. deli- cate-looking fingers. When he spoke he looked her in the face, and felt as if he was gazing at the sun. Her eyes were large, well-separated, and were of a peculiar, deep violet. Her teeth were even, pearly white, but not small. There was no sign of gold or any other filling. Miss Wayne could chew her own breakfast-food, and her complexion proved that there was nothing the matter with her digestion. “Come and look at my presents,” said Miss Raymond. ‘“They’re in the dining- room. We'll see you later, boys.” Left to themselves, the ‘‘boys” sank weakly to their chairs. “A queen,” proclaimed Greenland. “George,” said Yale, fumbling in his pocket for a cigar, “I have made a dis- covery.” “Shoot.” “Violet is the only permissible color for eyes, and all hair except that tint of red should be barred by law.” “You are an ass.” “That is my privilege. There is nothing in the Constitution of the United States nor the statutes of the State of New York to prevent me from rushing into the dining- room, flopping myself on the ground, and pleading with Miss Wayne to be my wife.” “T fancy Miss Wayne would bowl you over. I’m glad I’m engaged to Nance.” “So, by the heel of my great-grand- father’s last pipeful, am I. And I am par- ticularly glad that your wedding is to be early to-morrow morning. And I am glad that you and Mrs. Greenland are to take a morning train East. I am convinced that without the saving grace of Miss Ray- mond’s individuality in this matter, Utica is too small to hold Miss Wayne and you and me at one and the same time.” ‘“T agree with you. If I wasn’t going to marry Nance to-morrow morning I’d hustle you out of town as suddenly as you came in. To my mind Miss—hush! Here they come.” CHAPTER II. AN EARLY MORNING CRY. "THE chiming voices of the two girls could be heard even before they became visi- ble. Greenland and Yale turned their heads, and watched the front door ex- pectantly. From it issued Miss Raymond with an arm around Miss Wayne’s slim waist, and Miss Wayne had an arm around Nancy’s still slimmer waist. And their tongues were clacking simultaneously. “Mr. Greenland, I am delighted to have ~ had the pleasure of seeing Nance’s lovely presents. Did you ever behold so much silverware in one bunch, Mr. Yale?” “Not outside of Tiffany’s,” replied Ken- neth. ‘I'd like to melt it down and take it to the mint. I never believed in Bryan’s silver theory till I saw that dining-room table. Is there an inch of mahogany to be seen?” “Not half an inch. And there are more to come.” “Let us be thankful for mercies received, and not humiliate our souls with covetous longings,” remarked Greenland. ‘The more 1OOOLK C@