The Gavelyte, March 1908

that he was deaf. I dashed after his over coat and to his At last we ' heard them coming and dismay found that it was str()ngly we ank into two chairs red-faced scented with kerosene. He had put anrl breathless. I it too close to the can. Tom introduced us but I was afraid I "Oh yes," said Mr. Meredith turn– he dirJn't hear one word he said, s<.1I 1 ing to me, "here is a letter my broth– explained to Tom in a stage whisper I er sent to you. I had almost forgot– to talk louder. Peggy coolly and ' ten to deliver it". As he turned to graciously told him how delighted j go an almost uncontrollable look of she was to see him and how welcome I amusement passed over his face, but he was. I he gravely shook hands and left. "O fudge" said Tom making a grim- I' I thot it was likely a check which ace at her behinrl the man's back, "If he had given me and it was--a check he is deaf that is all dutch to him! to ou-r feelings. Fur when I opened :peak louder''. it thi8 is what I r1rnd: "Have a chair", shoutrd Peg·gy in l>ear Friend:-- his ear, pushing one forward for him. We have often But he deliuerately ignored it and wished to see you and as one of us made a motion as if to take another. mu-Bt go through your place on a busi- ''fleav!:'n8!'' Pjaculated Tom, ''it is ne38 trip my brother will go, for a the une with thµ, broken leg!" Loud- l vi~it to you will be enjoyed by him n he said, ''First, Mr. Meredith, di) I much nnre than by me on account of remove your overcoat", and then to I my hearing. me in a low tone, "and Kittie do sub- II I will send this by him. ~titute a sound chair for that broken Yours sincerely one." "I'll put his coat in the cubhy J Hugh Meredith ." - hole on the p0tato rnck. Jle won' t I Imagine our consternation. Our know but that we have a. fine hat- , vi~itor h~~ had the full benefit of our rack concealed in there." I as1de8. Iom and Pegg~ blamed me After we were seated conversation for the misfortune. Peggy laughed _ ran smoothly for awhile, but we girls I a.nd scolcJrd by turns for weeks after– had to do al.I the talking for Tom sat ward. I felt cheap, to use a common back out of sight paseing funny re- expr<>ssion, and ~om wa~ completely marks and making wry faces to rnnke I sqnt--lched for once. us laugh. I -~-- Wh<>n our cnllrr ro~P to Irn,·r Tom ~nppnrt onr }'ldvnt,iRend