for having introduced Percival at Storm
without explanation. It is painful for me to have to inform you
that my sisters son is at present under somewhat of a cloud. To be
frank, he recently made a journey to Canada in company with a
certain young person whom he had the hardihood to introduce at
various hotels, clubs, etc., as his wife. When he wished to
terminate the arrangement, he found himself unable to do so because
the woman entered claims upon him as what is termed a common-law
wife.

The matter has with some difficulty been kept out of the public
prints, and is now in the hands of lawyers for adjustment. My
sister meanwhile claimed my hospitality for her son until such time
as the scandal shall have blown over. I need not say that I regret
having acceded to her request.

My nephew, being in no position to marry, was of course culpably
wrong in offering attentions to any young girl. I can only hope
that the peculiarities of his temperament prevented him from
realizing what he was doing, and that he possibly regards
Jacqueline merely as an extremely charming child, which she is.
Surely the affair cannot go deeply with one so immature as
Jacqueline.

On my return to Kentucky, I shall hasten to make apologies to you
in person for myself and for my nephew. I do not trust myself to
communicate with Percival at present, lest I forget what is due the
undeniable ties of blood.

Your devoted servant,
THORPE.

Postscriptum: Percival is an egregious young ass.

J. T.

Channing finished the letter, adding to it a heartfelt if unspoken
"Amen!"

"Well?" asked Mrs. Kildare. "What have you to say, please? Do you regard
Jacqueline as merely a charming child?"

"No," he was impelled to answer. "Not--not now."

"Ah! Not now." Kate's lips set grimly, but she continued in a very quiet
voice, "Have you anything to say, perhaps? I do not wish to be unfair."

Channing had a great deal to say, but he found some difficulty in saying
it. He found some difficulty in meeting Mrs. Kildare's eyes. He felt
more and more like a schoolboy who is about to receive a well-deserved
whipping.--And then, quite suddenly, he recalled the past career of this
outraged mother, with her righteous indignation; and fluency returned to
him.

"My dear lady, it's all such a tempest in a tea-pot! My uncle's an