Ethel Watts Mumford

“ Trevoor were constantly called into play by her niece, and on each occasion it was deemed wise by that young woman to provide entertainment for the chaperone in the shape of her old friend. Somehow, Brette's name was never mentioned. His appearance was always accounted for at the last moment in some casual way, and Renée affected a tone of complete indifference when her aunt admonished her, and even went so far as to assert that “people were talking.” At this point the devotions of young Colman became more marked, and his idol seemed at no pains to conceal them. ”

“ Trevoor received a charmingly worded little note in an undecipherable spiked hand, which proved to be an invitation to chaperone a Sunday luncheon at Sherry's. There was also an innocent little footnote:
“I've asked Mr. Colman, senior, so you can have some one you like to talk to, and need not bother with the foolish rest of us.”
“Dear, sweet, thoughtful child!” Mrs. Trevoor exclaimed, aloud. “Not a word about Brette, of course; she is just inviting Jay for my benefit. It is too good to keep. I wonder how many times that boy has called during the last week.” ”

“ Trevoor and Mr. Colman to be the best brought-up chaperones the world had ever produced.
“What do you suppose the governor is giving your aunt, Miss Lee?” wondered Brette, disrespectfully. “The old boy certainly is stringing her about something—there, she's almost angry with him—did you see that?”
Renée nodded. “Yes, he certainly has her at a disadvantage.”
“What do you suppose elderly people like that find to talk about?” queried Brette, with the implied idea that fifty-three was high time for any man to retire from active interest in everything save ailments. ”

“ Don't you think we two old people shall feel rather lost among all you young chatterboxes? But how did you manage, dear, to ask Mr. Colman without asking Brette?”
Mrs. Trevoor chuckled and dispatched a messenger with her missive.
Renée dropped in for tea at five. “I simply had to ask Brette Colman,” she said, as she seated herself. “I couldn't leave him out, you know, and ask his father.”
Illustration: “'They make a very handsome pair, do they not?' she whispered”
“No-o,” said Mrs. Trevoor, “I suppose not.”
The Sunday luncheon at Sherry's proved an innovation and a great success. ”

“ Trevoor.
“Who said you had? And, besides, what of it? It seems to me that a more suitable match all around couldn't possibly be arranged. Only I'm surprised that Renée, who is really very difficult to please, should be so taken with Brette. He is a nice-looking boy, and he's bright, but he's not the sort of a chap the girls struggle for at first sight.” ”

“ She now had some one in whom to confide the amusing details of the little comedy, and she improved the opportunity at once. Then they fell to conspiring and scheming for future entertainments so the young people might have plenty of opportunity for tête-à-têtes. ”