"Good-evening," said the former, as they came abreast of Mr. Carter. "Good-evening," he replied. "That's him," said both together. Mr. Carter,
with an uneasy smile, awaited developments. demanded the elder man, at last. inquired his son. "You try it," said Mr. Carter, hotly. "Just one," said his father, struggling, "only one. said Mr. Carter. "Being true to your memory, you skunk," said the son. "It's all a mistake," said Mr. Carter. Mr. Carter took a step back and parleyed. Oh, Lord!" said the father. Mr. Carter obeyed, and, entering a spotless living-
room, removed his hat and with affected composure seated himself in an
easy-chair. "I'll go up and tell Nan," said Jim. Mr. Carter sniffed defiantly and, with a bored air, resumed his seat. Mr. Carter looked
up uneasily, and, after the first sensation of astonishment had passed,
wondered vaguely what his double had run away for. she said, quickly. said her father, in surprise. "Why, there! she said, loudly. said her father, loudly. "Look again." "No," said the girl, glancing at the feature in question, "not a bit like
it. "Look at his eyes," said Jim. "And if you
don't like Bert, you needn't insult him." "Me, too," said his son. "You're quite right," said Mr. Carter, blandly. repeated Mr. Evans, rising and confronting him. Mr. Carter hung his head and gazed nervously in the direction of the
girl. "I am Bert Simmons. Shut the door, Jim. said Jim, gazing at the astonished Miss
Evans. said the girl, starting up. "There he is, my girl," said her father, patting her on the back. "You used not to mind it," said Mr. Carter, plaintively. "Well, he ought to know who he is," said her father, reasonably. "Of course I ought," said Mr. Carter, smiling at her. "Ask him," said the girl, tartly. We've got him at last, and now you've got to have
him." "If he don't run away again," said Jim. "Silly of me," said Nancy; "but I am silly sometimes." Mr. Carter pressed her hand again, and gazing tenderly into her eyes
received a glance in return which set him thinking. "Yes," was the reply. inquired the girl. "I won't repeat it," said Mr. Carter, firmly. Mr. Carter had got possession of both hands and was murmuring fulsome
flatteries when the sound of somebody pausing at the open door caused
them to be hastily withdrawn. "Why,
halloa! said Mr. Carter, with attempted enthusiasm, as he rose from his
chair. Well, this
is a surprise. "Course I haven't, Joe," said Mr. Carter. inquired the other. "That arf-quid I lent you," said Mr. Wilson. Mr. Carter, after the first shock of surprise, pretended to think, Mr.
Wilson supplying him with details as to time and place, which he was in
no position to dispute. said Mr. Carter, forcing a smile and shaking hands. "So have you," said Mr. Carter. "You'll be the first, Ben," said Mr. Carter, quickly. he said, stiffly. said Mr. Carter, struggling. Mr. Carter started, and gazed at her uneasily. "Good-by," said Mr. Carter, pausing at the door. "It doesn't matter," said Mr. Carter. Good-by." "No," said Mr. Carter. "Of course not," said Nancy. "Nobody owed it," said Nancy. Mr. Evans, with a strange cry, blundered towards the door. You stay here." "You need not unless you
want to," she said, very softly.