Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-02-25

81 don't know" said she. 'but-I-
hink it's Johnny Barton"
"Oh!' said Miss Penriff. HAS that
roung man gone into the express bust
resp
"Not exactly" said Dolly, busying
aerself among the tomato jars. "But l
hink he drives around picking up old
.hina and brass tire-dogs, and all such
.hings for some big collector in New
York"
Il don't doubt it, said Miss Penriff.
But wonder what he wants here?"
The little discussion was terminated
BY the sudden tapping of Johnny Bar
.on's whip-handle against the side of
the open door.
Yes. he was very nice young man
blue-eyed and frank-faced, with yell
.ow hair curling away from his tenn
pies. and white teeth which shone ev-
cry time he smiled.
He had only been in Rodendale few
weeks. Miss Penriff had seen him now
and then. but she hardly remembered
him.
How do you do. Miss Penriff?" said
be, with stupendous self-possession.
"Mr. Barton, aunt" said Dolly. in
hurried sort of way. This Is my
aunt, Miss Penriff, Johnny"
Il don't know, what has procured me
the honor of this CALL" said Miss Pen
riff, Strengthening herself up.
For she never could forget. this poor,
faded, elderly woman, that her father,
Squire Peregrin Penriff, had once been
the richest man in the county.
well. don't know much about the
honor Of the thing" said John Barton
laughing. But I've just heard from
Mr.. Oakley that you wanted to sell an
old carved settle. I'm buying up that
sort of thing
"Oh, indeed?'
perhaps you would allow me to look
at it," went on Johnny, resolved on
business.
Dolly flung open the hall window that
was generally kept closed and curtain
ed. A blaze of yellow sunlight flooded
the hall, gust Of sweet, autumn. leaf
scented air came in and the carved
gritfins seemed to wink their wooden
satisfaction.
"There" cried Dolly. isn't 1t q
beauty? And heavy-oh, what piece
of solid heaviness! Oh, that isn't Sc
cret drawer! It's only place to put
umbrellas and canes in. used to be
certain there was a secret drawer in 1t
when l was a child. But I've changed
my mind now"
John Barton walked slowly around
the settle, eying it from every point of
view. Miss Penriff watched him.
Eyes. it is beauty said he. what
will you take for it. Miss Penriff?"
Il hardly think you can afford to buy
1t, young man." said the elderly lady,
grimly.
John Barton Redeemed little.
"Oh, as for that" said he. rather awk-'
wardly, I'm representing some one
else. Personally, perhaps"
SWELL" said Miss Penriff. ''it cost
three hundred dollars. But don't ex-
pect to get It's full value"
AUNT Keziah would take hundred"
fluttered Dolly. 'if-''
Every WELL" said Mr.. Barton. Its a
bargain. Is there man about the
place who could help me lift it into the
wagon"
There's old Silas Virgins beyond
the big rock" suggested Dolly.
And while Johnny Barton was gone
for him, the old lady sat down on the
settle, where the yellow sunshine glim-
mered and the smell of late mignon-
nette came in at the window
Here was where l used to sit" said
She There was a big stained glass Win
dow in the hall just over it. and great
fireplace beyond, where they burned
such big black logs of cold, winter
nights. And there, in the other corner,
my lover used to sit"
Her voice quivered; a tear sparkled
in the faded blue eyes behind the steel
spectacles.
"Oh, Aunt Keziah" cried Dolly. sud
denly flinging her arms around the old
lady's neck. Il never knew you had
a lover"
Does any woman ever live to be 20
without lover, child?" said Miss Pen
riff But your grandfather was very
man. He was losing money
in those South Sea shipping ventures
even then, though l didn't know it
and he wanted me to marry a rich man
aud retrieve the family fortunes. And
Henry was poor
"Was that his name. Aunt Keziah:"
80 never married at ALL" went on
Miss Penriff. "Good-by, old settler
And, with infinite pathos, she touch
ed her lips lightly to the biggest of the
griffin's heads.
But Dolly held tight to her aunt's
hand; she chung around her neck with
passionate kisses.
Now you know, Aunt Keziah," said
she. almost in sob, "why l didn't ac-
cept Orlando DALEY. Now you know
why l love Johnny Barton. Johnny
isn't rich hut neither was vna,r Harry