The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1897-04-10

81 don't know" said she. "but-I-
think it's Johnny Barton
"Oht" said Miss Penriff. HAS that
young man gone into the express ousi-
nessT'
''Not exactly" said Dolly, busylng
herself among the tomato Jars. but l
think he drives around picking up OLD
china and brass fre-dogs and all such
things for some big collector in New
York"
II don't doubt IT," said Miss Penrin.
"But l wonder what he wants here"
The little discussion was terminated
by the sudden tapping OF Johnny Bar
tons whlp-handle against the side OF
the open door.
Yes. he was a very nice young man
blue-eyed and frank-faced. with yell
low hair curling away from his tenn
Piles, and white teeth which shone ev-
cry time he smiled.
He had only been In Rodendale a few
weeks. Miss Penrlff had seen him now
and then. but she hardly remembered
him.
How do you do, Miss Penriffr' said
he. 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 blaze Of yellow sunlight flooded
the hall, a gust Of sweet autumn, leaf
scented air came In and the carved
griffins seemed to wink their wooden
satisfaction.
There" cried Dolly Isn't 1t a
beauty? And heavy-oh, what a piece
Of solid heavinessl Oh. that isn't a Sc
cret drawer! It's only a place to put
umbrellas and canes In. | used to be
certain there was a secret drawer In It
when | 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. 1t is beautyr' said he. what
will you take for 1t, Miss Penriff?"
Il hardly think you can afford to buy
it, young man." said the elderly lady.
grimly.
John Barton Redeemed a little
"Oh, as for that" said he, rather awk-
wardly, I'm representing some one
else. Personally, perhaps"
well" said Miss Penriff. ut cost
three hundred dollars. Butt don't ex-
pect to get Its full value"
Aunt keziah would take hundred"
nuttered Dolly, If"
VERY WELL" said Mr. Barton. ats
bargain. Is there a man about the
place who could help me lift 1t 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 | used to sit" said
she. There was big stained glass win
dow In the hall just over 1t, and a 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
trimmed spectacles.
"Oh. Aunt Kezlahl' cried Dolly. sud.
denly flinglng her arms around the old
lady's neck. 81 never knew you had
lover"
Does any woman ever live TO be %
without lover, childY said Miss Pen
riff. But your grandfather was very
ambitious man. He was losing money
in those South Sea shipping ventures
even then, though l didn't know #
and he wanted me to marry rich man
and retrieve the family fortunes. And
Henry was poor"
WAS that his name, Aunt Keziah .,
so | never married at ALL" went on
Miss Penrlff. "Good-by, old settler
And. with infinite pathos. she touch.
ed her lips lightly to the biggest of the
grlflin's heads.
But Dolly held tight to her aunt,s
hand; she chung around her neck with
passionate kisses.
NOW you know, Aunt Kezlah." said
she, almost in sob. "why | didn't ac-
cept Orlando Daley. Now you know
why love Johnny Barton. Johnny
isn't rich. but neither was your Henry
Oh. Aunt Keziah. you won't blame
mer'
Dear mer said Miss Penrif. in n
sort Of bewildered way. you don't
mean to say"
'Nes, do" said Dolly. turning mini,
MN.N