Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-05-09

knee. Take my advice. Buy few
lots now before the rise"
"TH have TO think about H." said Guy.
"Of course; and while you are think
ing about It you are 10 accept the hos
pitality Of my humble home"
Miss Betty shot a quick glance OF
| protest in her fathers direction.
Really, Mr.. Vlandingham." an.
swered Guy, couldn't think Of such a
thing"
II was one thing 20 prevent his for
tunes being wrecked by accommodating
the enemy, but It's quite another thing
20 sit at table with the general OF the
hostile camp and carry the espial Int
his very household. Guy drew line
at that.
"Nonsense!" cried Vlandingham. II
won't have il any other way. You're
going with me and won't take no for
an answer"
at is impossible" returned Guy.
| firmly.
"By Jupiter. wei see about that.
In my own town-beg pardon, Betty.
our own town-things go about as 1
as we-want them 10 go"
81 appreciate your kindness" said
Guy, embarrassed by the persistent
nature Of Nlandingham's hospitality.
"but | cannot impose upon you
Impose. Hear that. Betty? He
talks of imposing on me-on us-after
saving your life. my girl! Think Of
how you would now be lying crushed
and broken on that car floor but for his
heroic assistance! Jupiter, Mr.. Her
bert. | owe YOU a debt of gratitude.
Buy two lots al the present price and
III throw in two more. Now. them"
GUY was overwh elmed. Miss Betty
bowed her head and her shoulders
moved convulsively.
"See how my daughter IS affected"
cried Vlandingham. "She understands
how much we owe you, Mr.. Herbert,
and"
A smothered laugh came from Miss
Betty. She looked up presently,
STRENGTHENING her face with an effort.
Guy was chagrined. The more he saw
Of Elizabeth Vlandingham the more he
wished they had met under happier
circumstances.
My father. Mr.. Herbert" remarked
the young lady, "iS very anxious to sell
our lots. He has forgotten that there
are none for sale"
"What?" gasped Nlandingham,
aDtest
after the election the lots will be
worth double what they are now, and
why should we divide our profits with
anyone?"
Miss Betty had delightfully."- con-
trary nature. Had Guy accepted her
fathers hospitality she would have
been set against him; but now that he
had determined not 10 accept, she was
equally determined that he should.
"Mr. Herbert" she went on, "allow
me to second my fathers invitation.
We shall be glad 20 have you stay at
Willowview while you are in Har-
mony."
The witchery Of her blue eyes made
the temptation powerful one, yet
Guy shook his head. Then the blue
eyes grew imperious.
You must" declared Miss Betty,
and Guy yielded under mental pro-
test
A few minutes later they were in
Harmony, descending from the ca
boose far below the depot and pro-
ceeding "cross lots" toward large and
comfortable looking group of farm
buildings framed in a dusky setting Of
willows. Evening had fallen too dark
~ for Guy 10 see very much of this
rival town, but assuredly there was
nothing in Concord TO compare with
Wilbur Nlandingham's palatial home.
Willowview was manor comprising,
in its entirety, almost thousand
broad acres abutting upon the town
site. The house was large and neat
ness personifed without and within.
Dinner was waiting, and after Guy
had removed the cinders and dust
with which the short journey by freight
train had literally covered him, he
joined Miss Betty and her father in
the dining-room. There was only the
three Of them and Guy was not long in
learning that Mrs. Nlandingham had
been dead for several years. The
daughter had taken the mothers place
III lIt uOuStlOlhs anu was llllAllE ~.
If Guy might Judge, with eminent
credit 10 herself and supreme salts
faction 10 her father.
The dinner was charming, Miss Betty
made herself most agreeable, and
there was no talk OF lots, or townsite
matters, or anything else that breathed
remotely of business or discord. Guy
forgot for the time the mission he
had undertaken at the Coloneps behest.
He was brought 10 himself, however,
with something like a shock, directly
after dinner, while he and Mr.. Wand
ingham were in the parlor listening TO
Miss Betty's piano playing.
There came a sharp ring at the door
bell. followed 10y colloquy between the
maid and some person or persons with
out. The next moment there was a
tread Of feet and four gentlemen