The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1903-10-15
THEIR AUTO
ELOPEMENT
BY IZOLA L. FORESTER
Copy right, 1908, by T. C. Mcclure.


Daisy hopelessly. Something broke
when that last bump came, and we
may be here in the road for hours be-
fore help comes, and l expect to see
papa whiz around the corner any min
ute. It's dreadful"
Don't cry. sweetheart" said Ralph.
You'll make your nose red, Daisy"
added Mrs. Lambert merrily, land then
what q moist, forlorn little bride you'll
be. Stop petting her. Ralph and talk
sense. Can't you fix itY'
Carewe shook his head despairingly.
They were on the New York and
Boston pike. Here and there an apple
tree lay in the sunlight like great
pink and white puffball The grassy
footpath along the pike was splashed
with bright gold where dandelions and
buttercups elbowed each other, and
through the bars of a pasture on the
right a couple of red and white calves
were watching them with lazy interest
Mrs. Lambert drew in deep breath of
appreciation.
isn't it loyeIyY she said daisy.
sit up and look at your wedding day.
| see little white spire over the top
of those hazel bushes, Ralph"
Carewe climbed to the top of the
stone wall for a survey.
"By Jove, Aunt Ruth. you're rightw
he called gayly. Come on, sweet
heart"
Daisy flushed rosily as the eager,
boyish arms lifted her to the ground,
and she cast a half frightened glance
down the smooth, dusty road. Any
minute at all the judge might come.
He was sure to follow, and they were
only few miles from home.
Mrs. Lambert was looking at her
green and gold chatelaine watch.
You ought to be back here in half
an hour" she said, her blue eyes as full
of excitement and happiness as Daisy's.
I'm not bit afraid to stay here and
face the judge. You two children run
for the white spire, and heaven bless
you both"
Aunt Ruth, did any one ever tell
you you We're an angelo exclaimed
Ralph, giving her hand a clasp that
parted the seams of her neat tan
gloves.
Several" laughed Mrs. Lambert,
but all selfshly. One Is never an an
gel until one is Il guardian angel An
] impersonal angel is not recognized.
/ have found. If you should happen to
! run across a village blacksmith and
can think of earthly things you might
tell him there is work for him on the
pike"
She sank back among the cushions
of the auto with a sigh of sheer con
tent and watched them run cross lots
hand in hand. trampling the dande-
lions and buttercups. They were such
precious children, and Ii was the first
elopement she had ever shared! AS for
the Judge? She leaned back her head
and looked up at the blue sky throu
half closed eyes and smiled. The judge
really did not matter in the least.
They had been neighbors for twenty
years. the Nortons and Carewes. and
it was at Mrs. Lambert's that the
Judges only daughter had met and
loved her nephew, Ralph He was Il
good boy. and there was no reason
Why he should not WOO and win Daisy.
But the Judge had thought differently,
and Ruth Lambert, sitting alone In the
sunshine and fragrance of the May
time wondered whether any old prey
ing bitterness over his own defeat
twenty years before had influenced the
Judge against RaIph's suit.
II had been the same story. Jack
Norton had wooed her against her ia
Tiers wishes. He was a student then.
with only his name and grit to win his
way. and she had not known how
much she cared until he had gone out
of her life. If he lad been brave and
I dared all like Ralph
She sighed and reused herself from
the day dream. Down the road light
cloud of dust appeared, and Mrs. Lam
bert sat erect when she saw it. Before
she could more than settle herself back
comfortably among the cushions the
other auto was abreast Of her, and she
heard the Judge give a sharp order TO
the chauffeur to halt. He was frown-
iiiE anu Wal ~ 40 pihA Wv tAAA ~
and raised his cap.
How do you do, Mrs Lambertf
Every well, thank you Mrs. Lam
bert smiled at him graciously.
you have had an accidentT
Just slight one. believe. | have
sent for help"
"Ahw The judges tone was all com.
preLensiye. Garter. get down and see
what's the trouble"
The chauffeur obeyed.
water run out, sir" he said briefly.
Got a little strain also Some one run
ming it who wasn't experienced"
81 shouldn't wonder" said the Judge
grmly. Go hunt some water some
where"
When the man was out of hearing he
turned to Mrs. Lambert. and there was
war in his glance.
Perhaps you will kindly tell me
where my daughter is, Mrs. Lambert"
Mrs. Lambert pointed one dainty,
Eloved hand in the direction of the
white spire.
Right over there, judge" she said
,wootly. And Ralph is with her. They
lavr gone 10 bp married"