The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-12-20

be party to any such moekcry OF 4
thing that ought TO be sacred. She 4.
doubtless amusing herself as usual,
and II there h favored one among
the seven he win know just where to
look for her"
He turned sharply away, with chok.
ing throat and hot, singing eyeballs,
"You do care, Kenneth" persisted
his mother wlstfully.
"Yes," he answered shortly, II care,
| care so much that cannot tolerate
the thought OF her as u prize In q game
Of hide and seek"
"The package, Kenneth" Mrs, Car.
ter suggested inqulringly.
He opened II quickly, gazing bewll.
dered at the contents, a small. plain
gold ring
what does II meani" he asked con.
fuseily.
II think II means that you are not
the only one who cares. She evidently
doesn't intend you to fail for lack OF a
ring that fits, Now viii you go1"
"Yes," he said quickly, "but I'll seek
her at her home, as an honorable man
should. not elsewhere"
He returned In an hour. with dlsap.
pointment unmlstakable In his face.
His mother did not need TO question
him.
II saw three or four men who. am
positive, were looking for her" he
said In Il slow. hard tone-"van Horn,
with his best pair and little Sawtelle
In his automobile. There's dinner
dance at Trumbull's tonight. and
young Cooper and Dixie Salter came
dashirg out OF there Just as was
passing"
Are you sure she isn't ut homer"
ut was her own maid who came to
the door, feel sure that she would
not deceive me, You know she Is little
Oscar Larson's sister,
''The boy who was injured and for
whom you secured the damagcsf"
"Yes. The girl evidently knew all
about this affair and realized the use.
lessness OF my search, for she said In
very kind and gentle way, You'd
better go home. Mr. Carter"
A faint flicker Of smile, instantly
repressed, appeared at the corners OF
Mrs. Carter's mouth.
But the ring, Kenneth" she per.
sisted.
Probably sent TO raise my hopes
and so make my failure all the more
crushing" he answered bitterly.
I'VE will not speak Of II again. dear
little mother. and l will say good
night now. want TO be alone"
Before you go. dear please bring
me my embroidery from the library
table,"
He pushed aside the portiercs and
entered the library A slender, girl.
ish figure stood before the crate, aud
the dancing flrelight fell In soft CLEANS
upon her white dress and lent bright
glow to face pale with emotion.
Kenneth gave sharp crp and sprang
forward.
"ls II you, Paulal Is II really you?
Am the one to find your
did you want TO find me, Kenneth 7"
she asked. half crying
"Dld ! want tor Oh, Paula
He held her to his breast In silence
and then bent and kissed the sweet
mouth upraised TO his.
II was after the announcement OF
the engagement that Paula exclaimed
one day, looking into Kenneths
gloomy face: what IL the matter, sir
Doleful? Such an expression as that
IN the face of newly engaged man
$ hardly fattering TO his hancee."
He answered slowly, THAT night at
he ball you said there were several
whom you would be willing to marry"
II did" Paula returned promptly,
but you may recall that said also
II all the circumstances were favora.
de-"
IL can't see that that changes Il
my" he argued obtusely.
"YOu don't deserve TO be told, but
because you are SO stupid I'll have to
Explain that the absolutely essential
was that | should love
he man. And lest you continue max. q
ng yourself miserable for nothing I'll
onfess right now that you were the =
nly one to whom sent note. Even
hen ! was 80 dreadfully afraid you
come that followed the
ote, and your mother aided and
betted' In q most shocking manner"
The Order of the Garter.