The Press., 1905-12-06
ACCORDING TO
 ORDERS
By JOANNA SINGLE
Copyright, l9O5, by J. O. Loizeaux

f Copyright, 19O5, by J. O. Loizeaux I + x * < < + + + < s 1. <
 He kissed her again. Then he held her off and looked at the sweet face with the pride of new possession. Her eyes fell beneath his glance
 "Alida, when did you begin to love meP She twisted saucily from him.
 'I think I won't tell. That do should satisfy you"
 'Yes; 1t should-and it doesn't. want to know all about it. Why in the world should you love me? What made your"
 "Well, for one thing, you are very nice-in your way" Her tone was de mure. And father as good as said l mustn't. When you first came here he and l were downtown and met you"
 And on sight my heart got down for you to walk on! remember that first time" He drew her to a seat be side him on log in the wood adjoin- ing the links where they were suppos- ed to be playing golf. What did your father say?"
 "I asked who you were and was in- formed that you were the new lawyer, good, but hopelessly young and - and''-
 'Impecunious," Philip Hardy SUD- piled Guilty, your honor. What could he expect of new lawyer? And can't help being young"
 "And he remarked on your good looks"
 Naturally" said Philip modestly. "He has good taste. Pm glad he likes his future son-in-law. But why else did you like mel"
 "Well, father was saving me for my third cousin, Will Robertson, who is coming soon to practice with him. Of course father thinks I don't know his little scheme. And then-I saw you and objected more than ever to being saved up for a mere cousin, who prob ably wants me as little as I want him."
 "Your father needn't worry. l knew Robertson at college. He is engaged to Eleanor Payne and wants to get into the good graces of her father" Aida gasped.
 'Welll And I almost hated Eleanor because I thought you were in love with her! Father thinks so'
 ''It was you. I kept with her to avoid the temptation to tell you that loved you, for had no right to offer you-notbing. And here I am! I can give you a little home-nothing like your father's-and think can make you happy. Will you come" She leaned her cheek to his.
 "Yes," she answered simply, "I will come" He expressed his satisfaction with silent effectiveness. Then he asked:
 ''When shall I tell your fatherr'
 "Oh, Phil! He will never consent Don't ask him yetp'
 '1 said tell him. not ask him. dear. Does he approve my supposed passion for Eleanor Payne? Yes?. Then if he loved his neighbor as himself he'd be quite as willing to have me for his own son-in-law as to sacrifice Judge Payne. So I'm not to tell h1m2"
 Get better acquainted with him first. You know he's president of the Twen- ty-fversI'
 "Yes, and of the bank and the golf club and the Improvement league, and, for all know, the kindergartenr'
 Don't try to be funny. It's the most exclusive club in Westerville. You ought to be honored by being elected to membership"
 q am. Initiation comes in a week or two. I must try to win the doc tors favor"
 ''Well, follow Eleanor conspicuously not me. We must go. It's too dark even to pretend to play golf"
 Philip left his betrothed at the gate of her home. As he swung happily down the street he overlook Eleanor, and as he bent to tell her the Joy that had befallen him they met Alida's father, pr. Marston, and old Dr. Hayes.
 "Fine chap, young Hardy; glad to have him in the club, but Pm thankful to Miss Payne for keeping him at her heels. He Is dangerously attractive and I was afraid Aida would take c fancy