The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-01-27


bat. Don't you know Lydia never was
that way till George Buckley got to
coming here and bringing her books
and papers and going out with her"
''StopT' Cranstons prov was crouoeu
over. Don't insult your own child"
He stood up, his short legs quivering
with excitement. do you think I'd
let that man come here-he, a son II
a convicted thief-if l dreamed-why,
I'd shoot the top Of his head of If he
dared-ohr"
'There is no use waking up the serv-
ants out in the yard" said Mrs. Gran
ston In a tone modulated to that she
wanted him to use I'VE don't want
any bloodshed; what we want is COM
mon sense. l don't think there is much
danger so far. Girls will often allow
themselves to enjoy the admiration of
men they would not dream Of marry
fng, and LYDIA has too much family
pride to think of encouraging him to
any serious extent but it is well to
take time by the forelock. l was
you know, but you said it would shock
the religious folks in the place for us
to try to establish social lines when
he stood so well, and
"I'll send her off tomorrow cried
the major, still excited, his voice rising
high and cracking.
NO, you won't unless you really
want to drive her the wrong way"
said Mrs. Cranston. 1--WE seen many
unhappy, mismated marriages made
through that stupid course, and I've
always said I'd act differently if it
came 10 me- Lydia would get as head
strong as bull if we showed her that
we were trying to drive her, and oppo-
sition naturally makes a girl think
more of a man who is unfortunate.
No. we must simply go on as If we
never imagined she could bemean US
by marrying u man of that kind. She's
not a fool: she may admire George
Buckley and be sorry for him in his
trouble, but she'll think several times
before she marrles him If we simply
go on as if we are trusting her to pro-
tect our family name"
The major sat down. II guess you
are right" he said more calmly. and
I'm not really afraid when l think
about her pride and all she has in her
favor. Why. she could take her pick
of the whole country. Governor Tel
fare is simply crazy about her an has
plenty of money. Do you suppose
Lydia-or any girl, as for that-could
resist the temptation to be the mistress
of the executive mansion on Peachtree
street and lead the society of Atlanta
to marry p penniless bookkeeper in a
grain warehouse and the son of =
Shucks. If she had it in her, I'd disowE
her,
"Oh. she's all right" smiled Mrs.
Cranston, as If he had forced the ali
surdity of her fears down upon her
by his warm words. but we must
handle her most carefully. I've tried
making fun of her country beau as
always call him to he>. but I've never
been able to make out how she took it.
She'd die before she'd let anybody
kuOW HOW sue Ieil uOOul d Mottel VI
that kind. I'll tell you what I'm going
to do. She has invited Kitty Cosby
to pay her a visit. and when Kitty
comes I'm going to get her to help me.
She's always had great influence over
Lydia, an Kitty Is blue blocded to the
bone I'll coach her how to act. and
she will hold Lydia in check an keep
me posted"
The major took up his paper.
II rather admire the fellows way
he said frankly. Pm sure be doesn't