The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1906-12-07

approval, read in her face grief, disap-
pOintment and refusal
Aren't you pleased?' went on the
girl, We've been engaged since
Christmas. Before l visited Florrie
Tucker, Dave asked me and 1 said,
I'd see. Then while l was away he
kept writing to me-and 1 always did
like him best Of any Of the boy-so l
just had to say yes He's so obsu-
nate. Dave is he wouldn't take no "
"Of course am very much surpris-
ed" Linda said when she could trust
herself TO speak 4 think you are
both too young to talk of such things.
Besides, you are going to college soon,
Mary, and do not approve Of indeh
mite engagements"
But there's nothing indefinite about
our engagement, replied the girl airi-
", twisting the ring on her finger.
We are to be married in September"
"What?'
"Oh, yes, it's ell settled" nodding
her head. Il wrote this morning TO
Merton cancellng my application. I'm
tired of study-what is the use of it?
| know more now than any other girl
or boy almost-in Dorsettown. Just
think, after September I'll never have
to study any more"
Mrs. Pennington rose in wrath from
her chair Mary" she cried sharply,
you don't know what you're saying!
You are giving up carelessly what
would give years of my life TO have
had when l was a girl-what you will
always regret giving up. 1 don't often
exercise my authority as your guardian,
but when you act like silly child
must. l ask you-no, order you-to
break this engagement
Mary sprang up and stamped her
foot angrily. well, I wontY' she
cried. And you can't make me; I'm
nineteen years old"
Linda sank back in the chair with
trembling lips. The mother who had
eloped was speaking through her
daughter. Mary, if you love me-" she
pleaded, but she knew it would be no
use. The girls heredity was showing,
and she must bow to the inevitable.
Mary never would understand what
blow this was to her guardians am
billions for her College, then advanced
work, or, If the girl preferred, art
study in Paris or music In Germany
these the plans she had made. And
this mad within must overturn them
all!
The girls storm of fury spent itself
in floods of tears. Aunt Linda, l
can't. Don't ask me to-" she sobbed.
David drew his sweetheart toward
him. He had been a silent, troubled
witness of the scene. Now he spoke
quietly.
It's like this, Mrs Pennington, we
love each other, and we don't see the
use of waiting If we wait four years
by then We'll have grown apart per
haps, and it will be harder to give in ia
each other. We want to be married al
once. am making a good living; my
! people are pleased, and we only want
your consent"
But she shook her head impatiently
Il have nothing against you, David
butt is impossible"
'Oh, no. Mrs. Pennington he cried
Think think-when you were young
and in love. Don't you remember how
it was then?''
How old memories can rise again! A
vision of a boyish soldier, with plead
ing eyes and tender smile. And that
parting could she ever forget the
sound of his voice, low and thrilling?
She gave a shuddering sigh and open
ed tear dimmed eyes. Il was only sew
enteen and he was twenty-and l new
er saw him again. His body could no
be found. All" Steadying her voice
she went on. You are right David
1t was foolish and wrong to try to con
troll Mary's life She must work it on
for herself Ny plans We're far differ
ent from this, but I can give them up
as l have given up others"
Dear Mrs. Pennington said David
grasping her hand
Then, when Mary ran off to set tn,
supper table and David followed, witt
awkward attempts to help. Linda Pen
nlngton drew forth an old locket anC
gazed long at the portrait within
Once l thought that the SCATTERING o
my dreams would kill me-" she muir
INJURED. But l lived to thank God 70
other dreams and duties that came. S.
it will be now, think"
Supper is ready, Aunt Linda!' call
ed Mary, and Mrs. Pennington turnet
from the sunset glow.