Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1906-11-08

taire flashed into view.
The significance of the stone did not
enter Linda PenninGton's mind. for 1t
was many years since she had thought
OF such things Mary, you know you
may not receive presents Of iewelry
from Young men, she was beginning.
but the words ded on her lips NIary
and David, looking for some sign Of
approval. read in her face grief disap
poutmcut ANA refusal
Aren't you pIedscd:' went on the
girl We've been engaged since
Christmas. Before | visited FlOrrie
Tucker. Dave asked me and | said.
I'd sec Then while | was away he
kept writing to me-and | always did
like him best of any of the bOys-so
just had TO say yes He's so obsti-
nate. Dave is. he wouldn't take no -
OF course | am very much surpris-
ed, Linda said when she could trust
herself to speak. Il think you are
both too Young to talk Of such things
Besides. YOU are going to college soon,
mary, ana / 40 not approve or inden-
hite engagements.
!. But there's nothing indefinite about
our engagement replied the girl airi-
ly, twisting the ring on her finger.
We are to bc married in September"
"WhatE"
"Oh yes. it's all settled" nodding
her head. Il wrote this morning to
Merton cancelns 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 IN never have
TO study any more
Mrs. Pennington roS" in wrath from
her chair Mary she cried sharply,
you don't know what yoI're saying.
You are giving up cdrelessly what |
would give years of my life to have
had when l was u girl-what you will
always regret giving up. | don't often
exercise my authority as your guardian,
but when you act like silly child
must. | ask you-no, | order you-to
break this engagement
Mary sprang up and stamped her
foot angrly. We'll, | WON'T" she
cried. And you can't make me; I'm
nineteen years old
Linda sank back in the chair with
trtm5linG lips. The mother who had
eloped was speaking through her
daughter Mary, II you love me-" she
pleaded. bat She knew it would be no
use The girls hcredity was showing,
and she must bow TO the inevitable.
Mary never would understand what
a blow this was TO her guardians am
bitDaS for her College, then advanced
work. or If the girl preferred, art
these The plans she had made. And
this mad whim must oyerturn them
all
The girls storm of fury spent itself
in Goods of tears Aunt Linda. |
can't Don't ask me TO, she sobbed.
David drew his sweetheart toward
him lie 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 walt four years
by then Wen have grown apart per
haps. ana il will be harder 10 give in to
each other. We want to be married at
once. am making a good living; my
people are pleased, and we only want
your consent"
But she shook her head impatlently.
q have nothing against you, David,
butt IS impossible"
"Oh. no. Mrs. Pennington he cried.
Think think when you We're young
and In love Don't you remember how
1t was them"
How old memories can rise again, A
vision of boylsh soldier, with plead
ing eyes and tender smile. And that
parting could she ever forget the
sound of his voice, low and thrillingi
She gave shuddering sigh and open
ed tear dimmed eyes. II was only sew
enteen ana he was twenty-and | new
er saw him again. His body could not
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 1t out
for herself. My plans were far differ
ent from this, but | can give them up,
as | have given up others
Dear Mrs Pennington said David,
grasping her hand.
Then, when Mary ran off to set the
supper table and David followed, with
awkward attempts TO help, Linda Pen
nington drew forth an old locket and
gazed long at the portrait within.
"Once | thought that the SCATTERING of
my dreams would kill me-" she mur-
INJURED. But | lived to thank God for
other dreams and duties that came. SO
it VIII be now, | think"
Supper is ready, Aunt Linda" cali
ed Mary, and Mrs. Pennington turned
from the sunset glow