The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-12

to the matinee, will you? Might as well do that as tramp around town for nothing" s
 Bess nodded, and Andy sat on the front steps smoking a cigarette and building air castle while the girl dressed. They had only cheap seats in the rear of the balcony, but it was treat, and occasionally Andy. could feel the slight pressure of the girls arm against his own. emphasizing her nearness. He did not think much of the vaudeville performance What mat tered the accomplishments of the trained seals and the toe dancer when he could lean back with closed eyes and conJure up visions of light house. keeping with Bess as the housekeepert He was earning enough salary for two. After all. she need not take that place with Lowell and Lowell.
 Isn't that great7" asked Bess. Andy reused himself with a start to- observe the accomplishment of pair
 Sure thing" he assented T was thinking of something bigger and greater"
 What's that?" she demanded. II was thinking" he explained, that perhaps you wouldn't need Miss Austin's place in the office. What's the matter with us getting married? We could get little bit of flat and live mot board"
 Andy's voice made the distinction eloquent. and the girls gray eyes grew. But you don't know anything about me-" she protested, wistfully.
 T know you're the girl I want to marry" he insisted stout1y Mrs Lem non's known me for a year, and the Cid Mans had me working for him for three years. You can write to Brewsterville and find out the rest about me if you want to. I'm not from Missouri, where you're concerned"
 There was a sudden darkness as the lights went out for the motion pie lures. and in the gloom a tiny hand sought his, and was quickly captured.
 'Is it yes?" he asked. his breath coming in sharp aspirations.
 T can't write back home" she said softly But if you will take me as I am, Andy, its-yes."
 There's nothing wrong" he declared stoutly, but if you were a shoplifter. I'd marry you just the same" The audience was filing out before the last pictures were thrown on the screen, but he leaned over and kissed her.
 Were engaged" he declared, but you'll have to wait until Saturday for the ring"
 The lights flashed on again and un- willingly enough Andy gathered up their belongings and prepared to join the departing crowd. The boarding place was but short distance away. and they decided upon walking. An dy's feet touched the sidewalk, but he felt as though he were in the clouds that dotted the evening sky.
 'I don't want you to think I've done anything wrong," whispered Bess. Tt isn't that, dear. It's just that have no family, and don't want ever to be reminded of them. My father married a second time. my stepmother and I did not get along we'll and I-"
 "Lit out, he said. q don't blame you. Lots of girls won't put up with a secondhand mother. I'm looking for one this very minute; that is,. I'm supposed to be-" he added.
 That was what took you out of the office this afternoon?"
 "Yes. You see, her father buys goods from us and he wrote Lowell and Lowell to look the girl up and tell her that her near-mother had decided to be good and begged the girl to come home. It's too far for him to come and look for her in the busy season, but we're to find her and ship her back to Elton, Cflio."
 I'm Frances Elizabeth Filson," she explained. Saunders was my own mothers name"
 That let's me out" sighed Andy. Why. your father has seven different kinds of money"
 But I am richer. for have you., she whispered.
 Do you mean it? You still want to marry me now you've won your father back7"
 And to think" unused Andy, "that was cussing the Old Man for chasing me out on such a fool job"
 Bess laughed. She knew what Andy meant.