The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1907-10-18
All For Nothing.
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John Thompson was twenty-one and
old for his age. The only thing youth
full about him was his love for Anita
Merrtweather. who was but seventeen
and young for that tender age. Anita's
parents had reluctantly consented to
an engagement. fearing that their
daughter might change her mind be-
fore reaching a manageable age or
later on md herself tied to a man
whom she would not choose at matu-
rity. But Anita regarded herself al.
ready as at a manageable age and
saw no possibility Of ever changing her
mind.
Johnny" she said one day, Il wish
you had more spirit"
what do you mean, sweetheart
asked John. surprised.
Il think you submit very tamely to
all these requirements and conditions
laid down for M BY papa and mann
ma"
Il don't know Of but one--the walt
ing till you are nineteen"
isn't that enough? But I suppose It
doesn't seem very long to you"
II don't permit myself to think of
It. l try to keep my mind on my daily
work. This will the better enable me
to take care Of you when I get you"
what a humdrum sort Of fellow you
are! l like a man who resents hav-
ing others stand in the way Of his de-
sires. especially in love-"
There was a good deal more Of this.
Anita, though not much beyond child
hood, had a woman's natural aptitude
for carrying her point, and she sue
ceeded in doing SO with John. That
point was to gain his consent to mar
riage with or without her parents per-
mission.
every WELL" he said after discover
ing that a willful woman must have
her own way. What do You ~propose?'
X suppose we'll have to run away"
II don't think we'll have to run very
fast
Indeed we shall. II papa should
get wind Of our going, he would follow
US furiously."
II doubt It. He has no objection to
me. He only wishes us to wait till you
are Ire Of your own mind"
The upshot Of it-all was that q few
days later John stopped at the door of
the Merriweathers' with his automo-
bile, Anita got In, and they rolled
away. They had taken many an after
noon ride together, and there was mel
Their occasion to ask permission o to
put on any considerable power. Anita's
mood, however, was not in keeping
with their quiescent conditions. She
either clutched Johns arm as though
for protection or drew away from
him as though he was dragging her
into It. John, when he had got be-
yond the town limits, put on a fair
speed. For the first time since the
elopement, II It could be called such,
had been mentioned Anita's thoughts
appeared to be turned from her own
desires to whatever Of pain she might
be inficting upon her parents.
II wonder how mother will take It,"
she said.
Don't know" was Johns laconic
reply.
"I've always been papa's especial
pet. It's hard to do anything to hurt
him."
Il suppose he'll have to stand it."
you're very unfeeling."
"Unfeeling, sweetheart! It isn't that.
We must face boldly the conditions we
take upon ourselves"
There was a pause. after which she
began again:
Mothers health hasn't been Of the
best for the past few months. I hope
1t won't break her down"
John made no comment on this.
They were jogging along steadily. She
was 80 absorbed with her thoughts
that she paid no attention to the route
they were taking.
Il don't know" she went on, what
I'm going to do without papa's kiss
every night and morning"
'I'll give you two." said John. Tin,
stead Of one"
"H'mw
They were approaching a house.
John guided the automobile In to the
sidewalk and stopped.