The Washington herald., 1907-06-19
THE DIPLOMACY OF TED
BY IZOLA FORESTER.

You see. / wouldn't mind it a bit II it
were not for Uncle Halbert. but if 1
marry you and go TO Denver, Bob what
would become Of him? lie hasn't Il soul
in the world but me, and he's forty
nine"
.'Forty-nine isn't old interrupted Bob
gloomily.
1T isn't for most men, but it is for q
man like Uncle Halbert.' Gwendolin an
swered seriously 1t isn't as though ne
had led an active business life. Bob. lie
has always been so seclusive; you know
what [ mean he has lived by himself and
Tor himself until mamma died and 1 came
10 live at the Naples. That Is over fifteen
years ago, and I know that if I were to
marry and leave him all alone here it
would break his heart
Let him come with as" suggested Bob.
walking up and down the strip Of beach
below the sand dune. where the figure in
the blue cloak sat in solitary state. ITS
a great climate out there He'd like II all
right as soon as he got accustomed to tae
change. OF course il might come hard 20
an old man like that"
You just said he wasn't old"
well, he's too old 20 care one way or
the other"
Bob Daulton, how can you talk so
heartlessly?"
Daulton stopped short in his walking
and faced the figure in blue. his hands
deep in his pockets. his young face set
and resolute.
Just because I want you for my wife.
he said. "and any obstacle that stands in
my way after you yourself have said yes
has simply got 10 be overcome-thats
why. 1 like Mr. Rutherford all right
He's a fine old fellow. but 1 don't see
just why We should blight our whole
life's happiness in order 10 insure his
not getting lonesome. And he won't be-
He has lots Of neiEhbOrs-"
He hates neighbors, interpOsed
Gwendolln sadly, her chin on her PAINS
He has quarreled with the Lawrences
over the greenhouses they built that
spoil the view from the arbor. and he
doesn't like the new people at Greystone
a bit He says they're too eXcitabie."
He did. did he?" laughed Bob. well.
he must enjoy excitement a little him
self When l drove in to the post-ofice
yesterday I saw him riding beside little
Mrs. Ainslee in her red and black run
about. They were clipping along the post
road 20 beat the band, and he didn't
look worried a bit over any excitement
He was not riding for pleasure said
Gwendolin, coldly. Mrs. Ainslee's little
boy Teddy was bitten by a swapping tur-
tie. and uncle simply went with her to
the doctors. Teddy was with them"
Well. he wasn't in evidence, and
didn't hear any means OF pain. The old
boy and the widow seemed 10 be enjoy
ing themselves all right. Anyway, that
kid ought to be suppressed He put one
Of those swapping turtles IN with my
terriers last week, and it didn't do a
thing but nip Napoleon's ear, and take
bit at Lady Gays nose
What were the terriers doing?"
Gwendolin's blue eyes lighted with quick
merrimeut.
Nothing except kiyl-ing You can't
take a grip on a turtle shell, and every
time one would make dash at the tur-
ties head it would draw It in. And
Teddy thought It was great fun"
so it was, approved the young
woman on the sand dune. 7 didn't
know Teddy had so much sense OF
humor. That must be why Uncle Hal
likes him. Generally he doesn't care for
children a bit"
Maybe Teddy would keep him from
being lonesome. then, after we've gone TO
Denver" Bob waited an instant, then
caught encouragement from the face
a above him, and took the sand dune ar
four steps. Gwen. darling. quit teasing
and behave. II isn't a joke. It's our
life-s happiness at stake just because this
old fossil wants your company. What
do we care. even If he cut you off with
OUT a cent? I'll have enough for two.
And I'm not afraid Of him. I'll go 10
him after dinner tonight and tell him
the whole thing. and let him sizzle-'
you can't tell him tonight. Mr. Daul-
ton" interrupted an interested, eager
little voice from the other side Of the
dune. Hes coming over 70 our house
for dinner. Why don't you tell him right
now?'
Bob withdrew his arm hurriedly from
its resting place. and Gwen pinned up
some stray tumbled locks with fingers
that trembled even while she laughed at
the picture below them. Standing in the
pool of water left by the tide in the
rocks below was Teddy Ainslee. HIS
short duck pants were rolled high above
his bare tanned legs, and his face was
intensely serious, as he balanced a TN
pail and 2 toy rake in his hands, and
stared Up at the two figures on the sand
dune.
What are you doing. Ted?" asked Bob
Digging for clams?''
Nope Crabs" returned Ted. laconi-
eally. Got FIVE. Twos most dead
though. Why don't you tell him right
now1 He's over there with mamma, over
behind the clubhouse. They're sitting on
the rocks. talking about our coming TO
livej in his house. Say, I'm going to have
a r8om all to myself. ne says, and pony,
and maybe a real boat, maybe. Aren't
yoh glad I'm coming to live with you.
GHan7"
Ewendolln's hand closed over the
strong one that reached for it with
farm. close grip. For a moment her
tyes met Bob, swift, questioning, amazed,
laughing. all in one quick sweeping glance
OF understanding. Bob started to laugh
aloud. but she checked him. and bent
toward the little figure standing in the
water below
Indeed. l am glad. Teddle, she said