Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1907-03-20

"Of course It would. He's the very
man. Whatever George Edgar says al
ways goes with dad. There isn't finer
fellow on earth than George. You
ought to hear what they still say abou1
him in college. He was the great half
back Of his year, you know. But he
wouldn't speak to dad, would he?"
The girl smiled.
81 am quite sure he will If 1 ask
him."
The young man arose. His rudy
face wore a broad smile.
Ethel" he said, you're an eighteen
karat brick all right"
1t was a dainty little birthday dinner
to which the girl invited her guardian.
and the guardian looked at the arrange
ment Of the table with surprise as we'll
as appreciation.
"Am l the only guest?" he asked.
'0The one and only she answered.
eve couldn't expose our little surprise
to outsiders, you know"
She had never looked more charm
ing. The womanly side to her charac-
ter seemed to him suddenly developed.
She was no longer a child.
He had never enjoyed dinner as he
enjoyed that one. Yet he knew 1t must
be the last.
And when 1t was ended and they had
gone back to the little reception room,
he felt that the time had come for him
to tell her of his resolve, and so take
himself out Of her life forever.
''That was a mistake about Doug
lass" she said.
"a mistaken"
Eyes. Perhaps you thought he would
be here tonight"
Eyes What was the mistake"
II sent for him, you know, and when
he came he very calmly told me he
didn't care for me-"
Douglass told you he didn't care for
your
Eyes. He likes someone else much
better. It's Emily Robbins. You know
who she Is. And you are to speak to
Douglass father about her and use
your best influence to help them"
He drew himself up little stiff1y.
I'D rather not" he said.
81 promised you would" murmured
the girl.
He drew a quick breath.
Douglass will be very grateful" said
the girl, land so will Emily-and so
will l."
LJo f,,pohIod IN on IDDor yoo1zo+ ond
brought forth an envelope, from which
he drew a letter.
Here Is my surprise, Ethel" he said
Its my resignation as your guardian.
Your father made this optional with
me. II on your twentieth birthday 1
deemed it wise to give you full posses
sion of your property 1 could do So
This was the finest birthday remem-
brance 1 could bring you-your free
DOM"
The girl slowly smiled.
II don't notice that this sudden ac-
cession Of liberty makes any difference
in my feelings" she said. "But you
meant 1t well, of course, and 1 thank
you" Her clear gray eyes regarding
him steadily. George Edgar" she
slowly added, 81 begin to realize how
much 1 owe to you, how faithful and
lovingly you have served me. But you
deserve something better than mere
thanks" She hesitated a little, then
bravely continued. ut seems to me
that you deserve a-promotion."
"a promotion. Ethel? What does
that mean?"
She flushed a little.
"You know what promotion means,
dear friend If there is In my service
any higher Office than that of guardian
l think you deserve It."
Then he seemed to dimly comprehend
her meaning. He leaned forward. His
voice trembled when he spoke.
"Ethel," he slowly said, what was
that surprise you promised to give me
to-dayY
She suddenly put out her hands to
him.
Myself" she softly answered.
Pennsylvania Grit.