The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-06-10


 You see, I wouldn't mind it bit if 1t were not for Uncle Halbert, but If l marry you and go to Denver, Bob, what would become of him. He hasn't a soul in the world but me, and he's forty -nine--
 "r'orty mine isn't old" interrupted Bob gloomily.
 a man like Uncle Halbert." Gwendolin answered seriously. Tt isn't as though he had led an active business life, Bob. He has always been so seclusive; you know what l mean; he has lived by himself and for himself until mama dIed and I came to 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 us suggested Bob, walking up and down the strip of beach below the sand dune where the figure in the blue cloak sat in sol itary state. Its great climate out there He'd like it all right as soon as he got accustomed to the change. Of course 1t might come hard to an old man like that"
 You just said he wasn't old"
 Well, he's too old to care one way or the other"
 Bob Daulton, how can you talk so heartlessly?'
 Daulton stopped short in his walk Ing 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 to be overcome-that's why. like MT. Rutherford all right. He's a fine old fellow, but I don't see just why he should blight our whole lifes' happi- ness in order to insure his not get ting lonesome. And he won't be- He has lots of neighbors-"
 He hates neighbors." interposed Gwendolin sadly. her chin on her palms. 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 excitable."
 He did, did hep laughed Bob. Well, he must enjoy excitement lit- tie himself. When I drove into the postoffice yesterday I saw him riding beside little Mrs. Ainslee in her red and black runabout. They were clip ping along the post road to 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 snap ping turtle, and uncle simply went with her to the doctors. Teddy was with them.
 Well, he wasn't in evidence. and I didn't hear any moans of pain. The old boy and the widow seemed to be enjoying themselves all right Anyway that kid ought to be suppressed He put on of those snapping turtles in wit m, farriprS last waal< and if didn't do a thing but nip Napoleons ear, and take a bite at Lady Gray's nose"
 What were the terriers doing?S Gwendolin's blue eyes lighted with quick merriment
 Nothing except kiyi-ing You can't take a grip on a turtle sfell. and ev- cry time one would make dash at the turtles head it would draw it in. And Tedy thought it was great fun."
 "So it was" ap ed the young woman on the sand dune. q didn't know Teddy had so much sense of hu- nor That must be why>~Uncle Hal for children a bit"
 Maybe Teddy would keep him from being lonesome then after we've gone to Denver" Bob N, aited an instant, then caught encouragement from the face above him. and took the sand dune dt TOUT StepS dWen, udrllng, quit teasing and have. It isn't a joke It's our he's happiness at stake just because this old fossil wants 1 your company What do we care even If he cut you off without a cent? I'll have enough for two. And I'm not afraid of him. I'll go to him after dinner tonight and tell him the whole thing, and let him sizzle-" You cant tell him tonight, MT. Daulton interrupted an interested. eager little voice from the other side of the dune Hes coming over to our house for dinner. Why don't you tell him right now?"
 Bob withdrew his arm hurriedy from its resting place. and Gwen pin ned up some stray tumbled locks with fingers that trembled even while the laughed at the picture below them. Standing in the pool of water left by the tide in the rocks below was Ted dy Ainslee. His short duck pants were rolled high about his bare tanned legs, and his face was intensely serious, as he balanced a tin pail and a toy rake In his hands, and stared up at the two figures on tie sand dune
 What are you doing, Ted" asked Bob. impersonally. Digging for clams?"
 Nope. Crabs" returned Ted, lacon- | ically. Got five Twos most dead, L though. Why don't you tall him right