Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1908-11-13

was usually given over 10 dry OH
cial business, and its musty walls mrst
almost have experienced distinct
shock about this time as Dallas VAIN
wright entered from the corridor be-
hind. She was accompanied by Perry
and by Phelan, who, passing through
the corridor toward the aldermanic
chamber, had colIided with the brother
and sister at the committee room door.
Here's good sight for sore eyes.
Miss Wainwright" the alderman WAS
saving with his best aiY. But Is it
fair to ask what brings such bunch
of sunshine into an old p'litical she'll
like this? I'd as soon think Of seeing
Horrigan at mass as to find you here
81 want to attend the aldermehs
meeting" exclaimed Dallas. II have
a special reason. So I made Perry
bring me. But at the door they told
us the gallery was so crowded that we
Couldn't
"Never you mind the gallery, miss"
interrupted Phelan. ut isn't meant
for the likes Of you anyway. You
lust sit here a few minutes, an I'll
catch an attendant somewhere an
make him hustle up a couple OF good
chairs for you on the main floor, where
you can pipe everything just like you
were in your own op'ra box coppin' off
a swad of high Cs."
Thank you SO much. alderman" re-
piled Dallas. 81 hope we're not pitt
ting you to too much trouble"
"No trouble at ali. An even II 1t
was I'd come a-runnin' to meet 1t. I'm
the original trouble eater. Besides. the
best in the house Is none too good for
the lady who was so interested in my
outings. So long! III be right back"
"What queer chap he is!' unused
Perry, as Phean FASTENED away on
his mission. "If could take six
weeks course in slang and hot air
from that man I'd be able to sew but
tons on the whole English language"
81 don't think you need very much
tuition" observed Dallas. but 1t was
kind of Mr.. Phelan to look after us. !
like him be-
Because he's standing by Bennett
30 pluckily in this fight?"
"Mr. Bennett is nothing to me-"
"NoT" asked Perry 10 innocent
amaze "Then wasted lot Of good
cigarette money cabling to you about
his campaign when you were across
the big wash last summer. For a
man who was nothing to you you
sure took large swads Of intelligent in-
terest. Look here, little glrl," he went
on, less fippantly, whats the matter!
Has anything
Nor she broke In, with miserable
effort at courage. "Nothlng's the mat
ter. I'm perfectly happy. Why shouldn't
be? An engaged girl is always
can engaged grip be shouted In
high gee. "You don't mean to say
you and Alwyn"-
"Of course not am engaged to
Mr.. Gibbs"
"Good Lordp' gasped the lad in hon.
est dismay. "If that's meant for
joke, it's the punkest ever! Did,
at isn't joke, Perry, and It's very
rude of you to talk so. | am engaged
to Mr.. Gibbs, and
"But-how-when did the atrocity
come off. and
81 became engaged to him the night
OF the administration ball. | didn't
want to tell you yet, because | knew
you don't like him. Fm-Pm"-
you're happy"
Certainly I am" she retorted de-
family. $50 happy that ~
"That you are having fight to keep
from crying this blessed minuteP' he
finished. Say, Dallas, 1t breaks me
all up to have you so miserable. ]
think a whole lot Of you. More'n or
any one else but Cynthia. And want
to help you out of this measly mixup
Won't your
"There Is nothing any one can do"
she murmured sadly. 81 have chosen
my course and I'-
Cheese It" whispered Perry in hur-
ried admonition. Here comes Ben
nett, and Phelan's with him"
The young mayor came In. talking to
the alderman as he came.
"This rooms disengaged.' he was
saying T'll write it here and give 1t
to-oh. beg your pardon" he broke
off, recognizing Dallas and Perry. 81
didn't know
'T've got two good seats for you"
announced Phelan. Fright where you
can see an hear the whole shootin'
match. An guess before the meetin's
over it's liable to get as interestin' as
a double Uncle Tom" show In tent.
T'll show you the way as soon as
you're ready. There's no rush. Things
amt begun to sizzle up yet"
Bennett had crossed to where Dallas
stood irresolute and. under cover OF
Phelan's talk with Perry, said to her.
with a certain unconscious stiffness:
ct fear ] was too taken aback by
your announcement the other evening
TO remember to congratulate you, but
please believe me when say wish
you every happiness in the new life
you have chosen"
Thank you very much" faltered
Dallas.
There was an awkward pause; then
she said: