Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1908-11-20
NANCY'S
PROXY.
BY EPEs W. SARGENT.
Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.

Nancy, It's awful to go to school"
Nancy Hartman nodded solemn as
sent to the statement, for she always
agreed with what Bobby Seaton said.
In this instance her own views were
reflected, albeit those views were
somewhat prejudiced at the moment
by the fact that she had been kept In
after school. and Bobby had had to sit
on the curb and wait for her. He had
done his best, too, to be kept In, and
SO share her punishment. . c.
s@ssf n be CAD telien I'm illAffieu ana
don't have to go to school," he con-
tlnued solemnly. Married people
don't have to go to school,"
mfr. Scarritt did," reminded Nancy.
"He was a minister" explained Bob
by, as though that made difference.
Besides he was married when he was
In college. College is different from
school,"
Nancy nodded wisely. She could not
grasp any distinction, but since Bobby
said So there must be difference.
Schools horrid," she complained.
L JUST HEtu OHc tCChty httAC SRAt puiAp
and Miss Magnus made me stay In"
shes got to stay to correct the ex-
ercises," explained Bobby. land she's
'fraid to stay alone. That's why she
always makes some one stay In"
"'Tain't fair" insisted Nancy, and
we were going after nuts too"
II tell you what" exclaimed Bobby.
atpa a,at N rvAad and chan aha on
make us go to school,
Right nowT demanded Nancy, with
glance at her soiled dress.
THAT little ink stain don't matter"
assured Bobby. "Well go to Mr.. Scar
rift. He got married when he was In
school, so he'll understand"
but he went to school after he got
married." reminded Nancy.
That's because he wanted to-" ex-
planned Bobby. IF he didn't want to
go he didn't have to. We won't want
to GO"
He started to his feet, and Nancy
obediently followed. Had Bobby pro-
posed stroll to the north pole she
would have followed with the same
content, for was not Bobby wise with
the wisdom OF full eight years, while
she boosted a scant sixf
1t was short walk to the minister's
home, and presently Bobby, brave but
trlae weak In the knees and with a
higher color on his face, was explain
ing to the minister his desire to wed.
The Rev Scarrltt grave and studl
GUS. was shocked at the suggestion
and with gentle repr0of at their sacrl-
lege turned them from his study The
reproof was lost on determined mind.
and when the door had closed Bobby
shook his tiny FIST in the air.
"Just cause he's married he don't
care bout no one else" he said vim
dictively. Hes not the only marrier
In town. Huh"
There was world Of scorn In the
exclamation, and Bobby's wrath was
hot. He had not understood what the
minister was saying. but he had gath
cred that he was being scolded for
even thinking Of marriage, and this
under the very eyes Of his beloved.
There were three other ministers In
town, but none Of them was at home,
and Bobby turned toward the tired
Nancy.
"Its no USE" he said, with tighten
ing OF the quiverlng lip. We've got t.
go to Riverside"
put her hand In his.
"It's dreadful hard getting married.
she said. "Do all people have troubl
like thisT'
"When they elope," explained Bobby
calmly. "You don't have time to fix II
with the minister"
II don't think that 'loping's much
fun" ventured Nancy. but Bobby
look silenced her. Together the,
trudged along In silence until the
houses were passed and the road to
Riverside lay bare and lonely befor
them.
The shadows were closing In, and
there were clumpS Of trees that made
patches OF dark, just Nle sort that
bears love to hide In.
For the benefit Of his lady Bobby
kept up brave front, but his clasp on
the tired, dirty little hand that lay
within his own frightened when the
dark places came, and the sturdy lit
tie legs were urged to greater speed
until the danger point was passed.
The dark was closing In now. and
Nancy's plump little legs were not as
strong as Bobby's, and, though she
brayely sought to hold the pace, she
Jagged behind.
At last, in spite Of her fortitude, she
had to give In and sank with a little
sob on the grass beside the roadway.
II just can't go any more. Bobby"
she walled. ut seems like we most
walked round the earth"
"Its only "A little way now" urged
Bobby, IAN maybe the minister will
ask US to stay for supper"
The mention OF food was the last
straw. Fatigue had prevented the
thought of hunger, but now Nancy
knew that she was famished.
A school lunch Ii not calculated to
last until 7 o'clock, and Nancy remem
bered that there was TO be Jelly cake
for supper.
At the sound Of the sobs that shook
her tiny frame Bobby knelt beside her
and sought to check the flow Of
tears, but not until she had cried her
self to sleep on Bcbby's shoulder did
silence come.
Bobby himself felt very much like
crying, but that would never do, and
be held back the tears while he stared
braVely into the dark, his arm protect
ingly about the sleeping Nancy.