Bridgeton pioneer., 1908-11-12
NANCY'S
PROXY.
Bv EPES w. SARGENT.
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated
Literary Press.

II "Nancy, IL dWIui W 20 10 SCHOOL,.
Nancy Hartman nodded solemn as
4 sent to the statement, for she always
i agreed with what Bobby Seaton said.
In this instance her own views were
y reflected, albeit those views were
somewhat prejudiced at the moment
nv 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
80 share her punishment.
"I'll be glad when Pm married and
don't have to go to school," he con-
tinued solemnly. Married people
don't have to go to school,"
"Mr. Scarritt did," reminded Nancy.
"He was minister" explained Bob
BY, as though that made difference.
"Besides he was married when he was
In college. College is different from a
school,"
Nancy nodded wisely. She could not
grasp any distinction, but since Bobby
said so, there must be difference.
schools horrid," she complained.
IT just fired one teenty little spit ball.
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.'
IT tell you what" exclaimed Bobby.
4 of rrnt 3nd cI,
make us 60 to school,"
Fright nowT' demanded Nancy, with
glance at her soiled dress.
"That little ink stain don't matter"
assured Bobby. "We'll go to Mr.. Scar
ritt. 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. eff he didn't want to
60 he didn't have to. We won't want
to CO."
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 boasted scant six?
It was short walk to the minister's
home, and presently Bobby, brave but
a trif1e weak in the knees and with
higher color on his face, was explain
ing to the minister his desire to wed.
The Rev. Scarritt, grave and studi-
GUS, was shocked at the suggestion
and with gentle reproof at their sacri-
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. Huhr'
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.
'It's no use," he said, with tighten
ing Of the quivering lip. "we've got to
90 to Riverside"
Nancy blinked back the tears and
put her hand in his.
"1t's dreadful hard getting married, I"
she said. "Do all people have trouble
like this?''
when they elope," explained Bobby
calmly. "You don't have time to fix it
with the minister"
II don't think that loping's much
fun," ventured Nancy, but Bobby's
look silenced her. Together they
trudged along in silence until the
houses were passed and the road to
Riverside lay bare and lonely before
them.
The shadows were closing in, and
there were clumps Of trees that made
patches of dark, just the 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 tightened 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
bravely sought to hold the pace, she
Jagged behind.
At last. in spite Of her fortitude, she
had to give in and sank with little
sob on the grass beside the roadway.
i just can't go any more, Bobby"
she walled. 1T seems like we most
walked round the earth.''
tits only little way now," urged
Bobby, "an' 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 nchOO1 111noh ic not 1ot IN