Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-12-19
White
ViOletS
BY VIRGINIA BLAIR.
Copyrighted. 1905. by Associated
Literary Press

at the country cruz II II toliiloh
talk"
But, Aunt Clara" vehemcntly,
'they gossip so at the hotel"
This isn't gossip. I've known II
for long time. Margaret"
"Oh"-thc sigh was almost sob
che has always seemed such a gentle
man"
"IIe has the training OF one" Mrs.
Kent affirmed. His mother Is charm
ing"
After moments silence Margaret
broke out. but he saved my life,
Aunt Clara"
There was rustic of skirts as Mrs.
Kent moved impatiently In her chair.
"Yes. and that's the worst Of It."
Mrs. Kent ended the longer silence
that followed by ringing for lights.
mo. no." Margaret protested. Il
like II better with just the fire.
But must go. dear. and dress for
dinner, and you will be so dreary
alone In the dark"
As she rose and stood by the couch
her caressing fingers touched Marga-
ret's cheek and found tears ON 1t.
you'd better have the lights" she
said. and there was a worried note
in her voice. Il hate to leave you
here alone"
"Oh, shall be all right" Margaret
said. "I'll lie here In the dark and
pet Toodlekins."
Still protesting. Mrs. Kent found
her way out and after a time In the
big room there came the sound OF a
stifed sob. and another and another.
and after that everything was very
quiet. The flame of the fire died
down The green eyes OF the little
cat. Struggled close TO her mistress,
glowed In the blackness.
The click Of an electric button and
the flare-up Of lights brought Marga-
rct's head out OF the cushion where
she had buried II. She shielded her
face with her hand.
"You are early. Uncle Dick"
I'm late What's the matter with
the lights; Why didn't you get some
body TO look after themf"
Il like the dark"
"Queer taste" lie gave her a keen
glance and sat down In the chair by
the couch. "How's the footT'
at hurts little. but It's going To be
all right"
Everybody Mt the club Is talking
about your accident. They are making
regular hero of Ridgeway." He set
tied himself back In the big chair and
smiled nj her genlally. lie must have
had the strength Of Hercules to hold
those horses back
Hes awfully strong" Margaret
said and sat up. His college record
in athletics Is fine"
"He hunked IN some Of his studies,
though" Mr. Kent leased
Margaret's face famed. IL know"
She smoothed the little cat with nerv-
GUS fingers Isis he very Ill. Uncle
Dick?"
"Who-Ridgeway Um-well, that
depends. He's n mighty nice fellow.
Peggy" He caught the eagerness Of
her eyes and pulled himself up THAT
is-oh. well. your Aunt Clara wouldn't
exactly approve of him. and and
don't know that he's hlst the friend
for you, Margaret"
"Ohw came In futterlng protest. and
after that Margaret lay with her eyes
closed. and nothing was said for sew
eral minutes.
Tired. little girl?" asked her uncle
finally. and when she nodded he stood
up.
II must go and dress for dinner.
He hesitated by the couch, looking
down at her until she opened her eyes
and held out her hand and said Dear
Uncle Dick" and then he patted her
cheek and said little huskily. Cheer
up"
This time there was no friendly
darkness to hide the tears, so Marga-
ret dabbed at them with her handkcr-
chief and stared until ring Of the
front door bell brought her to an up,
right position.
ITS Mr.. Ridgeway." the maid an.
nounced
'Tm afraid can't see him. Marga-
ret said nervously
Please" doomed big voice from
the hall-"please don't turn me ont like
that"
"Oh. we'll" Margaret agreed. aud the
maids place between the curtains was
usurped by young man as big as his
voice. who came over and picked m
the pussy eat and dropped a small
square box IN It's place. "lf you'll let
me pet Toodlekins I'll let you have
some fiowerc." he said. and ms he sat
down the little At lrled into the hol-
low Of his arm and sang her song of
contentment. unrufiied by the change.
There were white violets In the box
and Ridgeway said. his big voice sof-
tened by some fine emotion. They al.
ways make me think Of you
"Oh. don't. don't,' Margaret said
with quick caught breath. and Ridge
way stared at her In puzzled way.
"Don't you like themf" he asked.
Eyes"
"Well it's funny way To show IT,"