The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1909-05-06
Hearts h1surgent.


friends Of Scott Moncure's sons and
tvs pale, strained countenance. That
was long time ago." he concluded in
a scarcely audible voice.
Turning away to hide his emotion
he faced the easel with its partially
completed picture. TaliaferrO, ST., was
judge of pictures, and this held him.
IL only Patty Moncure were someone
else's daughter! But that ring on her
finger. He wheeled and confronted
them all with sudden dismay.
Where is your betrothed, Lucy
Randolph" he demanded of his son.
81 don't know" said Lu Quint, for
speak. Lucy has been here every af-
terDoon when Patty came over to pose;
but today she failed us"
There fell a silence in the room. 1t
was broken by the brisk sound of an
auto horn, and presently across the
whispering leaves came the crush of
an autos wheels. The elder TaliaferrO
strobe to the door anu threw it open.
Lu CUNTS big car drew up, and from
1t leaped a figure in cap and goggles,
which helped down a slender cloaked
and yelled lady.
"Who are they?" asked Mrs. Mon
cure, in tones loud enough to be
heard. She dreaded that strangers
should come in upon this scene of what
she considered defeat and disgrace.
It's Lucy Randolph herself" ex-
claimed MIR. Taliferro, Lucy, and
and"
NO" objected the lady. throwing
back her veil and showing them
familiar face; there's no Lucy Ran
dolph any more. Here's Lucy Mon
cure, very much at your service" as
she caught the hand of her companion
and drew him through the door.
Take off your mask. Carter" she
admonished. These tear people Will
be wanting TO know all about us"
She looked at them, gagged the scene
which she had interrupted. and felt
that a swift counter-skirmish must be
inaugurated.
Il always said I'd run away and be
married" she began audaciously. Il
didn't know how much provocation
I'd have. Carter and l have been en-
gagged since he was in college in Rich
mond. We happened to he out in Lu
CUNTS car today, and We went over
to Aunt Peggy's at Vanceburg, and l
got talking to her and asked her what
she thought Of our just making an end
of it. You see Carter couldn't come to
visit me at Cousin Lucius', and when
Aunt Peggy thought as l did. asked
Carter. and-so we had the rector
marry u.s.
You asked him." echosed Mrs. Mon
cure, eying her new daughter-in-law.
Eyes, pretty mamma" laughed that
young lady, laying both hands on the
older Toman's shoulders and Offering
sweet face for a kiss. Il asked him.
Nobody must scold Carter. But you
and 1 will never quarrel, will we? We
are too fond of your son for that"
Quarrel-such an idea was far indeed
from Leila Moncures mind! She put
ready arms around the girls waist and
began to cry a little, comfortably.
But 1 think you might have told
me-" she objected, fumbling for her
handkerchief. THE men were having
all sorts of fuses, but / would always
have loved you, Lucy"
/ The girl from Richmond looked dar-
! ingly at the older men.
well, Cousin Lucius was my god
father and my guardian. and when
/ thought of Lu Cnint and Patty l felt
that perhaps"
Mrs. Moncure turned to glance with
a reviving hope at her daughter. Per-
haps even that matter would turn out
better now than on its surface ap-
peared. Carter Monsure stepped for
ward and offered hand to L. O. C..
Taliaferro.
II hope you'll forgive me, sir" he
said simply. "Of course Lucy's asking
me is mere jest; but beyond that,
she's certainly not to blame for any
thing that may seem disrespectful in
our action. We both hoped to spare
| your feelings; and 1 should have been
glad to go right to you, and ask your
[ consent to our marriage"
The big man took the outstretched
hand in a dazed fashion, looking from
one to the other.
I'm little slow in my mental pro-
cesses," he said finally. ''You remem-
ber Scott. l always was. can't seem
to get this through my head. Now,
Lucy. here, is married-thats what
you said, Lucy?-married to Scott
Moncure's son, and a fine young fel-
low"
He had taken up his station on the
broad hearthstone, with his back to
the fire and facing the room. He stood
for long moment looking down. d.
costing this bit of information, while
they all regarded him silently. But
when that leonine front came up 1t
was Lu Quint who came forward, pull
ing Patty with him by the hand.
Father" he cried, we're the ones
that want your blessing now. Patty
and ] have loved each other since we
were children-haven't we, dear? ]
never thought Of anyone else in all