Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-08-05


looked forward when she should greet this Prince
of the World. She had it upon the tip OF he
tongue TO cry out to Hal that she did not want to
elopc that she wanted to go back home but the
pride which had made her keep up the romance she
had builded after had lost i.s ncEes. to har
and which had made her plunge mo .h;s d.r!ne
capade in spite of both her judgment ard her iu-
clination held her silent to meet her dcvourny
fate Thousands of foolish girls have done the same
thing, to repent throughout their lives.
Sht glanced half in terror from the approaching
yo.ng man to Hal. She started at the change
in her quasbrother. He had stiffencd himself to his
full fvc-foot-cleven of athletic height His nostrils
dlated and his eyes glazing, but he
smiled, actually smiled, if in the glcc of coming
battle. The approaching voting suddenly
caught sight of young Gilman and stopped short,
il startled. Then he slowly hesitatngly,
looking from one to the other
"Why didn't you tell me this fellows name? Why
didn't ask" demanded Hail. but he really seemed
pleased.
There time for reply. The young
had come up to them. Hal turned to him savagey
wei, Peyson?" he inquired
How do, Gilman" said Mr.. Peyson with jerky
nod, and then held out his hands to Alice with an
evident intention to ignore her escort from that
ment
Hal stepped between them.
"Peyson, III give you just two minutes to get out
of sight" he pleasantly observed III you'll
Der, we gave you twcntyfour hours at college. You
had things to pack up there You haven't here!'
Mr. Pcyson set his jaws H seemed to have some
idea OF resistance Hal iefked out his watch aid
.nappcd it open. Mr. Pcyson looked at him curl
ously for instant ard mostened his lips, then he
suddenly Wheeled and moment later they
him wornling his way through the crowd
Pm eorry, Alice, that can't Tell you the details
about him." Hal said
She was standing very stiff and straight herself
II don't care to hear know enough. an. just
praying my gratitude that not to be linked TO-:
life 20 any man whom smother could make rui.
without explanation"
Hal scarcely heard her. Already ne was consult
ing timetable. It had taken them three hours t.
make the trip They had started line -.hir,y nt
it was now tweve-th:rty. There rot lpc:.!e-
train back until three o'clock in :;c morning, md
it would not land her in Oakdale until daylight, Slf
had comprehended to the full this phase OF il as
yet But Hal swifty seeded that whatever they ci,
and wherever they went iey could nc: stanG there,
and he bundled her into cab.
It was not until .hey rolling away from the
depot that she thought with gasp OF the possible
consequences OF her act and cried: What we
to do?"
Il pass" replied the young man. suddenly ard
t.isly losing all the dignity that had weighted him
down " hen he got his sheeqskn and reverting once
to the slang OF early college days 1T looks TO
NE as ii we in jam. Never you mind, though.
i.ely on your Uncle Dudley. He'll put rouge ard
cold cream and violet t,]cum the face OF this
thing, and don't forget il. Do you know anybody
ne:e that YOU could visit"
Not SOUL" she vailed, Il only one fam
~, and they abroad"
Never mind" he said, pstting her hand where It
Ky trembling on his 'You just keep your eye
on Little Willie. First OF all driving over 70
couple of kilograms Then we'll do real quick
thinking stunt. Did you see Think 1t will
te positive JOY TO YOU
She nestled confidently up to him. His voice
sounded good and strong, and she liked him so
much better since he had dropped his age. She was
glad, oh glad that lie had happened to come with
.er After ALL though, she reflected it only
b cause she knew that he to'be along that she
had emboldened herself to make the plunge. What
would she have done without him? He posi-
lively necessary to her-aways. Now that she could
permit herself to think about Hal freely, she found
out few things that had been developing inside her
about him during the past few months, and tho first
thing she knew she was having perfectly splendid
time, blushing away all to herself
AT the hotel Hal jumped out with his suitcase.
He left her in the cab but presently he came ont.
chucklng. He had two kilograms in his hand.
One OF them he had no. opened but the other he
read and re-rcad with evident apprcc'a'"n
You'd Better open this one tctoN show You
mine." he said, handing the unopened telegram 10
her.
She looked at the inscription It addressed
Mrs. Hatred Joyce Gilman, She handed It bacF
demurely.
1T certainly isn't for me- she said with laugh
that had suspicion OF a tear two in Il.
at doesn't seem to be for anybody he Ic:orted.
laughing bit nervously himself, and tore it open.
1t was from her father
my dear girl" it read, you are very, very
foolish child but it is trouble at all to forgive
you. Come back home you can
He handed them both to her,
"You precious young rascals" read Grandfather
Gimans message IF you are already married when
you get this, remember there's got to be another
ceremony in Oakdale."
at looks to me if we had to make good,
Pickles" laughed Hal ~ know where there is a
preacher that works overtime" And giving crisp
direction, he jumped into the cab with her Some
w or other her head happened on his shoulder.
E,ou, that Al. t,0o