Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-11-06


would. save that shame deferred him,
have asked the experienced Morton.
now safely havened In an engagement
to Miss Dell But he, John Trevor,
81. D., would not weakly settle into
mere happy domesticity. He would de-
vote every energy to his noble profess
sion. He would fight Off this weakness.
He prescribed a dose of absence for
himself. In the morning he phoned to
Morton that he had an important case
and would be busy all day and even
ing. Sorry. but II could not be helped.
Then in his private office he proceed
ed by the light of his reason to con-
vince himself that II was but sense
less fancy. Men often got over worse
ailments. Then there came again be-
fore his vision her little fair face with
the new sweet. helping look In the
deep blue eyes. the serious attention to
his words-as II his words mattered.
He could not help wondering whether
he could not have made her care. He
supposed Hilton, the idiot. would take
his place in the moonlight picnic par
ty ION" for that evening. He went
into his laboratory and began to toll.
Long past noon he snatched his for
gotten lunch. He was restless. Well.
hot as II was, he would have q walk.
He had theory that plenty Of fresh
air and stiff exercise would cure any
known form OF temporary insanity.
He started out. But the girl went
with him. Coming back perspiring
and disguised. he determined firmly
not to pass the King house. In the
first place II was out Of his way and
she might be In the big old garden or
on the veranda. and he would have to
go In n minute and be decent No. he
would not see her. Still-well. he
would 90 past. for really he should
see old Mrs Patton across the way
and ask about her hay fever. His step
quickened He made his call, talking
with his lazy. comfortable old patient
on the porch. As he left her she pur-
sued him with gossip.
"Ah. there goes Percy Hilton." she
exclaimed. II suppose. as usual. he
is going to see Mary Trenton. Eliza
beth King would be delighted to have
her cousin marry him. Isn't 1t a pity
that money and brains don't always
go together He laughed and got
away. But his blood boiled. Hilton.
that degenerate son of the overrich-
1t would be hideous! He did Hilton
injustice, however. for he really was
decent enough In his way. The doctor
decided to call at the Kings just for
moment. AS he turned the corner he
saw the other man swinging along.
evidently bound for the same goal.
And, like a flash. John Trevor knew
that there was but one important thing
in the whole world, and that was to
get to Mary Trenton-tirst. Surely that
fellow would not have the unbelieva-
BILE impuderce to propose to her. Sure
~ she would never accept him II hc
did. As he came to the foot of the long
garden. walking In his restless. head
long fashion. something twitched at his
coat sleeve. He turned to see Mary
Trenton. The girl was leaning over
the green hedge. smiling up to him.
her great garden hat pushed back.
SIS II so important as all that, your
case?" she queried, mischief in her
eyes. ''lf somebody Is really dying
will not detain you: otherwise it Is
too hot to race like thai-past your
friends especially" He looked down
on her. helpless.
THE only important thing in this
world is--you." he said suddenly. while
she trembled and blushed at his tone.
Happy to be even-a thing-to you,'
she murmured. mischief still in her
eye. His look rebuked her.
do you-can you-Mary-I adore
you Will you marry me? VIII you"
II was sufficiently precipitate. and the
sun was very hot. and she saw Hilton
looking over the lawn for her.
'Tell me-will you?" The girls face
was very happy, but she. was yet a
woman and would not be too ready
with a reply.
"Come-over into the shade" she
said. 81 don't want-that man to find
me-" The doctor cleared the hedge,
and like two naughty children they
sneaked behind the shrubbery to safe
~ in n tree hidden corner. Then he
faced her inquiringly. Tears suddenly
filed her eyes, and she laid her arm
up across her face like a child. He
took 1t down and drew her close.
Dearest. dearest, what is It? Won't
you tell me?" She drew away and
looked at him seriously.
81 was-afraid-you-weren't going
to ask me-"
Was ever anything so foolish? He
straightway informed Mary Trenton
and thought he was telling the truth
that from the first time he had set
eyes on her he had loved her and
would have followed her round the
world to TASK her" The really foolish
thing would have been to devote a big
warm heart to mere profession. Love
was the important thing.
Balloons and Eagles.