The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-09-02

mcnt thzt Beth felt obliged TO make
further explana ton.
The five-eighty-nine morris chair
looked common" she said lOftily. Il
shan't get one till | can afford leather
cushions And, anyway. I've been
thinking about what you said yrster-
day about the fiat looking better
than We do. There's some truth in it,
Nell could hardly believe her ears
Beth. who took life so seriously and
spelled career with capital letter.
yielding to the temptations of personal
vanity. There must be some COM
Polling reason for il.
Beths next remark supplied ii.
Il think III put my waist on tonight.
Nell, if you'll help me. Gilbert Tay-
lor's coming TO call"
Not the man you refused on ac-
count Of your careerT" gasped Nell.
Did | ever mention refusing any
one else?" Beth retorted. a bit impa-
tientIy
IT'S as cozy as il can be-" Gilbert
exclaimed. looking around the artistic
living room. And it's $50 home
like" He hesitated for the proper
word to express his feelings "Bnt !
can see where Il leather cushioned
morris chair would be the browning
touch he added Iaughingly. "Only
what will you do with it. Beth. with
out a man in the family?"
Both flashed look of defiance mt
him. 1t reminded Gilbert Of the old
days when she had held ont so per-
sistently that she had as much right
as he to IN independent life Of her
own and meant to claim it.
Il suppose You have Il notion" she
answered him, with fine show Of SUI
periority. that norris chairs. Ike all
other creature comforts. were invented
for masculine monopoly"
THE average man is a selfish beast"
he admitted good naturally. but I'm
not. You shall sit in the morris chair
every night, Beth. ! won't say a word
if you'u''-
At this critical moment Nell darted
in. securing a refractory hatpin in
transit.
Beth introduced Gilbert.
Il was just complimcnting Elizabeth
on your attractive little place here.
Miss Stafford he said easily. she
thinks il needs IA morris chair to make
it complete. and | had the stupidity to
ask what she'd do with one without
man TO occupy it. You've come just
in time to settle the question"
I'm afraid I'm what you might call
prejudiced. Mr.. Taylor" Nell answered
lightly. Il really believe In both, if
you can get them. When # comes to
choice-wcll, Beth knows my sentl,
ments. Dicks downstairs" she added.
turning to Beth, and l mustn't keep
him waiting. Good night.'
She gave Gilbert an encouraging
smile as she closed the hall door. bur
Beth was unaware of it.
Il take it Miss Stafford has matri-
moHial Intentions" Gilbert remarked
when they We're alone again. That's
going to upset your little menage, isn't
It, Elizabeth? What are you going to
do?"
1t was brutal mistake. He knew It
as soon as the question had escaped
him.
But there WIS no audacious reply
from Beth as he expected. Instead.
her eyes filled. and she buried her face
in the cushions. sobbing as if her
heart would break
Gilbert had never before seen Beth
unequal to Il situation Her helpless
ness touched him deeply.
Beth" he said gently, q have ar
idea. Suppose l buy out Nell's do
nestle INTEREST,""
No answer. only fewer sobs.
you shall sit on a cushion and
NO; I won't sew a fine seam.
hate sewing" came muffled reply
from the pillow depths.
At that Gilbert gathered her to him,
laughing joyously
she shall just eat Strawberries,
sugar and cream, then" he amended.
with indulgent tenderness. "All that
insist upon is
He paused. and Beth. flushed and
disheveled, flashed him a challenging
hook
That she shall love me-" he finished
softly
And Beth accepted the one condition