The Dolores star., 1909-06-11

vator boy changed the iron door back.
and Maria Greene stepped out.
There she is now" said Amelia,
raising her head to see. Miss Greene
paused a moment to reply to the
greeting Of some one of the politicians
who stopped to speak to her.
Amelia's nose was elevated.
And so that's the wonderful hair
said.
Well" replied Vernon. almost de-
family. don't you think It 10 rather
exceptional hair?"
Amelia turned on him with . look
of superior and plying penetration.
Does that shade deceive your" she
asked. She smiled disconcertingly. as
she looked away again at Maria
Greene. That woman lawyer was just
leaving the politicians.
And to think of wearing that hat
with that hair!" Amelia went ON.
Though of course" she added, with
deep meaning. 1t may originally have
been the right shade: the poor hat
can't be expected to change its color"
Vernon had no answer for her.
Il wonder what explanation she'll
have for her defest!" said Amelia In =
tone that could not conceal its spirit
of triumph.
I'm not worried about that" said
Vernon. I'm more concerned about
the explanation I'll have"
Dearest" exclaimed Amelia, swift
ly laying her hand ON his Her tone
had changed. and as she leaned toward
him with the now tenderness that her
new manner exhaled. Vernon felt q
change within himself. and his heart
swelled.
Dearest" she said. in voice that
hesitated before the idea Of some nee.
essary reparation. ARE you really so
badly disappointed?'
He looked at her, then suddenly he
drew her into his arms, and she let
her head rest for an instant on his
shoulder; but only for an instant. Then
she exclaimed and was erect and all
propriety.
You forget where we are. dear"
she said
Il don't care about that" he re.
piled, and then, glancing swiftly about
In all directions. he kissed her.
Morley" she cried. and her cheeks
were red, new and happy red.
They sat there. looking at each
other.
You didn't consider, you didn't
really consider her pretty. did your"
Amelia asked. z.ss@ss-sl.,,t's,3 3-sas s.s,.-,
why, Amelia. what question:
But you didn't! Don't evade,
Morley"
''Oh. well. now. she's not bad look
.uE. exactly. but a. for beauty-well
shes rather what Id call handsome
''Handsome!" Am ,lia exclaimed
drawing back.
why. yes. Don't you see. dear?"
Vernon was trying to laugh. Cant
you see the distinction? We call men
handsome. don't we? Not pretty. or
anything like that. But women! All.
women! Them we call. now and then.
beautiful! And you, darling, you ar.
beautiful"
They were face to face again. both
smiling radiantly. Then Amelia drew
away. saying:
Morley, don't be ridiculous"
But I'm dead in earnest. DEAR" he
went on. And l think you ought to
make some sort OF amends for all the
misery you've caused me-"
You poor boy!" she said. with the
pity that Is part of q woman's tri-
umph.
Il did it." he said, "just because
love you, and have learned in you
what women are capable OF. what they
might do in politics
In politics! Morley! Can you
imagine me in politics? thought you
had a more exalted opinion of women;
l thought you kept them on . higher
plane"
But you" Vernon laughed, and
shook his head at the mystery Of 1t,
but did not go on.
why. Morley. would you want to
see your mother or your sister or me.
or even Mrs. Hodge-Lathrop in poll.
tics?"
Well" he said. with a sudden and
serious emphasis. mot Mrs. Hodge.
Lathrop exactly. Shed be chairman
OF the state central committee from
the start, and. well-the machine
would be corker, that's ALL
The elevator was rushing down
again In its perilous descent. and when
Its door flew open they saw Mrs. Over
man Hodge-Lathrop come out of the
car. Vernon rose hastily.
There she is," he said. I'VE
mustn't keep her waiting"
Amelia rose. but she caught his
hand and gave It a sudden pressure.
But you haven't answered my Ques-
tion. she said. with a continuity Of
thought that was her final surprise for
him. Are you SO very badly disap-
pointed. after all?"
Z We'll. no." he said. II don't think
1t would do. 1t would-well, II would