The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-05-05
Willful Cinderella
by IzoLA FORESTER.

When must / go back homer" demanded Bess
the family.
The question plainly disconnected the family Mrs.
Dudley Graham tapped uneasily on the desk with her
eyeglasses and regarded her unruly n'ece puzzle
ment. Winfred frowned and sighed but was silent
Only Billie remained unmoved, and 1t was at Billie
that Bess looked. Lounging comfortably in the
window seat, he bent forward, strokng the tawny
glossy head OF Bruce, his collie The tanning of Bess
he left entirely his stepmoher and sister SINCE
her arrival from Idaho. And It had not proved
Understand me. Elizabeth" began Mrs Dudley
Graham. with infinite tact and patience there is no
real necessity for your returning TO idaho at alb
Didn't you just say 1t the only future you
could fer me, Aunt Honoria?' demanded l;ess,
eyes and tone begerent.
II said If" responded aunt firmly. Your posi-
ton has changed materially within the past two
months Before your father lost his fortune you were
assured success Now IL you refuse to accept the
changed conditions theer--responsbiiities OF your
You mean If refuse to marry man don't give
rap for. Just because it's bully chance and he's
laundering good match"
Mrs Dudley Graham raised denrecating shoulders
was uncompromisingly frank in her point Of view
that the atmosphere at West Brooksmere suffered
cepted the responsibility of Bess and meant to fulhI
it to the letter.
not realize position Three father
was the richest silver mine owner in Idaho. The
"oh, don't drag that poor old panic into it, auntie
interposed Bess pushing back her brown curs rest
lessly. Dad specializing long before that hap
pened He wasn't satisfied with the ranch and just
everything. Why not tell the truth? Now there's
nothing left but the ranch. is there, and the stock
"Oh, there's little bit more" Billie spoke up for
the first time. in his lazy. nonchalant way. About
fifty thousand Enough for to be interesting still
to Hartley Chambers"
Well don't whether there's fifty thousand
or fifty cents. won't marry Mr. Chambers ia
rather go home tonight"
"Bess, you're perfect little idiot" said wnirred
with sudden fury "Whether you love Hartley or not,
might at least have enough to that II is
a compliment for man in his position even to want
to marry girl out of the West like you"
Winnie. Poor fellow he's simply letting Aunt Hon
oria here herd him into the corral be roped and
branded. That's why wouldn't marry him--one of
fight He isn't worth Aunt Honoria's trouble"
Right at this interesting moment in the family
and Barton announced Mr. Hartley Chambers, and
from the amused CLEAN in Mr. Chambers gray eyes
he took the situation it would appear that the
last ringing remarks of Bess had reached his
But Bess cared not Tall and dauntless, she arose
and the burden of the strain the of the
company. I'm going for a ride auntie," she an
nounced. Coming Bill?"
Where to-" asked Bill the indeent.
Miss Collier owes me ride" said Hartley Cham
bers deliberately. Since we to lose her soon
I shall have to claim it. Condolences. Billie"
Billie shrugged his shoulders and grinned sympa-
theticaily He did not envy Mr. Chambers that ride
with the girl from Idaho. Scornful mischievous dar
Ing, had accepted the Challenge; AID it
challenge She knew he had heard her words. and
yet she held her to her promise. Very WE'LL She
would ride with him. And the three remaining MEM
hers of the family council stood in silence for full
Then as her mother left the room. Winfred sud-
denly sank down In chair and laid her head her
folded the table. Billie whisted softly to
himsef-waiting. He was only twenty-five, but he
very wise, especially in the OF West Brooks
mere. And in his boysh way he mighty proud
and fond of this tall. clear-eyed, blonde sister.
Say, Win. you like Hartley, don't your" he asked
suddenly
Wlnifred lifted flushed tear-staned face. billie.
there times when hate YOU"
"Perzacty," laughted Billie. when tell the
truth as Bess does. like that GIRL Win II you
and the mater do think she's an irresponsible kid.
II twenty-five, and just out OF college in
stead of just starting in. I'd set old Hart q pace"
Out the road that led hiwarj 1t did not
appear that "old Hart needed a pace-setter He
doing very well alone For perhaps the first time in
lively. Once twice quick flush swept over her
face left It. despite Its youth ftl of tertau
manliness and serious intent.
but how do you known she demanded suddenly.
HE has never said one single word"
How do you know? smiled back Chambers. II
have never spoken word to her."
And Bess laughed low joyous laugh, and bent
branch came below her hat brim with soft swish.
Love is blind. isn't it?" she said.
las a bat"-repfied Chambers, cheerfuy. And
the trouble is. let pleasant old ladies likeweii
like somebody We both know, manage the outward
view for Now. listen to a sage Bies young
good What he needs is the fresh tontng up that
only life out West would give him. He's anomaly
that sometimes happens here In this Eastern society
OF He's primitive earnest. overgrown cub,
with big ideals and great Intentions. and he hates
the life here Another thing. he has couple OF
elder brothers ahead Of him already entering the
business game It's up TO Billie ~ make good him
SELF somehow He won't do Il Ioanng around on =
football team - hsfback ana running swell *frat