The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1910-06-02
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
HOW WENZELL MADE GOOD.
BY CLARISSA MACKIE.


plush sofa and looked at picture
postal cards with Ann Rose. He was
well-dressed youth with gorgeous
hosiery displayed above his low-cut
shoes. Ann Rose admired him greatly.
His position in a city bank and his
undoubted responsibility had much to
do with his entrance into the Baker
homestead.
Ann Rose Baker and Chester Laid
law giggled over the postal cards
until Wenzell Beebe slid awkwardIy
into the back parlor and sat down be-
side Mrs. Baker. who nodded kindly
at him.
"How's your MAJ" she asked
She's all right" replied Wenzell.
MS sunburned face turning a deeper
red. He was conscious that the city
boarder was discussing him with
Rose, and her light laugh, instantly
suppressed, rendered him still more
uncomfortable
You know Mr.. Laidlaw?" whis-
pered Mrs. Baker.
Wenzell nodded. 81 met him here
the other night
He's awful smart-he's in a bank"
said Mrs. Baker, Importantly.
Wenzell did not reply He was try
on the sofa in the other room.
Ann Rose was watching him COW
ertly She noted the new suit of gray
clothes. the light blue satin necktie
and his large brown hands. Her
glance wandered to the youth at her
side, with his air of easy assurance
and down at his slim white hands
playing with the postals.
She twisted WenzeIlfc I;ttIo 49,
quoise ring from the third finger of
her left hand and transferred il to the
other hand. Then she flew over to
the piano and ratified the keys noisily
Come, sing something, MIR. Laid
law. she suggested gaily.
MI. Laldlaw was pleased to sing
ana he and Ann Rose turned the
pages of book of old love songs
ana when their voices blended i'm uni
son Wenzells hands tightly clenched
the sides of his chair and his Inns
whitened. 'P'
Il came to take Ann Rose ont
riding he said. sullenly, to his future
mOther-in-law.
MIS-. Baker glanced apprehensjveIv
at him over her spectacles. Ann
hose!! here's Wenzell asserting here
waiting for you to go riding with
MN. she called.
The music ceased abruptly and
Ann Rose appeared in the doorway
The boarder lounged behind her.
saw you come in, WenzelI-but
forgot all about YOU" she said with
coquettish glance at Mr.. Laidiaw
II De ready in a minute"
Wenzell backed the buggy into the
driveway and waited patiently until
Ann Rose came reluctantly out ST
iehtly he assisted her to the seat and
jumped in beside her.
"hen they reached a rise of ground
WehzeIi pointed out with his whip to
eIe norIzOn where low rim of black
CLOUDS stained the yellow light.
for the first time.
guess pas hay'lI get wet. then
He's over to town, and he didn.t oct
II all in, said Ann Rose, laziIv.
was thinking of what Chester Laid1aw
mad said about her eyes, and at thai
instant they were very bright.
Where's your ring?' asked Wan
Zell, suddenly
she glanced guiltiIy down at her
leit hand and then extended the other
WIN shame-faced smile. II cbanoad
IL Ior fun,' she faItered.
Ihen you amt ashamed of it9"
asked Wenzell slowly; and as she
maze no reply. he added, with a fur
i've glance at Ann Rose: Il reckon
that Laidlaw fellow could hand ont
diamonds and sUch-they say he's a |
spender!" "0
ann Rose shrugged her shoulders
pettishly, her dark eyes seeking a |
neWiy-Dullt cottage that crowned q |
little eminence.
thought maybe you'd like to Iool,
AT 1t, Ann Rose" said WenzelI in . |
softer tone. Jim Putney has left q
sample DOCK of wall paper. and 7
want you to choose what you like"
Mr. LaIdlaw says we ought to have
iartrlqge paper in the parIor." OH
served Ann Rose carelessly. as Wen
-em neiped her down before the gate
LaldIaW! Has he been here?S de-
named an Wenzell, savagely.
Inc girl laughed uneasily. 'sWa
walked over last night-in the moon
lsht-l told him about it being Ours
ne peeKed IN the windows" she ex-
4 guess we won't pick out anv
'aper tonight" said Wenzell. delhi
'Iately. You better get in and ri
axe you nome. Maybe you have an
oarder!" WIN me
Ihey drove home in silence. and II
vas not until the black horse turned
at the gate that Wenzeu smoke
gam; then his voice was hoarse and
ough with emotion.
l amt got the style Of that fellow.
mn Rose, but you liked me first-if
on ike him better than me, lust saw
u won't stand in the way. You've
cteu dliterent ever since he's been
ere; l may be slow, but under
eatn-I won't stand much fooline.
gu Know / think sight Of your
lis voice failed.
lou must have wanted to pick a