Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1910-11-10


ture OF venetian grande dame. Inc
gown in which he had costumed his
model was one that he had picked VI
abroad, OF dull green velvet with q
broad lace collar. He was Of slender
build, and when he had tried 1t on II
fitted him prefectly. There was a
gray wig In an old trunk and the
transformation of himself into a
stately lady was complete. II the
roses in his cheeks came out OF his
paint box, what then? He was not
the only old lady who did not depend
upon nature for her color.
When Doris saw him she gave him
a little startled cry. why, where did
Mr.. Wentworth find your" she de
manded.
His voice, answering her, gave her
the key to the situation, and she
broke into ripples of laughter
How did you manage 1t SO well?"
she questioned.
81 used to play girls parts in the
Paint and Powder club at home" !"
he stated. Then he broke in whin-
ing falsetto. Does that sound like
an old lady?
Again she went of into gales Of
laughter, but ended with serious
question:: Shall really be better
chaperoned by two men than by
one?"
His answer was given In his own
voice, deep with emotion. Il shall
watch over you as carefully as your
own father or your mother" and his
smile was reassuring.
Doris telephoned to her escort that
there would be two instead OF one,
and received a somewhat gruff re-
ply. Evidently the idea Of the chap
eron was not pleasing.
All that evening Wentworth
watched over her. He did not like
the f1ashily dressed man who was
with her, and he did not like the
restaurant where they went for sup
per. 1t was Bohemian, and
Doris was like violet in a bed OF
tulips. He spoke little. and the man
who was entertaining them did not
know that behind the stately old
lady exterior was a lynx-eyed lover
who guarded jealously his sweet
hearts honor.
He saw that Doris was restless and
felt herself out Of place. and, at an
early hour, he suggested in his fun
ny falsetto, that It was time to go
home.
The other man contended that 1t
was early. but Doris. shrinking from
the noise and clamor Of the great
gaudy room, stuck to the decision OF
her chaperon.
please put US into our taxicab and
let us 60" she said. Il am very
tired"
No one would have dreamed as thu
car sped through the quiet streets
that in 1t were a man and woman
happy in the companionship of each
other. filled with the love Of each
other and of life. The world saw
only a gray-haired matron and a girl
with eyes radiant with youth and
happiness.
How good you are to me-" Doris
said as they walked together through
the dim hallway. Il should have been
SO frightened If had not had you
tonight"
II wish | might take care Of you
always" wentworth said. and hav-
ing admitted that much he was car
ried away and found himself pleading
his case earnestly.
1t was a strange scene, but so seri
GUS were they that they did not real
lie the incongruity. 1t was only as
Doris said ''Yes" that the strangeness
of 1t struck her. But cannot marry
my chaperon." she protested and
laughed
The old lady in the velvet gown
flung off her gray wig and showed
the crop of dark curls that crowned
handsome head. Il have
long enough in defer
ence to Mrs. Grundy," he said, "but
now answer me, Doris. will you
marry me?"
And still with laughter in her eyes
she answered "Yes."