Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1910-01-06

handful of dispatches from his pocket.
be spread them open before his Wis.
itor. explaining as well as he could
how they had fallen into his hands.
At first Elma Weston was unable to
comprehend what had occurred. When.
however. II clear understanding OF The
situation did burst upon ner she was
so overwhelmed WITH disappointment
and chagrin that her eyes filled with
tears.
Il am so sorry, sir. she tried to
apologize in Il low quavering voice
strongly in contrast with her former
banterinS tone. THAT you have been
subjected to so much annoyance on
on our account.
"please don't think OF it," he has
tened TO say. ~ hat Is OF small mo-
ment. | am only annoyed that YOU
should be so disappointed"
rYon are very kind she murmured,
moving toward the door. He followed
her.
IL beg your pardon" he said, but II
you will permit me shall be pleased
to assist you in finding this namesaks
of mine"
"Thank you. sir" she replied. her
eyes refusing to meet his. so great was
her embarrassment although | am
total stranger here. could not think
OF troubling you turt her
"lt is n singular coincidence that
there shond he another of my name
in the city and 10 one have any
knowledge of him." continued the gen.
tleman rs he stood with ner 10y the
library door. hat in hand, ready to
render service.
"lt is indeed singular" responded
the girl. 81 can't understand il. But
since you are kind enough to offer as
sistance and as you nave been tne
chiet victim an explanation is due you.
which | shall be glad to give
"While | was at school last year my
sister, Stella Weston, was the guest of
an aunt in New Jersey. here she be-
came attached to a young man OF the
name of f. ii. Singleton. HP was only
a poor writer and my aunt. who is
wealthy and had higher ambitions for
her handsome niece, opposed the
match. My father through her iufu-
ence refused his consent in language
which aroused my sisters high strung
nature She deted them both. ran
| away and was married to her writer
lover. Father refused to forgive them
until three days ago. when we receiv-
ed telegram from this place announc-
, ing the arrival of a grandson who was
to be given his name. This immedi-
or ol hronuht nj
l know comparatively nothing OF my
brother-in-Iaw, so hope you will for
! give my mistake"
| Just at this moment there was q
| sharp ring at the door, and at once
the servant ushered in young man
! whom Mr. Singleton instantly recog>
niZed as one of the telegraph clerks.
There have been some mistakes
made In the office" he began. "Cer.
tain dispatches delivered to you were
meant for another r. ii. Singleton. He
! lives on farm four miles out of the
| city, and. being n newcomer, none or
us knew him. | have come to ask you
to be kind enough to overlook the
( blunder If you can"
Certainly But how did you discov-
or the mistake tinallyt"
This other MIR. Singleton is at the
Office now waiting for replies that
have been delivered to you
"All right. This lady and / will ac-
company you back and see If we all
together cannot bring order out OF
chaos"
Elma found her sisters husband al
the station, and full explanations and
] introductions followed. She was dIfv-
en- to the fine old farm, which be had
recently Inherited from u deceased un-
Gle. Stella was delighted at the unex'
pected arrival Of Elma. The WONDER
! ful baby, who had been the uncou'
scious cause OF no little emblrrass-
ment to his lovely ''aunty,' was
| speedily forgiven and petted and ca
! ressed to the satisfaction of all con.
) cernPd.
( Although II has been impossible up
I to date for the two Singletons to prove
| themselves kinsmen, they are great
! friends. The business one in the city
frequently drives out to the farm. os-
! interests. agriculture and literature.
! But his real object is to place himself
as often as possible in the company of
! sweet Elma Weston. who cannot make
up her mind to leave that remarkable
baby.
"Elma." he pleaded one evening
! after their acquaintance had continued
| for several weeks, cant ron guess
my secret"
II never was good at guessing. Mr.,
Singleton" she retaiiatcd. Il don'r
believe in secrets anyway. Did YOU
ever know a woman who did, with
! IN arch smile.
81 don't think ever did" he admit
ted. taking her hand land neither dc
!. so I'll keep this no longer. | lovt
you very dearly. Ema. DO you like
my secret?"
"I-I-think l do" she replied, Will
dropping eyes.
"Then. darling, you will be my
/ wife"
The answer was spoken very low,
but it must have been perfectly salts
factory to this f. II. Singleton iudg'