The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1910-03-08
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The Key to the Situation.


1t was dusk of a dark wintry day.
Outside the snow fell fitfully, while
the wind moaned and whistled round
the house.
Inside the CRATE fire sparkled, emit
ting delightful warmth. In a low
chair by the fire sat lady, young and
very fair, the freight cleaning on
her face and turning her hair to spun
gold. She leaned her head on deli
cate white hand blazing with jewels.
and smiled-a smile full of amuse-
ment and some perplexity.
$50 you and Dolly have quarreled ?"
she said slowly.
l nodded in melancholy fashion,
but looked at her hopefully. For this
was Dolly's aunt, and I had great
hopes that she would help me in my
most serious quarrel with Dorothy
Blair, my canricious little sweetheart.
And you want me to help you?"
again L nodded. HIM Well, you
know, Jack, if Dolly really considers
you to be in the wrong she may be
obstinate. BY the way, you didn't
tell me what you quarreled about"
Why" l replied, doubtfully, az
don't quite know. But Dolly seemed
10 know all about 1t, and didn't seem
TO think it worth while to tell me-
Anyhow, she gave me back the ring"
l drew the circlet from my rocket
and gazed at it mournfully as the dia-
mond flashed and shone in the light.
Mrs. Clarke laughed softly.
How very ridiculous!" she ex-
claimed. How could you quarrel
without knowing what about?"
II don't know. Dolly did it,"
"Oh, you men! You're all just like
Adam! You know Cor ought to- that
he laid the blame on Eve, and here
you are following his example by say
Ing Dolly quarreled. She couldn't
without some help from you. But
never mind. 1 have plan which
ought to succeed. / will chaperon
you and Dolly to the opera, and If
you haven't enough sense to insist
that 1t was all your fault and that you
are extremely sorry, WHY wash my
hands of you"
You are so kind" / exclaimed.
gratefully II am sure Dolly"
on, pardon me, Aunt Alice! I
didn't know you were not alone"
came voice from the doorway.
Turning in some surprise. and feel
ing as / had felt when. as a boy. nv
mother caught me eating jam re-
CARELESS OF all her rules, l beheld
Dolly. She looked undecided wheth-
er to go or stay; a desire to do both
was written on her face.
Come in. dear" said her aunt. I'm
tones as sweet as honey. AZ have
something delightful to tell YOU"
She came in slowly and having
bestowed upon me the most formal
OF greetings. inquired what news her
aunt could have to tell. Mrs Clarke
accordingly informed her of our plan
to go to the opera. and then. some
how, the conversation Jagged. So
Dolly felt called upon to make re-
mark.
ut is cold day" she said. which
was certainly brilliant.
Extremely cold" replied. nerv-
ously, and studied the fire with in
terest.
Then 7 suddenly remembered an
engagement and made my adieus. The
change to the fury OF the storm was
not pleasant, but it was apparently
In the same mood with myself. which
was not pleasant either.
We had had only three quarrels
and both Of us had been so sure "it
would never happen again" But
this was the most serious OF all. as
/ didn't even know what It was
about.
Punctually I arrived at DoIly's
house on the next evening eager to
see from her face that she had reIent-
cd. But my hopes were nipped fin
the bud, for her face was cold and
somewhat defiant. But Mrs. Clarke
was especially sweet. as though to
make up for any deficiencies I'm her
niece, and as soon as we were seated
In the carriage she and I began an
animated discussion concerning the
weather.
Nov, Jack" she exclaimed she