The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1910-06-16

oh, Patsy. I'm SO glad you've come, "
cried Ellen.
II don't doubt It, my dear" said Patri-
sia, settling her small self in the big chair
arf giving her hat an audacious tilt, under
tho guidance of the mirror opposite.
What's the trouble now? can see with
half an eye that you're dying to tell me
about It,"
1T isn't mine. It's Lena webster's, and
ats horrid story"
Then 1 don't believe word of it." said
Patricia aggressively.
"Oh but it's true" said Ellen. earnestly
Il had Ii from George Bixby, who had 1t
Arom Brayton Williams. who had 1t from
oh, forgot who, but II was quite direct"
well, IL It's true It's very un-Christian
to spread it." said Patricia, argumenta-
lively, "but fire away"
IF you take that tone, Patsy. I shan't
tell you q word"
more un-Christian to leave me in the
dark"
Patsy, you're q little heather, and II
would serve you right IL I shouldn't tell
you another word. But never mind. I'm
In forgiving mood this afternoon. Now
you know Lena Webster's aunt?'
"N-no. Has she another aunt?"
"Oh, Patsy, how stupid you are today
l mean the aunt that died"
lenses are dreafully mixed, IL that's what
you meant. But forgive you. OF course
] knew the rich aunt that the Websters
cossetted and passed about on a silver
platter and worshipped as the mountain
head of Lena's expectations. Everybody
knew about her."
well. what do you think? They've
round out that she didn't leave a cent"
DO you mean that she cut Lena out of
her will and gave her money to home for
frtendless cats?"
NO. indeed. ! mean just what say.
She didn't leave a cent"
Mercy! You don't mean It! What had
she been making all that show on?'
"Well, you remember, nobody ever knew
just what property she had. Some said city
buildings and some said government bonds.
but all they knew was that she had a good
income. Pa Webster was hunting about to
find out about It, but he never could"
II / had wanted to know II wouldn't
Save taken me long to find out" said Pa
tTicia.
1T don't doubt IL, Patsy dear; but they
ne>s thought of applying to you So the
family had a fit when they found out that
annuity that died with her.
Poor Lena!" sighed Patricia. But still
she'll be very comfortable when she mar
ries Charley Merrill"
oh, but that's the worst of It," cried
ellen. when Charley Merrill heard of II
ne broke off the engagement"
What's that?" cried Patricia, fiouncing
out or her chair. "You don't mean 1t. DO
you know what I'd do IL a man treated me
that way?" she cried at the tale OF mas
suline perfidy.
mo, don't. but I know you would get
even with him somehow, Patsy"
$50 would" said Patricia, doubling her
small fists angrily But won't tell YOU
how. for don't know"
Il think It's shocking" sighed Ellen
with the comfortable sorrow that one feels
for the misfortunes Of Others"
Patricia sat down with medftatiye air
Then she gave herself a shake.
Il don't believe Charley Merrill knows
thing about It," she said with decision.
Il saw him at the Bigelows yesterday and
he talked about life's sorrows, and said he
was going to the Philippines
speak OF the angels" said Ellen Hes
down and entertain him while I change
my dress"
minute later, Patricia, chic. smiling
and electric with energy sailed into the
reception room with inward ouakings and
outward signs of supreme self-conf1-
dence.
TITS very rude to look so SURPRISED ;,
was her attack on the young man who
rose at her entrance. I'm a substitute
know. but have feelings. Ellen will he
down directly"
II accept the substitute with a thankful
heart" said Mr.. Merrill, rising galiantlv
to the occasion.
Very well done, Charley" said Patricia
with an approving nod.
i've come to say good-by" he said rue
fully. II suppose you'll take this for
call on you, too"
"Oh, very well. IL you're anxious to save
time" said Patricia thornily.
But l didn't mean that" said the
young man. Don't get offended. Patsy.
I'm In such state of mind that I'm not
more than half responsible for what I'm
saying"
We'll" said Patricia primly. "If YOU
want to beforgiven, you'll have to make
a sister of me-"
IF you'd like to refuse me. consider II |
DONE" said the young man with a melan-
choly smile.
Don't be nonsensical, Charley" said |
Patricia, land I'll tell you a story
Fire away" said the young man. with n |
resigned but myst.fied air.
''Once upon a time there was a girl"
began Patricia slowly.
That was delightful" sighed the young I
man.