Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1911-12-08
W-F 8E &C
Mrs. Jacks El0pement
copyright. 1911. by Associated Literary Press.)
Bv LOUISE MERRIFIELD

modest house in a pretty outlying
suburb. There was a high wall in.
closing a garden. Vines rambled over
the house. The windows were dis.
creetly curtained in soft lace, with
silk beyond, and little window boxes
of winter greens fronted them.
Carey bounded up the few marble
steps, and pressed the electric button.
The first taxi was just vanishing
around the corner on its way back to
town.
"Now, Diane dear, listen, no mat
ter what we stumble on leave it to
me. I'm Jacks friend, and it must
be managed with diplomacy, the
whole affair. It's bad enough as 1t Is.
But If l can get a chance to speak to
Lenore alone, perhaps l may be able
to help her for his sake"
He paused. The door opened. A
discreet little French maid regarded
them demurely. Was madame at
home? But yes, surely! They en-
tered the narrow hall just in time to
ACE Lenore herself. But not a peni-
tent Lenore. Standing before the
oval Louis Seize mirror, she was
happy, care-free and frankly amused
when h saw her guests.
why, Carey, you dear old fellow,
I'm so glad to see you. And Diane
oh, l have heard"
She started to kiss DANES cheek,
and noticed the touch of hauteur as
the girl slightly drew away from her.
what Is it," she asked quickly.
Come in and tell me. Are you In
trouble?"
Were they in trouble? Carey could
have grinned at her for her GOODNESS,
but he didn't. 1t was a delicate stu
alton.
Have you heard from Jack?" he
asked, gravely. thinking to startle
her.
Jack? Of course" She dimpled
amusedly. "Why?"
why? Oh, say, Mrs. Jack, forgive
me If I speak plainly, but I'm the
boys friend, you know, and we can't
find a trace of him. 1t looks as If
he had taken this thing to heart and
made away with himself"
what thing?" Her eyes were very
bright now.
"Why-er-why-"
Your elopement." Diane put in,
boldly.
my elopement?" repeated Lenore,
slowly. as hat what you are all
saying of me? How very, very
kind" She hesitated. while Carey
tried not to look sympathetic.
Diane was gazing out of the win
dow coldly. 1t was almost too much,
the way Lenore regarded her esca-
pade. Suddenly she began to laugh,
her old, gay little ripple Of nus
ment, and rose.
IT want you to meet my partner in
guilt" she said, and crossing the
room she pushed back the glass doors
and disclosed Jack himself at his desk
in a snug library.
"Why did we do it?" he laughed.
after the storm of greetings. "Be-
cause we we're going too last a pace,
and we couldn't pay up. I knew If We
could get away for a few months, I
could get on my feet; but keeping up
Edgemere, and running a steady hotel
for one crowd after another, was put
ting us altogether on the financial
blink. to tell the plain truth, n so
we eloped. Didn't we, sweetheart"
biggest scandal this year." Carey
returned. 81 shall spread it broad
cast. When a man elopes with his
W wife. the rights of bachelors
pn,,ot ha prOtoctod Diana this ia no
place for an engaged couple. You'll
be clipping with me directly after the
honeymoon, and by Jove, If we could
find a nest like this, Jack, I'd do It,
You may have this after Christ
mas" said Jack. Were going home"