The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-01-19
q hadn't beard" Been sald rather

VI DOtA AuAOIuleu DIN WIN no little
show Of pride. "A business chum and
have a little nat together. That ex-
plains my % ,aOpoly OF this norris
chair. We need one, or, rather, we
want one. But I've Just about decided
TO wait untilI can afford leather cush-
ions. They're so much more aristo-
cratic, don't you think SOP
Gilbert agreed.
But I'm awfully interested in this
housekeeping experiment OF yours.
Elizabeth" he said earnestly. "I'm
thinking OF trying something OF the
sort myself You can give me a lot of
pointers. Take lunch with me, won't
your"
Elizabeth hesitated. She saw com
plications ahead. Nevertheless, be-
cause there was no time to analyze
possible consequences, she accepted.
The face waists, she explained to
Nell that night" were such wonderful
bargains that 1 got two of them"
'Two!" exclaimed Nell. What on
earth did you think 1 wanted with two
of them?"
"one is for myself" Beth enlight-
ened her.
Nell looked such volumes of aston
ishment that Beth felt obliged to make
further explanation.
The tive-eighty-nine morris chair
looked common" she said, loftily. az
shant get one till I can AFFORD leather
cushions. And, anyway, I've been
thinking about what you said yester-
day-about the fats looking better
than we do. There's some truth in it."
Nell could hardly believe her ears
Beth, who took life so seriously and
spelled Career with capital letter.
yielding to the temptations of personal
vanity. There must be some compell-
ing reason for it.
Beth's next remark supplied it.
l think I'll put my waist on tonight.
Nell, IL you'll help me. Gilbert Tay-
lor's coming to call"
Not the man you refused on account
or your Career" gasped Nell.
Did l ever mention refusing any
one else?" Beth retorted, bit impa-
tiently.
It's as coy as it can be-" Gilbert
exclaimed, looking around the artistic
living room. And it's $3.50 home
like. But / can see where a leather
cushioned morris chair would be the
GROWING touch" he added, laughingIy.
only what will you do with It, Beth.
without man in the family?'
Beth flashed a look of defiance at
him 1t reminded Gilbert of old DAYS
when she had held out so persistently
that she had as much right as he to an
independent life of her own and meant
to claim it.
Il suppose you have a notion" she
answered him with a fine show of SUI
periority, that morris chairs. like all
other creature comforts, were invented
for masculine monopoly"
THE average man is a selfish beast"
he admitted good naturedly, but I'm
not. You shall sit in the morris chair
every night. Beth. 1 won't say a word
If you'll"
AT this critical moment Nell darted
in, securing a refractory hatpin in
transit. Beth introduced Gilbert.
Il was just complimenting Elizabeth
on your attractive little place here.
Miss Stafford" he said easily. "She
thinks it needs morris chair to make
it complete, and had the stupidity to
ask what shed do with one without a
man to occupy it. You've come just
in time to settle the question"
Pm afraid Pm what YOU might call
prejudiced Mr.. Taylor" Nell answered
lightly. Il really believe in both, If
you can get them. When it comes to
choice, well, Beth knows my senti-
ments. Dicks downstairs" she added,
turning to Beth, and / mustn't keep
him waiting. Good night"
Il take it Miss Stafford has matri-
monial Intentions" Gilbert remarked.
when they were alone again. That's
going to upset your little menage, isn't
1t, Elizabeth? What are you going to
do?"
Ii was a mistake. He knew il as
soon as the question had escaped him.
But there was no audacious reply
from Beth, as he expected Indeed,
her eyes filled, and she buried her face
in the cushions, sObbing as if her heart
would break.
Beth" he said, gently, 81 have an
idea. Suppose l buy out Nell's domes-
tic interest"
No answer, only fewer sobs.
You shall sit on a cushion and ="
mo, won't sew fine seam. hate
sewing" came a muffied reply from the
pillow depth.
She shall just eat Strawberries,
sugar and cream, then" he amended,
with indulgent tenderness. "All that
insist upon is"
He paused, and Beth, flushed and
disheveled, flashed him a challenging
look
That she shall love me-" he finished,
softly.
And Beth accepted the one condition. !