The Monte Vista journal. (Monte Vista, Rio Grande County, Colo.) 1888-1921, 1911-05-20

all Wiling W wager you iuuCu
against a paper OF pins that you'll
have cowboy for son-in-law,"
laughed Edith Dougher as she made
ready for Mrs Meredith Ogden's dance
in honor of Robert Alton, nephew
from the southwest
You'll lose" warned her mother.
One good lunch with you. even II
have to pay for 1t. is preferable to
taking all my meals with a Texas bad
man. Oh. you needn't shake your
head. His wonderful attractions will
prove to be the outcome Of Mrs. Og-
den's vivid imagination. She should
have been writer
ITS rather funny. isn't 1t. that she
has practically married you to her
nephew before you have had chance
to look him over. 1t wasn't exactly
generous Of her to discuss tho matter
SO freely. for It will be trying In case
you do not like the man"
Like him? Impossible. 1t would
be too much like one OF the many ro-
mances l have written for the maya
zines. They don't really happen.
mother"
A bell tinkled, and Edith caught up
. big white coat There is the gentle
man Of the orchids. They look pretty
on the white gown. Isn't 1t too bad
that can't fancy a bald head and a
Fifth avenue establishment instead Of
writing foolish stories for our bread
and butter In hat?''
Well. we're happy"
Yes. and there Is something in
that. Good night"
For weeks the arrival OF Mrs. Og-
den's nephew had beer eagerly antici-
pated. for his attractions we're nu-
msrous. according to his kinswoman.
who recounted them with mathemati-
cal precision to every eligible young
woman Of her acquaintance. But she
constantly said that he must be the
man for Edith Dougher and stated
emphatically that she expected to do
everything In her power to make the
match.
Edith DouEher and her mother had
been compelled to give up their plan
tation home. and had moved to the
metropolis. believing that Edith would
md q place there for her work a. a
writer. At frst she had struggled
along bravsly with very little encour.
agsnent. but eventually some short.
breezy articles from her pen coming
under the notice OF . prominent Jour.
naiist, she began to be successful and
soon acquired = name for herself. The
old.tims southern charm OF blended
grace and dignity had soon sur
rounded her with many friends. She
had several offers Of marriage. two or
three that the world called brilliant
opportunities. but at twenty eight she
was still single. She felt that she
could love. she often declared. but
smiltngly added that the blind god
had passed her by.
Isn't he all promised and more."
demanded Mrs. Ogden.
"All and more.'' repeated Edith,
feeling the blood mount to her face
and throat.
Il am glad to know you." said Alton
warmly. Something In his brown eyes
held her case: they were laughing
down into hers. 1T seems that We
arc destined to be friends by Fate"
and Edith smiled at the large proper.
tons Fate had assumed In the person
OF bis august aunt. Don't let Fate
prejudice you. At least. don't make
. decision until have had q hearing"
Within = week people were noddinE
significantly when Edith and Alton
appeared together. but tho girl was
apparently unconscious Of II. She at.
tributed her interest In tho man TO
the fact that In hearing tho stories Of
western life he told her she was accu.
mulating valuable material for futur,
work.
Oas afternoon Alton had taken her
for . drive. and aftsrwnrd she had
asked him In for . cup Of tea.
80 you think my western stor,cs
are poor. or. 10 put II more tactfully.
unreal!"
II didn't say that" he corrected.
but I did say that your Western men
are too mild or too fierce. You have
not drawn the man Of tho wcst A he
really IL. Did you expect me to shoot
up the town."
"Yss. ] am willing to confsss that
you disappointed me- Are you . good
Upsf'
"A likely ons." he answered.
A. be was leaving. Alton noted for
ehA AenA NtsnA shne rAtsa.. 49,