Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-03-09

know the world as I do. And for all
you know they might he right. How
do you know that
"Natw A catch in her voice stopped
him. Don't say such horrid things.
I could tell-a woman always can.
know you would be incapable Of such
a thing. Papa knows It too. No one
has ever got ahead OF papa. and he
says you are fine, steady, Christian
man and he would rather see me your
wife than any
JOSIE
The inter lection was so imperative
that she was silenccd. "Why. what,
Natw she asked, rising.
"The time has come" he declared.
"You must know the truth"
"Oh. Nat"
I'm not what you think me-" he
continued dramatically
"Oh, Nat"'
"Nor what your father thinks mo,
nor what anybody else in this town
thinks me. I'm not regular Chris
tian-its all n bluff. didn't know
anything about n church till | came
here | smoke. and I drink. and |
swear, and gamble, and only cut
them all out in order 90 trick you into
caring for PEE
"Oh. MT. ! don't believe it,
"Alas, Josie" he protested violently,
cts true only too true.'
"But you did it to win my love.
NatT'
"Yc-es" He saw suddenly that he
had made fatal mistake
Then, Nat. | will be your wife in
spite Of all"
lie found himself suddenly caught
about the neck by the girls arms
His head was drawn down until hcr
cheek caresscd his and he felt her lips
warm upon his own.
Josie" he Gasped.
"Nat. my darlmg.'
With a supreme effort he pulled
himself together and embraced the
girl. Josie" he said earnestly. 81
I'm going to try to he a good husband
to you. And that" h. concluded, soto
voce. "waSn't in the al.rcemoui.
She held him to her paasionately
dearest. I'm 50 81
1T makes me very happy to know
YOU are. Josie" ho murmurcd miser-
ably. and to himself while she still
trcmbled in his embrace: what cur
you are, But ! won't rcncgc now.
I'll play my hand out on the square
with her."
Upon this tableau there came a sud
den intrusion. The back door opened,
and Graham came in. Kellogg at his
heels. 1t was the voice IF the latter
that told the two they were dis .oy-
cred, Il hearty Hello What's his?"
that rang in Mats ears like the trump
If doom.
In n flash the girl discngagcd her
self. and they were a YARD apart by
the time that Graham. blunGeriUg in
his surprise. managed to turn on the
! lights at the switchboard. But even
in the full glare Of them he seemed
unable to credit his sight. Why,
Nat" he quavercd, coming out to-
ward the guilty pair. "Why. Nat"
Duncan took long breath and Jo-
sizes hand at one and the same time.
MIR Graham" he said coolly, Pm
glad you're the first to know it. Josie
has Just ask-aGreed to he my wife"
Old Sam recovered sufficiently to
AXE the girls hand and pat it. I'm
mighty glad. my dear" he told her.
Il congratulate you both with all my
heart"
And so will when have the
nght." Kellogg added. smiling
"Oh. | forgot" Nat FASTENED to
remedy his oversight Josie. this is
tiny dearest friend Mr. Kellogg; Harry.
this is Miss Lockwood"
Josie gave Kellogg her hand IL"
she gigEled I'm pleased to meet you
I'm sure
I'm charmed I've heard great
deal of you. Miss Lockwood. from
Mats letters, and shall hope to know
you much better before long"
It's awful nice of you to say so,
Mr.. Kellogg
And Nat. old man" Kellogg threw
nm arm round Duncan's shoulder-"l
congratulate you You're lucky
dog"
I'm u dog, all right said Nat
glumiy
But we mustn't disturb these young
people Mr.. Kellogg" Graham broke
in nervously They thcy'n have a
lot to say to one another. I'm sure,
so we'll just run along. I'm taking
Mr. Kellogg up to the house. Nat.
You'l follow lis as soon as you cnl,
won't YOU
"Yrs-sure."
i've got some news for you, too
thatIl make you happy"
Never mind about that it'll keel
till supper, Mr.. Graham kelloGg
laughed, taking the Old mans arm
"Goodby. both Of you-goodby for i
little while"
"Goodby"
Wasn't that tcrriblcT Josie turned
back TO Nat when they were alone
Il thinN it was real mean Of Mr.. Ora
ham to turn on all the lights tina
way" she simpered. Somebody els
might We seen
Yes" agreed the young man, hal
distracted. but Of course | daren
turn them off again"
Never mind. We can wait" JOSH
bushcd. I'm just sit here and wait
We can talk till Tracey comes, ant
then you can walk home with me-
"Yes, tbat'll be nice" he agreed bu