The Ordway new era., 1912-07-19

friendly and bright spoken. but some
way-W ell. I wish he hadn't come"
Don't worry - he shan't make
trouble for anybody" John said stout.
ly. though In heart not quite as ease.
HIS aunt passed on with a sigh OF
relief. The morning service was over
the intermission was fairly a.buzZ
with hospitality. Yearly the basket
dinner was a sort OF housewifely COM
petition Though all baskets we're
spread upon common tables free to
everybody. those who had fetched
them made point Of seeing that
their own friends got the best OF their
own choice edibles. Also that the
poorer folk. and especially the county
charges, were not sighted. John
Speer and his spinster aunts were not
singular In their determination that
Gods poor should be considered when
they had come to the services In Gods
house
Waiting upon them. looking out for
the small boys. with side efforts for
Aunt Martha and Aunt Mary. kept
than smile at Norma, until. everybody
fed to repletion. the crowd began to
scatter and clot for intimate gossip.
Lenox Gordon had momentarily left
her-John almost ran to her. caught
her arm and drew her apart. saying
hushedly: Tell me the trouble.
dear"
II can't! IL mustn't-but oh! do
wish could" Norma answered
breathlessly
John smiled at her II am sure you
will tell me-whether or no you can"
he said. Out with 1t! At once"
"I-I-don't know-how to begin.
Norma said flushing little.
TITS about your cousin" John said
with decision. not Interrogation.
She started. "How do you know"
she asked.
"Never mind" John retorted. Tell
me what he wants"
'He-wants me to-to-marry him
right away" Morna said with lit
tie shudder. half closing her eyes.
John frowned. VERY naturally he
does" he said. But why such sud-
denness and haste?"
81 ought not to tell you." Norma
happy-yet-there seems no other
way out"
"Out OF WHAT" John demanded.
his breathing short.
"Trouble." Norma whispered.
"Trouble OF the worst. Lenox has
used money-not his own-speculated
and lost it. Not so very much money
but more than he can get any
other way"
"The cur" John snapped through
shut teeth. so he would beggar
you to save himself"
"No, There would be something
left-quite half my money" Norma
interrupted breathlessly. Il can't
stand by and see shame fall on my
| blood-my mothers name. He says
II ] will only save him. he will give
me back my freedom-after little
and work the rest Of his life-work
honestly. to pay me-"
"I have a better plan" John inter
rupted. his brow clearing. Il see his
point-married you come straight
into your fortune. no matter who your
husband may be. To save your pride.
| and also to save a man who may not
be wholly bad. I'm quite willing to
sacrifice myself. Marry me-and ]
engage to see Lenox through.
oh! II only you will take mel
I wanted so to ask you. Norma
painted, her eyes shining stnr-wise.
John had much ado to keep from
kissing her on the spot. You are
coward" he said gravely. though his
eyes danced. You know It Is leap
year"
80 It is-but had forgotten.
Norma flashed at him. Now you
mention It. everything is easy. Mr..
Tohn Speer. when will you marry
ne!"
As soon rs We can find the pre-
siding elder" John said. catching her
hand quite openly and leading her
away.
And this is how It happened that
the basket meeting had n sensation
John and Norma stood up In the face
Of 1t, and were married before after
loon service.