Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-07

SNHla ltr !pseoAs - VI ~ VI GU -h-.s
Drake, ironically. I'm right slad it
can be. Miss Clsre. I'm afraid Nil.
bred has been spoiled good deal
since her poor dear mother died"
Miss Clare's eyes shoHed tender,
courteous concern for the departed
one. She was all attention, all con-
sideration for tho old lady who eyed
her with such frank disfaYor.
when I saw Mtldred's father Tues.
day
He is here now" Interrupted
Esms, happily, eagerly. "He has but
Just arrived. It was for that l WIS
absent. ] had gone to the depot TO
meet him with the car
"He ID here?" Miss Drake rose.
troubled and ruf1ed "Tom, I must
have few moments conversation
alone with Miss Clare. You 60 and
keep Lester busy till call you.
Tow shrugged doubtful shoulders.
but obeyed. with look Of what be
would have called "bolstered UP
courage" at the demure, low voiced
girl waiting for the storm to break
on her pretty head. 1t broke as soon
as the door closed after the tall, up-
calmly Tom. Miss Irake' y voice
fairly trembled with passion as she
made her final appeal.
IT have no doubt 1t Is only infatua'
ton" she said. men are Ike that
when they have pretty girl around
them. But had no idea Lester would
think seriously of marriage
'0Why should he not, madam
asked Esme gently.
We'll, to speak plainly, It don't
seem fitting for him to marry. well.
you. don't you understand, child?'
In spite OF herself her tone did soften.
Esme looked very young, very much
alone as she stood there listening.
Miss Drake remembered Tom had
said she was an, orphan.
"I understand" breathed Esme
softly, her eyes ashine with emo
ton. 'EIe is wonderful, Is he not?
Why should he even desire 10 marry
just merely-me?'
The Lord only mows!" answered
Miss Drake devoutly. 1.-THE main
point Is ne does want to, and he
mustn't be let. That is the real
reason why I came from Washington.
II he won't see sense, then thought
perhaps you would. Now there's
Tom, nice, good-looking boy. He'd
make good husband for you, and
don't mind saying Id he willing TO
settle q little on you both If you mar
ried each other"
IF married."
atom, l say. II you'd promise to
marry him, I'll settle couple OF
thousand 3 year on you both
And suddenly Esme's mirth broke.
and she leaned back her charming
head and laughed. But she checked
herself as the door opened and Les.
Ter himself entered. Tom behind him.
well, Aunt Philipps, did you run
down to congratulate us?" he eI-
claimed heartily, catching the thin
old figure in his arms and kissing the
faded bony cheek.
Congratulate who" asked Hiss
Drake grimly.
Lester turned quickly and drew
Esme into the family circle.
My BRIDE" he said proudly. eve
were married the day after | saw you
in Washington.
There was short, sharp Internal
struggle in Miss brakes mind. She
looked at Tom. knowing him to be
guilty Of ioreknowledge OF the fact
She looked at Testers happy, tender
face, and last of all at Esme herself
Esme whose eyes met hers with q
sort OF passionate entreaty for for
giveness.
"Ah,. madam, what could I do?"
she implored. "He wanted me SO
very much for his wife"
And the ice melted in Aunt Philly'a
heart. She sighed and smiled.
well, child, can you blame him ."
she asked. I've done my level best
to save him, but az long az he's been
and gone and married you. any
how. well-you may call me- Aunt