Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1912-09-12

you would"
Jocelyn gave a little laugh. You
nearly scared me to death, but now l
ses through your deep laid scheme.
You know I have always liked you,
Oliver. Why didn't you ask me to
help you before. instead Of keeping
your counting Of Miriam secret all
this time? Tomorrow is my day for
visiting. and l shall surely lay down
the law to my dear old goose Of a sis
, ter. She shall be happy. eve II
have to force her into It."
What a dumb.head I have been"
remarked oliver disgustedly. IT neve
dared speak to you on the subject for
fear you would 20 into hysterics-Mir-
lam was sure the mere suggestion
would break your heart" He gave
Jocelyn's hand a %brotherly squeeze as
he took his departure.
Jocelyn kept her word, and on the
day following gave Miriam a severe
lecture on her duty to the man who
had loved her so long and waited for
her SO patiently. Before she left. a
brother-in.law for herself had be-
come an admitted possibility in the
near future.
On returning to the Norton resi-.
dence after this interview, It's house,
keeper found unusual signs Of ex.
| element.
"Oh, Miss Newell" was the greet
ing Of Mary the parlor.maid. Mrs.
Norton's nephew has come. and they
have been talking together over an
hour. Mrs. Norton said put him in the
blue room, and he would stay a long
time she hoped"
II am glad he has come. Mary; It
will do Mrs. Norton good and we must
make him comfortable" Jocelyn hast
ened to her room, feeling to her own
surprise decidedly blue.
Removing her wraps. she threw q
shawl about her shoulders and slipped
out of doors. Mrs. Norton and her
nephew were evidently settled for
the evening.
After rambling for some time In the
moonlight, Jocelyn seated herself on a
bench by the boundary wall, and
faced the situation. what a selfish
thing I am! Just because Miriam is
to be made happy in spite OF herself.
and Mrs. Norton has the only per-
son she has on earth left to love come
to brighten her up. I fall into the
dumps! It's a nice way Of practicing
the Golden Rule"
But this self directed lecture failed
Of its effect, for to Jocelyn's disgust
she found herself sobbing softly. She
rubbed the tears fercely away.
Why Miss Newell. what is the
natter" asked a sympathetic voice.
as Jocelyn gave a final dab. She
looked up with a start to find herself
confronted by a tall young pan. who
continued, Aunt Alma ent me to
bring her treasured housekeeper in
out Of the dew, but she will BIO sorry
| found you In tears. Can't do
something to help you?"
mo, for ! am crying because I am
the most selfish creature on EARTH"
she answered. Should you sympa-
thize with some one who cried be-
cause she was going to have for a
brother-in-law a man she had always
liked?"
81 should sympathize with my
aunt's perfect ~housekeeper whatever
her ~trouble-she has told me all
about you-but I I'm glad 1t Is no
worse"
Mrs. Norton is the best woman
that ever lived" Jocelyn rose as she
spoke. 81 must see that she Is prop
erly fixed for the night. Please don't
tell her what a goose | have been"
you need not fear that I will be-
tray a confidence" he answered.
Eugene Ralston proved a great ad-
dition to the household. he carried
both Mrs. Norton and her housekeep.
err of on all sorts OF excursions. II
am a stranger and want to sec the
country" was his excuse. and Joce.
Ign silently blessed him as she saw
the pink beginning to creep back into
Mrs. Norton's cheeks.
Miriam was married to her patient
oliver in midsummer. and the couple
went for a short trip: but Jocelyn
found that only Joy for her sister filled
her thought.
81 must be growing less SELFISH
certainly hope So" she said TO her
self.
On the night OF the wedding Eugene
Ralston and Jocelyn strolled together,
1T seems better to have a brother.
In law that you feared. doesn't IT."
Eugene asked.
II am delighted begin to hope
that l am overcoming s~elishness."
'Tha idaa ~ yOur Waip0 uol0ob-
you don't know the meaning OF the
word"
Jocelyn laughed. THAT only shows