The Monte Vista journal. (Monte Vista, Rio Grande County, Colo.) 1888-1921, 1912-10-19

cheeks.
.Fiddlesticks. dad What does the
| betrothal OF two infants amount 10!
she said scornfully.
I've heard from the young man.
He proposes to hold us to the COM
pact"
But he and / have never met
That's why I'm having your por-
trait painted. my dear-that he may
see what you're like before coming
to claim you"
"Oh-h!" Penelope gasped, taking
step forward as If to tear the canvas
in shreds. 81 won't marry him! SO
thereI You were a silly dad. ever TO
get mixed up in such foolishness'
You've got yourself into pretty
mess"
But there's money involved-a tidy
sum-s5O,O 1000"
She wheeled on him. so you'd
barter your daughters happiness?
she flashed.
1T isn't the money, child, but
solemn compact made with the dead
must be kept" He looked down into
the mutinous face, his strong lips
tightening. Penelope, you've had
your own way ever since you were
born. Now it's my turn. You are In
duty bound to marry this man. Marry
him you shalt"
81 shall-shall ~" she Knocked, with
glittering eyes.
you ought to know your daughter
TO well to make so rash declaration"
Suddenly catching her breath In
sob she flung herself into his arms.
ooh. it's too ridiculous. Now give
me a kiss, dear old dad, and let the
whole miserable business drop"
The brow-beaten man had been too
long under the little tyrants dominion
TO press the point
Penelope had wretched night.
Dimly she realized why marriage with
this stranger, whose name she did not
know, was so obnoxious to her.
When she took her pose for the
next mornings sitting her pretty face
had lost its rosy freshness, teary
look was about her eyes. Owen Deer
ing dashed on the colors recklessly for
a few moments. then threw down the
brush.
Miss Brady. what is it," he cried
huskily. please tell me-"
Look and tone were too much for
Penelope. Flinging her hands over
her face she broke into low. nervous
sobbing.
"Oh. I'm the most unhappy girl in
the world"
What about, Penelope. my darl-
ing?"
Down went her hands and down went
her head upon his shoulder. In a
stormy gust of excitement she told
him everything.
n could always twist dad around
my finger! Now he's firm as rock.
Oh. what shall do?"
Marry mel" Deering whispered
eagerly.
dad would never consent"
We'll elope."
Bright color came into Penelope's
cheeks. She was 30 stepped in will
fulness and perversity. the suggestion
appealed to her powerfully. Then
came the thought of the big, silent
father who had never denied her any
thing in all her cherished life.
-Oh, no, I couldn't get married with
out dad" she cried. And then, in
the next breath. ooh, know what
we'll do! Well clasp hands and mako
solemn vow to marry each other:
and never. never to marry anybody
else! It will be a thousand times
more binding than that silly betrothal
Of two IRRESPONSIBLE children"
Deering nodded and smiled. What
ever you say" he replied.
Nov" cried Penelope. when the
whimsical suggestion had been acted
upon. well beard the lion in his
den"
Several hours later two flushed.
radiant people entered unheralded
Colonel Brady's city office. The col.
onel regarded them fxedly a moment,
then shut and bolted the door.
Good morning, young people. What
can do for your
was Penelope who replied.
Dad" she said In rather shaky
voice, Major Graham's nephew will
have to look elsewhere for a bride.
Please write and tell him so. I've
promised to marry owen Deering;
and l will not go back on my word"
Colonel Brady wore broad grin
ms he met her mutinous gaze.
"All right, my dear. And now that
you two have settled things between
you. may as well tell you something.