Morgan County republican., 1912-07-18

moving as II on springs. Yet there
was something tense In his face. an
edged timbre In his voice when he
flung gay banter right and left
As Mrs. Ware sailed majectically
past. John caught her arm. asking
under breath with the faintest nod to.
ward the stranger: WHO is he?"
why! Hasn't Norma told you?
Her cousin Len--all the really blood
cousin she's got in the world" Mrs.
Ware said In half whisper. son to
her mothers brother-you know she
was a Gordon. This Lenox is awful
friendly and bright spoken. but some
way-well. 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 q sigh OF
relief. The morning service was over
the intermission was fairly a.buxz
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 a 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 slighted. 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
John 80 occupied he could do no more
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
hushedly: Tell me the trouble.
dear!"
81 can't! II mustn't-but oh! I do
wish could" Norma answered
breathlessly.
John smiled at her. "T am sure you
will tell me-whether or no you can."
he said. Out with It! At once"
"I--I--don't know-how to begin."
Norma said flushing q little.
"It's 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" Norma said with lit
tie shudder. half closing her eyes.
John frowned. VERY naturally he
dces," he said. But why such sud
denness and haste?"
II ought not to tell you." Norma
said wistfully. But, OH am SO un-
way out"
"Out OF what!" John demanded.
his breathing short.
TROUBLED" 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 curt" John snapped through
shut teeth. 80 he would beggar
you to save himself"
mo! There would be something
left-quite half my money" Norma
interrupted breathlessly. II can't
stand by and see shame fall on my
blood-my mothers name. He says
II l will only save him. he will give
me back my freedom-after a little
aid work the rest OF his life-work
honestly. to pay me-"
81 have q better plan" John inter.
rupted, his brow clearing. II see his
point-married you como straight
husband may be. To save your pride.
and also to save 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 star.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 I had forgotten"
Norma flashed at him. Nov you
mention 1T, everything is easy. Mr..
John Speer. when will you marry
me?"
"As soon as 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 sensation