The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1912-09-27
CAUGHT IN HER
WORKING CARB
Predicament of a Girl Hidden
Behind a Curtain.

ucai turn OF MIND ana her mother nav
Ing but one servant, volunteered to
do" the parlor once week. One Sat
urday morning, broom In hand, dress
pinned back, sleeves rolled above the
elbows, towel over her head to keer
the dust from her hair, she heard a
ring at the doorbell. Before she could
escape she heard the maid open the
door and the familiar voice of Mr.. Alex
ander Hathaway, newly appointed
officer In the United States army, ask.
Ing for her father Fearing that the
maid might be stupid enough to show
him into the parlor and not caring to
be caught in sweeping costume. she
stepped between portiere and folding
doors. intending to open the doors and
leave by the dining room. The doors
were Off the slide. and she could not
open them. Meanwhile Mr.. Hathaway
entered the parlor and took seat
Wonder what he wants with papa 2"
queried Miss Abbott, eying him through
an opening In the nortiere
| Mr.. Abbott, dignified gentleman
came In. eyed the conner curiously, bade
him good morning and waited for him
TO tell what he had come for
"My regiment is ordered to Manila
began the young man haltingly
"Indeedr' said Mr. Abbott. What I'm
terest could this have for him?
"Of course that takes me, you know"
Mr.. Abbott did not know and did not
care. lie repeated the word ''1ndeed.'
"The men are on the train now. II
Is to start ut II noon. secured leave
to come here and speak with you
moment" The lieutenant looked at hin
watch at is half past II. have If
teen minutes here and fifteen minutes
| to make The lIain. What I came foi
is TO ask you If you have any objection
TO my askinc Edith to be my wife. I
would like her to join me at san Fran.
cisco, he married there and go out to
Manila"
Edith's heart jumped into her throat
Alex Hathaway, rich, handsome. in
every way attractive! She had never
dreamed that lie would ask for such
commonplace person MS she regarded
herself
Mr. Abbott took out his own watch
you haven't surplus OF time" he
said. $50 will come to the point al
once. 7 will GLADLY welcome yol for a
son -ln-hw If my daughter Is herself
willing Have YOU asked her?"
"No. | thought that If you should
object II would be better not to speak
10 her now"
"l'll call her. Edith. Edith, Where
are you? You're wanted at oncer'
Now, if there is anything woman
Is punctilious about II Is the acceptance
OF proposal or the ceremony of mar
rlagc. To Edith Abbott the idea of be
Ing wooed and won I'm sweeping cos.
tune was abhorrent Besides, she
dreaded lest the aristocratic young ofIi.
Ger, seeing her In such dress, should
repent his choice. She stood stock still.
Nancy" shouted Mr.. Abbott. "find
Miss Edith Immediately. She must ba
somewhere In the house."
"Yes, sir"
Mr.. Abbott sat down ana waited. Mr..
Hathaway paced the floor impatiently
Edith looked at them both from behind
the portiere and wished that some kind
fairy would suddenly transform her
costume to more becoming one Pres.
emily the maid came In and reported
that Miss Edith was not upstairs and
must have gone out, Edith herself.
looking ut her lover. made up her mind
that he was not too gentlemanlike Oc
casionalIy TO say bad words Both men
looked at their watches.
"Well." said the suitor. disappointed,
~ fear for the present the matter must
be given mp, After reach Manila |
VIII, with Your permission, write to
her Perhaps It Is better. after all, fol
me to investigate the climate and nc.
commodations. Meanwhile think you
viii agree with me that for you to tell
her Of this visit would place her In an
unpleasant position. Better walt TIL
she gets II from me by letter"
Miss Abbott was by no means dis.
posed to give the young man so good |
an opportunity to change his mind. |
Nevertheless II was not till the two |
men We're shaking hands prior to scpa'
rating that she threw aside the por-
there's and stood, red as II peony. he.
fore them, Hathaway caught her In
his arms
Sweetheart, you have heard all?"
Edith was mute.
1.-Two minutes!" said MIR. Abbott.
watch In hand.
"Will you?" pleaded the lieutenant
Never, In this horrid t0ggery."
There is no greater test OF beauty
than the costume you wear. You are
prettier In II than ] ever saw YOU"
"Do you really mean itY''
Certainly, swear IT."
~ don't believe you"
Your answer?"
Thirty sec0nds! called the father.
ANSWER to what-going to Manila
sr"-
Both"
(which irsts"
"ren seconds!'' from the timekeeper.
DO you love me?"
No reply uht