The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1912-10-03
The color ebbed from Penelope's

6ne SalQ SCOrnIuIy.
tive 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 q
step forward as if to tear the canvas
in shreds. II won't marry him! So
there! You were silly dad, ever to
get mixed up in such foolishness.
You've got yourself into pretty
mess"
'fBut there's money involved-a tidy
sum-$50,000
She wheeled on him. $50 you'd
barter your daughters happiness?"
she flashed.
TT isn't the money, child, but a
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 SHALL"
II shall-shall II" she Knocked, with
glittering eyes.
"You ought to know your daughter
to we'll 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 tyrant's 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
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.
ooh, I'm the most unhappy girl in
J the world"
"What about, Penelope, my darl-
| ing?"
! That was the straw too much.
Down went her hands and down went
her head upon his shoulder. In a
stormy gust of excitement she told
| him everything
Il could always twist dad around
my finger! Now he's firm as a rock
Oh, what shall l do?"
Marry mel" Deering whispered
eagerly
dad would never consent"
"We'll elope."
Bright color came into Penelope's
cheeks. She was so 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.
| ooh, no, 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 make
solemn VOW to marry each other;
and never, never to marry anybody
else! 1t will be thousand times
more binding than that silly betrothal
of two irresponsible children"
Deering nodded and smiled. what
ever you say" he replied.
'Now." 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 moment.
then shut and bolted the door.
Good morning, young people. What
can I do for your
It was Penelope who replied.
"Dad," she said in rather shaky
voice, "Major Graham's nephew will
Please write and tell him so. I've
promised to marry Owen Deering:
and I will not go back on my word"
Colonel Brady wore a broad grin
as he met her mutinous gaze.
Cali right. my dear. And now that
you two have settled things between
you, I may as well tell you something
Owen here is the majors nephew"
Penelope fell back a step, trembling
with anger as she realized what
trick had been played upon her by the
parent she had worsted, heretofore.
in every battle.
Ovens arm slipped quickly about
her waist.
"rd seen you-fallen in love with
you-before the portrait was ever
; thought Of" he whispered Forgive
me, dear. for falling in with your IA
theirs scheme. Don't let it turn you
against me. You-youve promised