The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1912-10-19

get mixed up in such foolishness-
You've got yourself into a pretty
mess"
But there's money involved-a tidy
sum-$5O, 900"
She wheeled on him. $50 you'd
barter your daughters happiness?"
she flashed.
at 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 shalI!"
'T shaIl-shall I?'' she Knocked, with
gIIttering 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 kiss, dear, old dad, and let the
whole miserable business drop"
The brow-beaten man had been too
to press the point.
Penelope had a wretched night
DimIy 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 it's 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
huskfly. please tell me-"
Look and tone were too much for
Penelope. FIinging 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?"
That was the straw too much,
Down went her hands and down went
her head upon his shoulder. In
stormy gust of excitement she told
him everything.
81 could always twist dad around
my finger! Now he's firm as a 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 so stepped in will
fuIness 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, I know what
Wen do! Well clasp hands and make
a solemn VOW to marry each other:
and never, never to marry anybody
else, 1t 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.
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
oneI regarded them fxedly a moment,
then shut and bolted the door
Good morning, young people. What
J can I do for you?"
1t was Penelope who replied.
Dad" she said in a 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 I will not go back on my word -
Colonel Brady wore a broad grin
as he met her mutin0us gaze.
"All right, my dear. And now that
you two have settled things between
you, I may as we'll tell you something
Owen here is the majors nephew
Penelope fell back step, trembling
with anger as she realized what a
trick had been played upon her by the
parent she had worsted, heretofore
in every battle.
Owens arm slipped quickly about
her waist.
I'D 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 1t turn you
against me. You-you've promised
to marry me, you know!"
$50 I have" smiled Penelope, sud
denly reIentfng.
Copyright, 1912. by Associated Literary
Press-)