The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-09-19
PERSUADING MARY
PROVED BIG JOB
BY JUNE GAHAN.

wife.
you mean about Ford Layton?"
''Yes-I happened to meet young
Disbrow coming out Of the gate and
1t set me thinking. hope Mary won't
be dazzled by Disbrows glitter and
fash and overlook the pure gold of
Ford's character"
Mrs. Dickson shook her head. Pm
afraid she win, James-girls are that
way"
You were not-eh?" Mr. Dickson
pinched his wife's plump cheek as he
passed on into his study
"Oh, there never was anyone just
like you. James. I think Ford Lay
ton comes nearer than anybody else.
wish Mary could see 1t In the same
light"
she seems to like him, too"
THE child is charming to him
only I'm afraid she is rather dazzled
by Billy Disbdow."
Agatha, my dear, suppose you Just
drop a word of advice-if she doesn't
take 1t we'll, send her to me-" suggest
ed Mr.. Dickson, as he left the room.
A moment later Mary entered, star
ry-eyed. lovely, graceful, her sweet
lips set in a tender smile.
"All alone, Momsy?' she asked, as
she dropped light kiss on her moth
er's white hair.
Eyes, dear. Sit down here a mo-
ment, Mary" and Mrs. Dickson. with
Ictf NJ lab ut Tho orc DnH
the tender lips, sighed at the idea of
giving up this sweet daughter to any
one Of the young men who persistent
y wooed her.
"Well?" asked Mary. expectantly.
BILLY Disbrow called this after
noon, didn't he, dear?" asked Mrs.
Dickson, hesitatingly.
"Yes."
I'm sorry, dear, but you are sure
you are not making a mistaken" Mrs.
Dickson stumbled over the words.
I'm quite sure, Momsy" said Mary
quietly, and just then she WAS called
away and Mrs. Dickson stepped to the
study door and spoke to her husband.
Mary says she is sure she Is not
making any mistake, James," she
said gravely. "If she really wants
10 marry Billy Disbrow we must do
all we can to make her happy. He is
not bad-merely weak"
The deuce!" exclaimed Mary's
father, frowning,
When Mary came into the study to
ell him that dinner would be ready
in fifteen minutes and there was bare
Iy time for him to dress, Mr.. Dickson
pulled his only daughter down on his
knee
Il met Billy Disbrow coming out
Of the gate. Mary hope you won't
De foolish" He hesitated
Mary looked at him with troubled
ayes. 'T suppose he is what you
would call good match" she MUIR
INJURED, unwillingly.
"Of course, you don't have to think
IF that, my dear"
Ties nice. too. father. He has
ovely disposition"
"Well-daughter, think 1t over, and
don't decide hastily. | haven't seen
Ford around lately. I'm sorry too"
"Oh, you won't be-later-when you
know!" she said quickly.
Know what?" he asked. curiously.
"Oh, can't tell you just now.
father! Not until tomorrow. Do you
know what day 1t is?"
TITS the twenty-ffth anniversary of
our wedding day"
What I've got to say will be your
wedding gift from me-" whispered
Mary. and then she ran away.
While dessert was being served
Mary was called away from the table
by ring at the telephone.
When the three elders were alone.
Great-Aunt Becky spoke up.
II saw young Billy Disbrow going
away from here this afternoon. hope
Mary Is not leading him a dance.
believe I will speak to her"
They were leaving the room when
Aunt Becky asked Mary to help her
into the big chair in front of the
drawing-room fire. Mary's parents
discreetly withdrew to another room
1t was possible that Aunt Becky might
accomplish where they had failed
She was an old lady of keen insight
into human nature and q wide expe
rience.
"My dear" began Aunt Becky,
abruptly, why under the sun are you
going to marry Billy Dsbrow?"
Mary started at her great aunt.
but I'm not going to marry him"
she said at last.
whom are you going to marry,
them" demanded Aunt Becky, with
very bright eyes.
Ford Layton" confessed Mary,
with crimsoning cheeks. Eve been
trying to break the news TO all of
you, but you insist on urging me to
marry Billy Disbrow-so l thought
I'd wait until Ford-he's coming to
morrow-and I promised to tell be.
fore he came"
my dear Mary, they were trying to
warn you against young Disbrow!" ex
claimed Aunt Becky. delighted beyond
measure at this outcome. you shall
have my diamond chain for a wedding
PRESENT.
Aunt Becky, you're dear!" cried
Mary. hugging her warmly 81 don't
see how any one could dream of my
caring for any one but Ford"
What was young Dsbrow doine
here today?"
81 geuss--he was here to hear me