The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1912-01-02
THE DAILY GATE CITY

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ther
We're going to move to on. big new
brick house soon,' added Leah. Papa
wanted to marry the twins Aunt
Doris. but she wouldn't. He's wanted
! to long time. I've heard him say so
often.
She giggled again. Leah Gardener,
like her father. knew a good joke, no
matter whom it was on.
Wouldn't you drather live in big
brick house like ourn then just in one
with an addition" She asked the
] question as one woman Of another,
! turning to Valera
mol" The answer came emphat.
| ically Neither would Aunt Doddy
! drather. We love the addition. and
the new rag-rug's the most heavenly
thing-jus made for a bridal cham.
ber."
Leah Gardener shifted and trans.
ferred a piece Of black licorice candy
from her pocket to her mouth.
We'll, pops got left. but he can
stand it," She whirled on her heel.
Il don't care 4 he don't get married."
AS she faced about, the object Of
discussion, the owner OF the big new
brick house, holder of mortgages upon
other peoples houses, owner Of the
finest span Of sorrels in the county,
and parent of Miss Leah Gardener.
drove slowly past Mr.. Barry's store.
With whoop the INDUCED young
lady dropped argument and tore for
the street.
"Pop!" she shrieked Papa, wait
for me.''
The hand of Uncle Cal descended
upon the top of valora's yellow head.
and he stared into her little face.
Why did you come here?" he de-
manded hercely.
Alarmed, Valera held out the tooth.
To bring you this sacrifice. Mar.
cissa pulled it and it hurt something
awful wanted her to. to make up
for the night I swore. Could it,"
He took the offering stupidity.
She looked at him shyly. Won't
you start coming to see us again?
Aunt Doddy feels awful and gran.
mother cried this morning"
He seemed to be coming to himself
now, and was tIgging at the elk's
tooth On his heavy gold chain. She
ventured 20 jig up and down a little.
1T might kill Aunt Doddy il you
don't. Shes awfully pale and don't
speak to us twins, sometimes.
Go home and tell her I'm coming
this afternoon" Uncle Cal said grave.
". Go right now, Narcissa.''
"Oh-ho-ho, Uncle Cal, I'm not Mar.
cissa, giggled the twin. "Ive got gray
eyes and Narcissas are a beautiful
blue
Tell her I'm coming" he said
again. Run on home He pressed
the elk's tooth in its gold setting into
her hand and without a word. hurried
her to the door and gave her shove
The new rose window like a big col.
ored eye was watching for her return.
and Grandmother Pollard, revived
was on the porch.
Uncle Cal is coming this after.
noon. Her shrill announcement
checked the displeasure manifest in
her grandmother's mien.
Hes coming this afternoon, Aunt
Doddy.' screamed Valera past her
grandmother, through the omen door.
Why, there he does COME" Grand.
mother Pollard said.
And SO he did. He swung into ".
gate, raising his hat, and right into
the house beside Grandmother Pol.
lard. Valera tagging Aunt Doddy was
caught in her morning apron, but her
hair was nicely done. She had
scared look in her eyes and came un.
certainly toward the visitor.
Doris" he blurted out. I'm a fool!
I'm a coward and fool"
Such names! Grandmother draw
Valera toward the next room. Valera
looked back Narcissa was coming in
the front door in her blue cashmere
with Sundayschool prize in her
hand. But Uncle Cal never saw her.
he reached out his arms and Rugged
Aunt Doddy to him.
III tell you how it happened" His
voice sounded so sad that Narcissa
hurried past toward her grandmoth.
er and Valera
Aunt Doris's arms were round his
neck. as though how it had happened
mattered not.
See what fool am, not to come
straight to you," he went on husk.
lily. THAT Sunday you we're out
sieighing George Gardener came back
through Main Street and 1 heard him
say
Your mammals going to take Won
out walking this afternoon, children,r
1t was Grandmother Pollard speak.