The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1912-05-11
Their Elders
Copyright. 1917, By Associated Literary P.essl
y 3 X
By EDMUND MOBERLY

took hold of his great business, and
not only held it intact, but extended
1T. until | had been brought up and
trained to fill his place. She never
sets out to do a thing until she has be-
slowed due consideration upon 1t, but
when she does set out, she is splen-
did example in singleness of purpose
She is set upon this marriage. and I
confess 1 haven't the nerve to try to
turn her aside"
MY report is much the same" ad-
mitted the girl. 81 simply do not know
how to go about dissuading father. He
is like your mother. He never does a
thing without thinking carefully upon
it
We'll, we won't give up the ship
yet" he said. And now let US put
dull care aside and enjoy q social
chat"
MacWilliams made other calls upon
Miss Mason to report progress and to
receive reports of progress. as he
said. but their reports bore mainly
upon the progress made by the older
folks in their preparations for their
marriage.
TT begins to look as if we shall sim
ply stand aside without a. protest and
let them marry each other" said Miss
Mason dOlefully one evening when the
wedding day was not far off; land all
because neither of US has sufficient
courage to tell them a few truths
they are both old enough to know"
ooh, come now" said MacWilliams.
They are not committing a crime.
Don't you think, sometimes that we
ere a mite selfish in our attitude to-
ward them? Isn't it true. after all.
that aside from our prejudices, the
match is a desirable one in every par
ticular? Remember, they are not in
their dotage; they are just in the
prime of life. Neither has yet reached
fifty. They wouldn't be rash in an
ticipating many happy years to
gether."
John MacWilliamsl" exclaimed the
girl. Whatever has come over you?
You talk as if you were in favor of
it,
81 am" he admitted shamelessly. 81
know it sounds like rank heresy; but
have thought it over, and l wish to
say that I am glad it is going to hap
pen"
she asked coldly.
Because, Janet, 1t will make you
my little sister 1 never had a sister,
and the idea of getting you for one
is mighty pleasing. Don't you want
me for a brother?"
The girl pondered deeply over this
"Of course. I do, John" she said
finally I've always wanted a broth
er so badly, and I feel that you will
make a splendid big brother. l de-
clare I feel almost reconciled to IA
theirs marrying, now"
The wedding day of the older folks
came, and after being married amid
much pomp and ceremony. they de-
part on their honeymoon. blissfully I'M
aware of the fact that their thank
less offspring had schemed to pre-
vent it. That evening John called upon
Janet
Good evening. little sister" was
his greeting.
How do you do. big brother?"
"And now stand here in front of
me and ,et me look at you" he COM
manded, after she had said it cit has
taken me twenty-five years to acquire
a sister, you know, and, naturally. l
want to make sure that the goods is
up to the sample"
at certainly is he continued, after
an admirfng inspection 1.-The good
Lord was generously inclined when
you were born. little girl-and now
for brotherly kiss"
There was a struggle, and she
sprang away from him with her
cheeks afame.
THAT is carrying our make-believe
too far, john" she said, half in anger.
half in sorrow eff you are going to
act that way, don't think I shall like
you in the role of brother
And l am quite certain that shall |
not like the role" he replied.
81 am glad you have come to your
senses"
81 have Surely you know. Janet. |
that that was a lovers kiss. little
girl"
The angry flame in her face was su-
perseded by a softer glow.
Does that make it any less helm !
ous?'' he asked.
She was silent
Does ft?" he persisted.
Yes; far less was her murmured |
reply.
And shall we soon follow the excel !
lent example our elders set for us?'
he asked, taking her in his arms.
YES. big brother" she almost whis-
pered. Isn't it terrible that we ever !
thought of interfering with those two t
old dears?"
ION the contrary, it's blessing that /
we did; for 1t brought me-you," was /
his answer.