Arizona republican., 1912-03-14
W hats Ours
By WiNONA GODFREY
Copyright, 1910, by the Pearson
 Publishing Co.)

Don't let anyone frighten you! That frightened her Her heart sank in sudden and unaccountable panic.
 Upon leaving the store she bought a penny paper from the boy who sold them at the employees entrance, and being fortunate enough 10 get. seat on the car. she unfolded it mechani- cally. There is something almost un- canny in the way the vital paragraph finds its way to us. She turned the page
 Mrs. Stewart D. Tremper. of
 Philadelphia. arrived in the city
 this morning on a surprise visit to
 her son, MT. Burton Tremper. who
 has been sojourning with us in the
 office of w D. Reade. an old friend
 of his fathers. The Trempers are
 among the richest and most aristo-
 cratic of Philadelphia's smartest
 set Ii is said that young Nr
 Tremper came West to escape his
 social popularity. as his million
 aire father wished him 10 get down
 to business. Mrs. Tremper's stay
 is indefinite.
 Sydney leaned back and closed her eyes. She knew the color had left her cheeks. Almost as clearly as if it. too. had been set forth on the printed page in her hand, the whole situation un- folded before her Burton himself. his words and actions. appeared in a new light. And there was no doubt in her mind that certain information had been the cause of his mothers sur prise visit" Very often lately. while in Tremper's company. they had met men who lifted their hats and looked curiously at Sydney Probably some family friend had considered it his duty to report gossip.
 She laid out no plan of conduct She only wished not 10 think at all. She was conscious Of a sort Of weary re- gret that she had not been married that morning.
 That she had not been the only one to note th3; paragraph. the renewed stares and whisperings at the store made evident. Again she must pretend not 10 hear the oft-repeated tale of Christabcl Shannon. who had actually married Valentine Burke With 8 quickenins heart. and q sinking of il too she turned from this repetition to handsome woman of fifty, severely but elegantly dressed. who eat down at her counter and asked for gloves.
 Sydney had showed her several shades before a vague familiarity of feature. and something oddly sel-ch- ing in the well-bred gaze enlightened her. The color crept hotly to her cheeks The lady saw if.
 Are you Sydney Chaser" sho asked abruptly in a low voice.
 Yes. madam" quietly
 And I-T see that you recognize me"
 T think SO"
 "I an Burton Tramrer's mother"
 The girl inclined he7 head ia silence will you try these on?" SLe i1Ci- cated the gloves selected.
 Mrs Trpmper. somewhat taken aback. assented. and for moment watched the small. white. well-keHt hands busy themselves al her own with a deft strength that seemed somehow indicative of some force of character in the girl herself
 But she had something 10 say. You can probably guess that l Cid not come here to buy gloves. but 10 see you
 Sydney made no reply.
 MT Meadows thought fl bis duty to inform Us of Burton's-interest- (she was going to say infatuat!on)- in you"
 Still no words from Sydney.
 Last night my son was frank enough to tell me the truth. Ee con fessed that he had really asked you to marry him
 There was a momen'aTy trcTor in the small. capable hands.
 Mrs. Tremper's voice hardened. And that you had consented. That is truc?"
 Yes"
 ominous; Mrs. Tremper proceeded with a hint Of difficulty.
 "I admit--it is nuite evident. Miss Chase. that you are not the ordinary shop-girl My son informs me that you are fairly well educated. Of your beauty" the words seemed a condo scension forced from hcr-"there can be no question
 For the first time little quiver Of pain touched the girls lips.
 Please. don't." she murmTred.
 "Is fl true that you were entirely uu. aware of my sons positioD?' The tone implied incredulity.
 Sydney looked into her tormentor's eyes Tt is true"
 Mrs. TremDer made gesture of i'm patience. You must sec the abSur1!ry of the whole affair. now" she decided in low-voiced vehcmence. Such mar riage is absolutely out Of the question. shall take Burton home with me. Men recover from such things quickly. I am very sorry for you. Miss-er- Chase but-the matter is entirely ended"
 ''Is it?" said Sydney.
 Mrs. Tremper started and bit her lip But she made up her mind to keep her.temper in the face of any insolence
 You must remember that to marry my son is to ruin him" Her voice was Ike ice. You will not promise me. then, not to see him again?'
 Sydney was folding the gloves care fully. No. Do you wish to take these with you"