The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-12-12

by way of your office as not, and no
body'll notice that I'm leading You
they'll think you are just helping me.
I'm not going to have any little raga-
muffin leading you around like a blind
beggar; why, you'd be getting a dos
and tin cup next"
Catherine ratified on, trying TO dis
tract Williams attention from his
plight.
Il didn't know his eyes were so
dreadfully bad as all that" she solflo-
quized.
William Jagged and pretended to
stumble to proIong the pleasant walk.
In the meantime he looked anxiously
about for familiar face. His search
was rewarded. Making their way
through the crowd were two OF Cath
erine's trends, young women who were
also friends of Helen Wild He saw
them exchange a knowing glance as
they bowed and passed on. A moment
later Helen Wild's brother passed and
bowed and smiled deliberately at the
two who were walking arm in arm.
From the corner of his near-sighted
eye William saw a slow blush mount
into GATHERINGS cheek. But she chung
to his arm the more tightly.
Billy, had no idea your eyes were
so-well, that you had any trouble in
seeing without your glasses" she said
ut last.
"It's just near-sightedness. Now.
from here" he leaned toward her. 81
can see you as we'll as I ever could.
The trouble will doubtless improve
with time If I got the right treatment"
Catherine lowered her eyelids. But
as she did so she caught a glimpse Of
a man hurrying past thin. 1t was her
father.
Well" He stopped for a moment
IN front OF them, then, with a chuczle
and nod, passed on.
William Lands, L" began Cath
crime suddenly angry, drawing her
hand from Williams arm. But asshe
looked at the apparently helpless man
at her side, cropping ridiculously in
front OF her, she implsively slipped
her hand back in place. Aren't we
most there?" she questioned meekly.
but said they needed proper
treatment, Catherine" complained Will
liam.
'Oh-the Oculist, of course! Well.
where is he?"
"BBt I don't think his treatment
does any good. 1t is the treatment
you are giving them they need"
He hesitated. Ahead of them they
saw Helen Wild. Catherine. half an
gry' wholly confused, found herself
trembling. She clasped her free hand
over the other to steady herself. And
thus, hanging on William Landis's
arm, blushdng, with downcast ewes
Helen and half the rest of Warren. saw
her.
Helen stopped, and Catherine and
William untangled their arms in or
der to shake hands with her.
You dear thing" she said loudIv
mink it's just perfectly splendid
Cohgratulatons and best wishes" And
with beaming smile she passed on
Whnle the bypasser turned to stare at
the tool1sh-loking girl and joyous-look-
ing man standing together.
Wdlliam drew Catherine into a quiet
ana deserted side street. Then he took
his arm away
Wei, Catherine" he said, at sun
pose / did take an unfair advantage
OF You. But everyone knows by now
mat you have actually walked up Main
street with your arm in mine
For a moment Catherine resumed
her old, independent manner. Then
she quietly put her hand back ON VIII
ham's arm.
well, Billy" She said sweetly. $50
long as everyone has seen, let's walk
back down again"
And they started back to walk down
Main Street.