The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-08-08

relative, upstate, believe. Hadn't
you heard? Have a try-f you can
get a loOk-in, that is. She's a favoriSe
l gather"
George Cramer looked up curiously
1t was a new attitude on his fathers
part; but he harbOred no suspicious.
Neither did il occur TO him as signifi-
cant that thereafter he met Isabel
nearly everywhere he went.
Come and see me-" said she one
evening at parting.
He went. She was popular, pretty
and rich-quite worth the effort,
George admitted. He found others
ahead of him, not once, but fire.
One day he asked her over the tele-
phone if he might have that evening.
She declined. He begged the next-for
the theatre, or anything she might
prefer. She chose to have him come
to her house instead.
1t was then that she first limited,
delicately, at some legacy sub
stantial one. He gathered that her
eccentric aunt was hopelessly i'll.
At the end of a week he proposed
She refused him. His desire grew. At
the end of a month she gave in. In a
panic, she sought Mr.. Cramer, Sr.
You mus5 not accept him too
sQon," he decided. Your aunt will
suddenly change her mind about en-
downing you. You can rely on her. You
have disagreed, OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
have you disagreed about?"
"My choice of a husband?" sug-
gested Isabel, with a touch of humor.
Mr.. Cramer shook his head. That
might rouse Georges chiyalry- he
used to have a great deal. Il might in
fiuence his actions, and that would
never do"
"Of course-not!" faltered Isabel.
Mr.. Cramer searched her face.
BLESS my soul! Do you"
Yes" admitted Isabel, 81 care"
My dear, Then you must lose
everything-every cent you have in the
world"
%, MOI" cried the girl. "I'm
afraid"
"All or nothing" urged Cramer.
Meanwhile, George appeared salts
fed with his lot. He had kept his
word and won a rich girl. He was
proud of her looks and she never Dor
ed him.
AS the days went by he realized her
charm more and more, and it was with
ever-increasing Impotence that he
counted the time between visits. With
interest, observation had grown keen
er, and one night her mood puzzled
him.
What is it?" he demanded right
away.
Everything"
She motioned him to keep his seat
as she paced in front of him, head
averted. Although she played a part
the trembling of her hands and the
CULVER in her voice were very real.
In a moment she faced him, and
with deep breath to calm the thump-
ing of her heart, delivered her careful
ly rehearsed speech.
so you see, I've lost everything.
won'S be worth a penny"
He sat and stared. She watched him
Then she took the ring from her fing-
er and dropped it into his hand.
This recalled him. He tried to re-
place it ,perfunctorlly. She would no
let him, quite indifferently. He should
have felt relieved; but why this pc
culiar dullness all through him?
He left her abruptly, as if running
away. Why? There was no danger
had regarded the whole affair as al
arrangement which the Surn OF circum
stances nullified.
Perhaps he wasn't rich enough fol
her, either-without her own addition
al wealth. She was probably az thai
moment planning bigger game. He
tried 10 laugh, but only succeeded IL
becoming very angry.
And while he stupidity CROPPED 70,
! consciousness of his own mood lsabe
was sobbing her heart out, for it seem
ed, indeed, as if the little god" were
making cruel sport Of her.
She was wrong. On the third da!
George sought his father, who haC
been watching him anXiously.
81 won't love herl" he ended, "
tell you I'm done with it! l said IL
! marry money and" He crushed OF
his hat and dashed out. He barrel!
escaped Isabel.
Its three days." cried the girl t.
Mr.. Cramer. Il couldn't wait any long
/ err. I've lost" she continued DULY
I'm afraid I'm going to hate you 70
| the whole affair. / don't want to-" sh'
added naively.
He laid a hand on her shoulder an,
| pushed her into a chair.
I'm not so sure. George has wan
dered around supperless the last TIVE
nights. There is hope" he said.
In confirmation the door opene'
wildly. George rushed in withou
ceremony.
"Pater.'' he cried, I'm going t
her! It's no use! I've tried, but
! He saw Isabel, and gasped.