The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-03-21
DADDY, DEAR DAD"
He Made Crooked Things
Straight and Opened Paths
They Knew Not.

BY NELLIE C. GILMORE.
Winona wiped her eyes and re-read
the letter. 1t said:
Hollywood, Jan. 7th-
Dear Little Gal:
Your nice letter came last night and
made your old Dads heart mighty giao.
It makes him feel good, Mona, to know
how fine you are getting along with
your singing and some day guess
you'll be a great star and have your
picture in the Sunday papers. But I've
always been proud of you and nothing
could make me any prouder.
II want to come up and see you next
week If can get the farm in good or
DER. and I'm glad you are anxious Tor
me to visit Chicago because I wouldn't
Wai 1t to do anything to make you un-
comfortable. or take UP your time
by the way, who is this young VIII
kins you keep talking about7 Don't lose
your heart, little girl. Your old Dad
wouldn't want to live II his partner was
to leave him. reckon you'll let me meet.
him. anyway, won't your
''The day before come / will write
to you so you can be sure to meet me
at the train. With love.-DADDY."
Wouldn't want to live If she left
him! The words rang in Winona's
ears, made her heart beat with heavy
foreboding. Did he really feel that
way about 1t and must she go to her
happiness over her dear old daddy's
wretchedness? The very night before
she had promised Tom wilkins to
marry him on the first of next month.
She thought long time. then she
crossed the room to her desk and
wrote feverishly:
Daddy. Dear:
you asked me. and can't wait any
longer to tell you the truth. Yes, It is
true that love Tom and have promised
to be his wife, The wilkins are splendid
people. belonging to one Of the first
families Of the city. and Tom himself is
an angel You will love him, / know.
He wants the marriage to take place on
the first as he will have his vacation
then, and we can take lovely trip to
Florida When we come home, we will
live with his mother and brother. Mrs.
wilkins Is widow and Tom thinks 1t
will be nice for US to be together. Then.
too. you can come and see me often.
The house is big and I can make you so
comfortable. Now, please. Dad, don't let
this make you unhappy; II you only
guessed how happy am. know you
wouldn't.
What do you think, dearie3 I've
bought you a stunning new suit-had
the tailor make It for the wedding. OF
course I'm coming home to be married.
and want everything to be all right
Try to come up Monday and help me buy
my trousseaul Lovingly.-NONA"
The answer came back by return
mail. Winona opened her fathers let
ter with shaking hands. Her face
flushed as she read:
Dear Little Partner:
your news almost broke your old
Dads heart But It's all nght-it's all
right II you care SO much for your lover
that you are sure you can't be happy
without him. Only I'm scared for you,
honey. The Wilkins amt our kind of
folks and you'l be made to feel It sooner
or later. Not but don't think my lit
tie gal can hold a candle to anybody
but fine folks are mighty particular and
1t would most kill me II they started
picking on you. But hope you'll be Just
as happy as you deserve to be, and OF
course I'll come up and bring the hay
money and help you get your duds. Give
my regards to your Tom. AfrectionAtely.
DAD"
Notwithstanding her firm belief in
her ability to win the esteem and af-
fection of her husbands people, Vino.
ma was gradually forced to realize the
awkwardness of her position. Her IA
ther had been right after all; fine
folks could make one very uncomfort
able sometimes Scarcely a week had
gone by since her marriage that she
had not been made to feel in some
fashion or other, that she was distinct
ly an alien. She had borne it as long
as she could and then gone to her hus
band as a last resort and asked him
If they could not have home of theiI
own.
why" she said. here l can't ever
think as l choose"