The Meeker herald., 1913-07-26

lOOkcu upon uGT u1 UuTuhtlan. kHcu
criticisms hurt because she had left
all that she had to love out there-the
graves Of her parents.
mot excepting m0toringw declared
Vincent
That's nice Of yon." murmured Syi-
via. II should not have said that. be-
Cause I am having lovely time. a"d
It Is good OF you to take rue instead Of
Madeline"
THE pleasure Ia mine" protested
Vincent. but Syivin thought that her
reference to Madeline had diverted his
thoughts to that tickle maiden. for he
was very quiet for 4 long time after
that.
1t was a lovely ride along the shore
Of the sound. with now and then de-
tour through some shaded road. They
reached Silversands at 2 O'clock and
had luncheon at an Inn that overhung
the water. It was novel and delight.
full experience for the girl who had
never seen anything save the rolling
plains Of her loved western home.
AS they sped hOmeward she shyly
thanked Jerry for the pleasure he had
given her. II really believe shall
turn traitor to my horses" she smiled.
Again Jeffry looked down at her. and
their eyes met in strange glance.
Gray eyes and brown were withdra wn.
but there was a new. sweet sensation
dooding sylvin's being. while Jerry
looked dizzily ahead between the twin
pillars Of dust that went before bis
tires.
He had admired Madeline Grimm and
believed that he wanted her. for bis
wife, but he had never felt like this
when they were together. Usually they
wrangled over unimportant matters
But Madeline was beauty. an imperi.
GUS one. and he had had NO difficulty
In persuading himself that he was
in love with her. As for Madeiine-if
there was room in her heart for any
one save herself It was occupied by
Teddy Blancton II one judged BY ap-
pearances. From sheer Jealousy and
doggedness Jefrry had sworn that he
would win Madeline for bis wife. hut
uow-somehow he didn'. care.
He realized that to marry meant
something more than carrying OF the
seasons beauty. hut be had been dss.
zled by her. Here was little Sylvia.
He looked down at her charming face
and promptly forgot all about Made
line.
The way homeward waa taken more
leisurely. for leffry wanted tn talk to
Sylvia. They became quite good
friends during the afternoon. and when
Jeffry left her at the door Of the Grif-
On home 1t was his determine tion to
see her often.
Ere his car left the curb trim maid
ran down the steps and begged him to
come within. as Mrs Grifiip wanted to
speak to him.
jerry found her in the library pale
and anxious looking.
what IN the matter. Mn. Grimm
hs asked. "Has anything happenedr'
II don't know what to DO, Jeffry." !"
shs said. with agitation. Madeline
has not been home"
"WeII. that Is not very unusual. u
~" he asked. with reassuring smile.
"Perhaps she Ii with Cleo Delpin orr
Mrs. Grimm shook her head. II can.
not fnd any trace Of her. jerry.
have telephoned to Cleo as we'll az to
several other girls-in fact. to every
place where she might have been-but
she has not been seen today. It Il very
strange" Her voice quavered
"That in strange" agreed lefty. wor-
ried in his turn. 'ShaIl ] gu ont and
try to get some trace Of her where
nbonts? You know I'm something os
sleuth. and anyway I'm sure she'll
he back by dinner time"
"Oh. do go and look for her. Jeffry;
there's a dear! Norah says Madeline
wore her motor wraps. but she saw
her walking down the avenue. That's
all know about It"
Have patience. dear Mrs. Grimm.
ri telephone you the instant learn
she's safe" He hurried out meeting
Sylvia in the doorway. "Your aunt
needs you." he whispered and de-
parted.
Sylvia and Mrs Griffin spent an anx-
ious evening, Hour after hour passed
without word from Jeftry Vincent.
when oil. at once the desk telephone
| bell rang sharply.
Mrs Griffin had been sitting before
1t all the time. She drew 1t toward
her and spoke husktly.
"Yes?" she called
Mrs Griffin. this Is Jeffry Vincent.
She is all right I'm coming mp to tell
you at once GoodbyT' And before
she could frame question he had left
his end Of the wire.
The two watchers In the library wait.
ed his coming eagerly.
When ILLS firm step sounded In the
hall sylvia's heart dew up Into her
throat and then sank heavily. for she
suddenly recotlected that Jeffry was
Madsline's lover and she must slide
her own growing interest In Elm.
He looked grave when he came 10
and t0ok Mrs Grff7N ma handa in hla.