The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-04-13

little girl. I'll think up a way to save
you all right, all right"
His face, as he spoke. was stern and
dark. She was sure that he must have
great latent strength Of character.
Abruptly she changed the subject, re.
calling the elusive mowing-machine and
the approach of the Brookes' dinner
hour. Willy was sure that Mr.. Rivers
would want her to see the mower, II
was-was-so .typically American; and II
he would take her directly and swiftly
home, wouldn't she go on another search
tomorrow?
eff you win," said she; she felt that
she must hesitate at nothing which
would give him that cup. Another
thing don't you give another thought
to me; you think every minute Of your
game. II you distract your mind 1t may
get onto your game"
ct won't let it hurt my game. don't
you worry" returned Willy confidently
Mrs. Brooke had none of the difficulty
which she had anticipated in persuading
Willy to dine with them and she Won
dered what suffering friends of hers who
had had his reluctant presence at social
functions, meant by their stories. To be
sure. he didn't talk much, but he was
a most intelligent listener; and he was
visibly having a good time.
The next day II was bruited about (no
one but JabeZ Rivers. who had walked
the links with a reporter, could have
quite told how that young Butler was
playing a wonderful game. A dozen OF
the golf lovers deserted the great man
and his only less great opponent and
saw Willy limp over eleven links, as he
beat his man with leisurely ease.
That afternoon, while again searching
for the mowing-machine which that I'M
suspected but efficient emissary of the
Blind God, Jabez Rivers, had advised
them to be sure to find-after with his
own eyes he had seen it trundling into
the garage-Wiliy submitted his plan OF
rescue. They were rolling noiselessly
along a wide avenue, above which the
great elm boughs made a vaulted arch
like the groined vault of cathedral
Through the arches filtered the sunset
rose. Willy suddenly stopped the ma
chine He did not look at her. He
clutched the handle Of the lever very
hard: and she was positive he was pale,
paIlor which threw his freckles into
high relief But she was thinking or
anything else than freckles.
I've thought IL all out" said Willy
very firmly land / wouldn't bother you
the least little bit, not the least. And
we think alike about so many things.
believe I could make it all right with
your people. I can do anything. when
you are backing me. IT would ease my
mind awfuIly: I should be sure to win
the cup I know that would please my
father, and he'd help us. maybe. Be
sides. Eve a fortune of my own; I'd set
tie it all on you"
What do you mean?" cried Lady
Jean.
You wouldn't need to marry anybody
else il you married me-" said Willy.
MY word," gasped Lady Jean. But
you told me you didn't want to marry
anybody"
II shouldn't mind you so much" said
he.
She was thoughtful. her own mind
chaos to herself She stole furtive
glance at his miserable face: something
tender and compassionate and strange
made her lips CULVER, but she set them
closely.
You would be making an awful sacri-
flee for me?'
He did not deny it.
.'It would be an awful sacrifice for
me, too
II know he asquiesced sadly.
still suppose you ought to have
your mind settled before tomorrow OF IL
Yes. that's just it. I'd be awfuily
Without any warning she began 10
laugh II think you are the FUNNIEST
boy in the world! 1 don't want to marry
ANYBODY l want to live with daddy ana
take care of him and be like Aunt Jean.
but if have to marry anybody, I'd rath-
err marry you. Shall we let it go at that
for the present.
You are awfully good" cried the boy
He wondered at the extraordinary calm,
almost elation, of his mood. That he
should be engaged to be married and not
be revolving suicide! He had read or
the exaltation of elf-sacrifice-maybe
this was it, But how hard it must be
for her.
I'll make it just as easy for you as
can-dear" He added the last word
very softly Probably she didn't hear II,
for she answered in her ordinary tone,
not in the least offended. that she knew
he would, then Immediately demanded
a sight of the moving machine; since
il wasn't there, he would better take
her home.
Don't you begin to love this
island?'' he said, as he obeyed her.
1T is lovely she said: Il never
thought / could really like any place
without mountains, but 1 do
IT love mountains" said Willy.
They were again surprised at their
similarity of taste. Motor cars ana