The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-01-14

that pops up"
pulling chestnuts out of the Goals for
Pussy Murcheu? You better keep out
Of politics, John. There'n be trouble.
feel it in my bones"
Roberta" chided the judge, lit
doesn't lie in a Dunmeade's mouth to
speak disparagingly of one who has
placed our family under such obliga-
tons as has William Murchen."
Meaning your judgeship, I sup
pose"
The judge stiffened visibly. 81 trust
my own character and ability had
something to do with that"
Are you depending on them to make
you a tustice?" 1t was an open Sc
cret in the Dunmeade family that the
judge aspired to end his days on the
supreme bench of the state.
He treated the jibe to the silence it
deserved, and Miss Roberta, who did
not ignore the value of the last word
in a tilt. triumphantly rose from the
table and left the room. Hugh Dun
meade was held by his neighbors and
hitherto had been accounted by his
son a good man. just judge and an
exemplary citizen. His dicta, judicial
and private. carried great weight in the
community. And he seemed troubled
by no questions of-not having formu-
lated the disturbing doubt. John called
it propriety.
Il hope" Judge Dunmeade contin-
ued. you aren't falling into your aunt's
habit of looking a gift horse in the
mouth"
Then it-this nomination-wiIl be a
gift from Murchell?'
You couldn't have it otherwise"
And You see nothing wrong in
that?"
II myself should be glad to have his
support for any Office | might seek"
The judge regarded this answer as
sufficient I'm glad you have it. 1t
shows his friendship for us continues.
And" he cleared his throat signit-
cantly. 1T augurs we'll for other hon
ors ahem-our family"
Two little creases settled between
Johns eyes.
Miss Roberta was a vigorous spin
ster of sixty whose caustic tongue
tried. not always successfully, to hide
the kindly impulses of her heart. She
was q lady of many violent dislikes
and few equally violent friendships.
Later in the evening she found John
alone on the western porch staring up
into the sky. The prophecy of the
mornings red sunrise was about to be
fulfilled: it was evident that a storm
was brewing
Steve Hampden." Miss Roberta re
marked in carefully casual tone, lis
home. And Katherine" she added.
"Yes?" neGligently.
You go and call on her Go to-
night"
Cant have"-he yawned-"
appointment with the sandman. /
didn't sleep much last night. Won't
she keep? She seemed healthy enough
the last time 1 saw her. Regular lit
tie red headed tomboy, she was"
She mightn't stay long" Miss
Roberta's tone implied that this con
tingency would be little short Of ca
lamitous. And Warren Blake is dane
ing after her already"
Dear Aunt Roberta, Warren never
in his life did anything so frivolous as
dancing. Why are you IN such a hur-
~ to have me fall in Iove?
I don't want you to grow old and
Grabbed and-and lonesome-like me"
"Why-why, Aunt Roberta. / didn't
know you felt that way. You mustn't,
you know" he said gravely, and pat
ted her hand affectionateIy. from
which unwonted demonstration she
hastily snatched it away.
He laughed. There's time enough
for mating anyhow. I'm only thirty;
and. besides. what could l offer a girl.
even if I were so reckless as to fall in
lover
Yourself" Miss Roberta could not
entirely repress Il hint OF pride.
Those spectacles you're always los
Ing must be rose coIored. I'd want to