The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1913-12-19

early In the morning we're still there,
mine of to one side alone, and the
others close together and side by side.
Miss Patty did not say much. She
was holding her chin high and look
ing rather angry and determined.
They were both asleep in the shell.
ter-house. He was propped up against
the wall on a box, with the rubber
carriage robe around him, and she was
lying by the fire. with Mrs. Moody's
shawl over her and her mum under
her head. Miss Patty stood In the
doorway for an instant. Then she
walked over and. leaning down. shook
her sister by the arm.
Dorothy" she said. wake up,
you wretched child" And shook her
again.
Mrs. Dicky groaned and yawned, and
opened her eyes one at a time. But
when she saw It was Miss Patty she
sat up at once, looking dazed and
frightened.
you needn't pinch me, Pat!" she
said. and at that Mr.. Dick wakened
and jumped up. with the carriage
robe still around him. For heavens
sake. Pat, don't cry. I'm not dead.
Dick, this is my sister. Patricia"
Miss Pat looked at him, but she
didn't bow. She gave him one look,
from his head to his heels.
Dolly, how could you'll" she said.
and got up
1t wasn't comfortable for Mr. Dick,
but he took 1t much better than !
expected. He went over and gave his
wife hand to help her up, and still
holding hers, he turned to Miss Patty.
you are perfectly right" he said.
II don't see how she could myself. The
more you know OF me the more you'll
wonder. But she did; we're up against
that"
He grinned at Miss Patty, and after
a minute Miss Patty smiled back. But
1t wasn't much OF smile. Suddenly
Mrs. Dick made a dive for Miss Patty
and threw her arms around her.
You darling!" she cried. Pm 30
glad to see you again-Pat, you'll tell
father, won't you? He'll take it from
you. II tell him he'll have apoplexy
or something"
But Miss Patty set her pretty mouth
both those girls have their fathers
held her sister out at
arms length and looked at her.
Listen" she said. do you know
what you have done to met Do you
know that when father knows this he's
going to annul the marriage or have
Mr.. Carter arrested for kidnapping or
?-whatever it is" Mrs.
Dick puckered her face to cry, and Mr..
Dick took a step forward, but Miss
Patty waved him of. You know IA
ther as well as do, Dolly. You know
what he is, and lately he's been aw-
full"
He can't annul it," said Mr.. Dick
angrily. I'm of age. And can sup
port my wife. too, or will be able
soon." q
"Dolly's not Of age" said Miss Patty
I've sat up all night fgur-
Ing 1t out. He's going to annul the
or he'll make a scandal any
how, and that's just as bad. Dolly
she turned to her sister imploringly-
Dolly, l can't have a scandal now.
You know how Oskar's people have
taken this, anyhow; they've given in.
because he insisted, but they don't
want me. and If there's a lot of noto-
riety now the emperor will send him
10 Africa or some place, and"
IF you really want me to be happy"
Miss Patty finished, going over to her,
you'll go back to school until the
wedding is over"
II won't leave Dicky." She swung
around and gave Mr.. Dick an adoring
glance, and Miss Patty looked dis
Take him with you," she said.
Isn't there some place near where he
,ould stay, and telephone you now and
.hen7"
"Telephone!" said Mrs. Dick scorn-
ully.
Cant leave" Mr.. Dick objected.
Got to be on the property. Look !
lere, Miss-Miss Patricia, why can't |
We stay here, where we are? It's very
,omfortable-that is, it's livable.
They've got somebody to take my |
,lace in the house"
And father needn't know a thing
Iou can fix that" broke in Mrs. Dick. |
And after your wedding he will be in
. better humor; he'll know It's over
md not up to him any more"
Miss Patty sat down on the soap
'ox.
I'VE might carry 1t off," she said.
If could only go back to town! But
ather is in one of his tantrums, and
e won't go, or let me go. The ideal
1ith Aunt Honoria on the long-dis-
ance wire every day, having hyster-
cs, and my clothes waiting to be tried
n and everything. I'm desperate"
put the eggs on platter and
CURED the coffee, and we all sat
round the soap box and ate.
Everybody felt better for the meal.
nd we were sitting there laughing
nd talking and very cheerful when
Ir. Van Alstyne opened the door and
,oked in. His face was, stern, but
hen he saw us, with Miss Patty on
er knees toasting piece of bread
nd Mr.. Dicky passing the tin basin
) finger-bowl, he stopped scowling
nd looked amused.
They're here, Sallie," he called to
is wife, and they both came in, COW
red with snow, and we had coffee and
sgs all over again.
Well, they stayed for an hour, and J
r. Sam talked himself black in the
zee and couldn't get anywhere. So
nally he gave up and said he washed (