Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-09-17

pockets and head bowed In thought.
Edwin strode along.
There's no use denying It I'm
hard hit.- he admitted, and realised
how different life seemed to him nov.
He had put the fateful question to Ju.
d.th last night. He had been genuine
y surprised when she refused him.
Not that he had an exaggerated opinr
lon Of his own eligibility. but she had
seemed to care, and he knew marriage
with him would take her away from
| the narrow confines Of Chenille into
q broader. happier life In the far West
She had even admitted that she RAJ
beginning to care for him; but said
she did not want to marry anybody
not for a long time, at least. When
pressed for a reason. she had told OF
plans for a career. They seemed
vaguely formulated.
Heavy-hearted. he sat beside his
mother that evening during the pro-
gram which preceded the reception
for the Louisine club. Judith had re-
fused his escort that night and at first
he thought she was not there, but
presently he saw her near the front
with some Of the Louisine members.
Il wonder which one of those stran
gers is Olive Dorset, the writer?'
whispered his mother.
Edwin felt no interest, but It was
evident that those about him did. for
he heard the same question asked sew
eral times during the program.
When the president Of the Louisine
club rose to give an address. there
was quite a stir Of anticipation. for all
knew at the close the distinguished
writer would be introduced.
At last their hopes were realized.
for Mrs. Dorset said: Il take pleasure
in presenting to you my cousin. who II
known to the world by her pen name
Of Olive Colbert, author Of The Print
ed Path She. herself, needs no In
PRODUCTION. for she is already well
known to you In her home town a.
Miss Judith McKerney."
For a moment the audience sat per
fectly stunned; then 1t recovered and
burst into hearty applause. Judith
rose and made a graceful. modest bow.
They crowded around her. and the for
NAL reception which the club had
planned dissolved into surprised spon-
taneity. Had the affair ended then, 1t
would have remained a happy mem
DRY to Judith. but during the remain
der of the evening the old order un.
consciously reasserted itself. Edwin.
who lowered in Judith's vicinity, was
quick to sense the little barbs Of envy
and resentment that were cast at her
under cover of suave politeness by
Chenille persons who had always held
themselves superiority aloof. Through
1t all. Judith bore herself with modest
dignity, but he fancied her face looked
a little pale, and there was an unfath-
omable expression In the hazel eyes.
Her cousin. Mrs. Dorset. was going
home on the night train, and Edwin
accompanied her and Judith to the
station. Several other Windmere peo-
pie were there, so 1t was not until the
train had gone and they were walking
down the now familiar street leading
to Judith's home that Edwin had q
chance to speak frankly with her
about the surprise she had given him
and congratulate her on her success
Don't, please don't say anything
about 1t. have had enough tonight
Il can understand now, Judith, why
you don't want to marry a plain chat
like me. With your beauty and talent
and the advantages resulting from
your success, you will have the whole
world to choose from"
| She laughed. "Pm-not sure want
the whole world to choose FROM she
answered slowly. Il thought l did.
thought success would cur the heart
aches of my restricted girlhood, and
hiring happiness. But they're all there
the stings and slights-under differ
emit guises. VIII 1t always be like that
/ wonder, out In the world? Always Q
sense of lack and disappointment"
Without love-yes. Judith. For we
are taught to believe that love Is mas,
ter OF all art"
"We do not need to be taught-we
women-we know instinctively-'
Her voice ended in a breathless little
laugh as she yielded to his arms.
Downright. 1914, by the Mcclure News
naper SyQdtcate,) '