The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1914-03-02

useful and necessary WORK acknoWf
edged Marcia pointedly, ito bother
much about my looks"
But II isn't necessary for you to DO
so, Cousin Marcia; you might take life
as easy as | do. If you would People
think it pity that you have never
married"
Il do not know why they should es-
pecialIy" Marcia's eyes flashed sud
denly you have never married.
yourself. Lucy"
But that Is because have never
cared TO do So dear have always
had an abundance OF suitors Il has
been different with you. you know.
There did use TO be talk that you and
Henry Howard would make a match OF
il, but never believed it. You are not
Henrys style"
Il never thought OF such a thing as
marrying Henry Howard-or anyone
else. denied Marcia crisply.
How fortunate that is. Lucy spoke
with a malicious assumption OF sym
pathy Il may as well tell you" she
confessed. that have about decided
to accept Henry"
ITO accept Henry" Marcia set her
newly iced cake perilously near the
edge OF the table. y did not know he
ever thought Of you
NO, have never given him any en-.
couragement, but ] have long known
what could do II would. II has not
been easy to decide among SO mary.
Marcias sniff of disbelief passed un
noticed, but the sight of Henrs's lone
lness makes him seem worthy OF the
sacrifice of my freedom. ] am going tc
send him a valentine as the most
graceful and romantic way of letting
him understand my attitude"
A yalentine Marcia finished her
work as II in a dream.
Then. unexpectedly. she laughed Out
with unwonted gagety. III one vaien
tine is good two ought to be better
think I'll send Henry a valentine my
self
Amazement filed the prosaic soul o.
| Henry Howard when he found the con
tents OF the big envelope to be val
entine AS he considered IL, his Sc
date, middle-aged heart began to warn
unaccountably.
Now. that's real thoughtful Of Lucy
I'm sure. haven't had valentine II
so many years I'D forgotten how 4
seemed. Ii is q fine thing to keep ones
youth as Lucy has"
1t was late in the afternoon before
he remembered to lock at the othe
letter he had received In the SAM
mail. After he had read 1t. he sat 70
a long time looking meditatively at TIN
windows OF the next house.
Il believe Ill go over-she's neve
asked me before to dine with her, am
Marcia is master cook. III believ
I'll tell her what | mean to do, too
she's got pretty sensible head, Maj
cia has"
II woman is no older than sh
looks Marcia had certainly lost goo
ten years Of her age when she greete'
Henry Howard in her immaculate iron
hall.
And this" he said is what ] hay
been cheating myself out OF for IN
last fifteen years find II rather lone
ly ir my big house. Marcia.
yes" answered Marcia demurel,
pouring the coffee.
i've been thinking lately that
have been foolish to live alone so Iona
DO you suppose anyone could be Il
duced to have an old fellow like me
"Oh. yes" Marcia smiled across tn
centerpiece.
"Will you, Marcia7" He could har'
ly credit the fact that his ears hear
Henry Howard asking any woman
marry him.
The next instant he had gone roun
the table and gathered her cold finger
into his warm. strong hands. Why
love you, Marcia I've wanted you a
the time and did not know 1t; woul
you believe man could be 50 FOOLS
and blind?'
: yes" whispered Marcia. Il haN
been. too until today"
: Upon this interesting tableau u
f door opened Unexpectedly, and Lue
Stoddard stood transfixed-
Come in. Lucy" called the ma
heartily. You shall be the first 10 co
! gratulate me. 1t was your valentir
{ that set me thinking how lonely ! rec
; ly was. But liked Marcia's valentiI
best; painted hearts and prints
verses may be satisfactory to roma
tic young fellows, but nothing appea
to US older fellows like good di
ner,n
: II any look OF chagrin clouded Z
snriehtlv face in the doorway II vi
instantly concealed by an overwhell
ing smile. Il knew all you needed "
q little jogging" she said. 70 mai
you the two happiest people In Z