Evening star., 1914-09-29

Every one expected that, and every
one sat back with an amused air to
watch the young man get thoroughly
acquainted with Mabel Every one
knew Just why. after about four weekA
his cheerful smile lost It's cheerfulness
nd bis expression became painfully
houghtful. And every one, no matter
ow busy. took time to watch him
atch Mabel. who continued serene
IF she had had an ounce OF sense"
ughed old Mrs. Bowen. shed pretend
be different-at least, TIL she landed
, aim"
But Mabel. II seemed. was too indo-
lent to pretend. Mrs. Bowen. from her
advantageous proximity. was able to
, keep the town well Informed and
heard him one night on the porch ask
her II her mother wasn't tired. 1t was
after supper and her mother was wash
! ing the dishes: Mabel said-you know
now she drawls: oh. no: mother likes
to work. And he said 'Humphr Yes.
he said It just like that"
Nevertheless Mr.. Baker continued to
spend most Of his evenings on the Cary
porch and ate supper Sundays in the
Carys' pretty dining room. Mabel did
manage to exert herself to keep that
room fragrant and lovely with flowers
But-and every one shifted over the
kept the flower beds weeded and the
rose bushes pruned.
| Mrs. Bowen reported that they were
| engaged From behind her curtains
one moonlight night she saw him kiss
: her twice.
But Mabel denied both items-ths
kissing indignantly. with an ''Old spy
ing cat" The engagement she denied
quietly. Mr.. Baker told people to at
tend to their own business and hinted
darkly that small towns were too In
terested in other peoples business,
! And I heard him say. I love you.
Mabel. only-only- And she cut
in. sharplike-I never knew Mabel
afraid I shan't keep your house spick
and span"
81 have enough to keep a maid he
| said. uncomfortably. Amt men fools?
show em pretty face and a mop Of
Just then Mabel's mother came out
! She looked like she was so tired she
couldn't stand. I'd watched her by
the kitchen and cooking the meals and
baking. she'd made two house dresses
for Mabel and secured the silver. Come
| on out, mother cooed Mabel. and sit
down. as Mrs. Cary stood by the set
tee. But she said she couldn't. She
| wanted to hull some Strawberries. SO
she could can them first thing in the
Eorning. Wen help said Chal Baker.
Mabel just sat still and looked uneasily
at her mother. And her mother cried,
No. I'd rather work by myself. Mabel
will spoil her hands"
You know the corner arc light shines
right on their porch. and I can SEQ every
line Of their faces. The way he looked
| at Mabel said plain: Would you rather
spoil your hands s-or our lives?.
Mabers mother said. timidIy. Sit right
there, Mabel. I'd rather
But Mabel jumped UP. To think Of
me living beside them all these years
and not guessing! But they hulled the
berries in perfect silence. And imme-
diately he went home. And then-you
see the windows were up. and I could
Now. mother. I hope you're satisfied!
He's gonei Forever. All becanvn YOU
wanted lady with white hands for Q
daughter! And won't be treated this
way any more
can't hear to see you messing and
spelling your pretty hands, sobbed her
| mother. And he'll come back.
He wouldn't believe that you won't
| let mel And I wish ! was d-dead!
And tomorrow morning I'm go-going
".And ruin. your complexion" sniv-
eled her mother. I think You're self
ish. Mabel You know it's all the
pleasure I ask-to see you pretty and
"'I won't need any complexion any
morer snired. Mabel"
"Oh. yes" added Mrs. Bowen to her
auditors. 'T knew they needed some
ore to help 'em fix up matters. so I
went right down to the bank the next
morning and told that young man! He
was sort OF huffed at f1rst-seemed to
think I was an old meddler-but he
| frightened up before I got through
| talking. And then grin,ly. IT inst
kept on with the good work and told
Nabers silly mother what thought of
her."
(THE END.)