The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1914-03-19

tonished, as he looked at her develop
ing beauty, you're not Clara. are
you?"
She could feel the admiration in his
tone, rather than see it on his face
for she could not look up. "Of course
l am"
We'll, what do you think of that!
You're-very different-why, you were
a little girl last time I saw you!" He
pulled Wallace forward by the arm
"This is my friend, Mr.. Wallace. Bob,
this is the judges daughter, Miss
Spotswood.'
Now, she could see her old friend
friend more clearly. Instantly she de-
cided that he was the handsomest of
living men. She had been genuinely
glad to see Broadway. Now, immedi.
ately, she forgot that he existed.
I'm going to get JOSIE" she ex.
claimed and fled into the night.
by heck, Broadway" Wallace com.
mented. There's pretty country girl!
didn't know they did it in such detail
IN the rural districts.
The judge came to them with a
hearty handclasp. Welcome to this
house again, my boy" said he. Its
been long time since you have seen
this room. Not changed much, Ell? We
don't change much in Jonesville." He
waved his hand toward Mrs. Spots.
wood, who was sitting in a futter Of
expectancy, but would not rise because
it seemed more elegant to remain seat
ed. Remember that lady?"
Broadway hurried toward her. 81
should say do! Hello, Mrs. Spots
wood; I'm awfully glad to see you
again."
Now she could rise with full pro.
priety. and did so. taking his hand cor.
daily. We'll, we'll, Broadway; it
doesn't seem possible that it's you"
Smiling In an unfeigned Joy at seeing
him, she took him by the shoulders
and slowly turned him around for in
spection.
Eyes, guess I've changed" he
laughed. Nobody seemed to know me
in the streets. and saw only one face
that l recognized" He brought Bob
up. This Is Mr.. Wallace, Mrs. Spots.
wood"
She shook his friends hand heartily
Il want you to feel right at home.
guess Broadway knows that all his
friends are our friends"
Wallace really was delighted by the
whole atmosphere of simple welcome:
and those eyes of Clara Spots.
wood's-he wondered IL, when
Broadway took the full charge
of the gum works and came
here to live, there would not be some
reason for a branch Office Of the EN-
pire Advertising agency in Jonesville.
The judge called their attention to a
portrait Of the dead gum magnate. 1T
was made ten years ago." he said, In
explanation.
But he didn't change much in his
last ten years." said Mrs spotswood.
NO; you bet he didn't" Broadway
bitterly.
rs Dave in the kitchen, mom?" the
Judge inquired. as Mrs. Spotswood
started for the lemonade.
YES"
He went to ner confidentially, hand
Ing her coin, as soon as he was sure
that Broadway and his friend were lost
in contemplation of the portrait. "Give
him this quarter then" he whispered,
"and tell him to go over to the drug
store and get six good cigars for me-"
Though this was mad extravaganza,
she countenanced 1t upon this great &C.
casion. 'Tll tell him right away" she
promised, and the Judge smiled at her.
She always rose to great occasions.
Didn't remember Clara, did you,
when she went to the door, he genial
ly inquired of Broadway.
NO; l didn't" he admitted. "She's
quite lady now, isn't she?"
Nineteen, near twenty"
she's a mighty pretty girl, Judge"
Wallace commented, with fervor.
Well, we're proud of her" The
Judge made a gesture as If warning
them to listen carefully, and then
dropped his voice, almost to whisper.
This was the homecoming Of a Jones,
and this was Jonesville. 1t should, he
held, be celebrated in something
stronger than lemonade. With an eye
upon the door, he pulled flask out OF
his pocket 81 thought maybe you
boys would like little drop of some
thing, so I brought home this flask
Can't fix you up a drink, Broadway"
Jackson guessed its quality, and
though his system yearned for alco
hol, rejected the mere thought. Not
now, thanks"
Mr.. Wallace?"
Taking his cue from Jackson, Wal
lace shook his head. "A little later
Judge"
The Judge put the flask back in hi.
pocket. 'Well. don't ray anytime
about It. Mrs. spotswood would raise
thunder II she thought brought Il Il
~ house. shes - awfsl tsnpefane
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