Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-12

4
Eot the stock, Jessie"
What stock is that?" asked Dicky.
"oh, yes, the new traction. We'll II
ought to be good guess 1 understand
they plan some big improvements, ana
we certainly need them.
IT'S the most solid Investment in this
city," boasted little Henry. ~ had to use
all my influence to get these 40 shares.
don't know whether there's any left, but
I'll try, # you'd like some"
mo, thanks!" laughed nlc!;y, cxchang-
ing glance with Jessie whereat she
blushed, Were going to buy that house
In Wilisburg, Jessie and l."
"Well, I'll declarew exclaimed little
Henry. blinking at both of them.
Yes; that's what we came in to tell
you" went on Dicky, slipping his arm
about Jessle's shoulders and drawing
her comfortably to him. I'VE settled It
in Maberly's candy store, about half an
hour ago, over an ioe-cream soda
well I'll declarew repeated little
Henry, still dazed.
Jessie took her fathers face between
her hands and kissed him.
Its quite true, father" she assured
him, blushng prettily, and turning fond
eyes to Dicky. "He asked me to marry
him right at soda fountain. l didn't
want to answer there, but he made me,
right over and kissed me in front OF
everybody. and they all laughed, and
Frenchman clapped his hands and said,
'Voilap"
Dicky. laughing, stopped that furlously
blushing narrative by kissing her again.
whereat little Henry, though polite with
out, was slightly uncomfortable. He had
never been so silly in public.
4 hone you will be very happy he
Frrn uf hd eb ~
hand "She is a good girl Dicky, and
you must be very kind to her."
How could | help it, returned Dicky,
taxing Jessie away from her father and
restoring her to that snug place against
his side
Now let's talk business a little Bit" in
vited Father Peters. You're a young
man yet Dlcky, and you would be wise to
take another mans advice. You mem
toned to me the other day that you have
little money and want to see you in
vest II wisely"
II made every cent of it myself" as
serted Diclsy, with a sidelong glance, to
see If Jessie had the proper pride in him.
She had
"Put it to work, like do mine,"
promptly urged Henry. Make your
money make money. I'll call up my
friend. and see IL l can't get you some
of that stock" and he started for the
telephone.
Don't do it!' called Dicky so decisively
and sharply that his future father-in-law
turned on him, offended. THAT traction
stock may be good but my money stays
in the West End Bank until we buy and
furnish our home"
"All right" gave up little Henry. Some
day you'll realize the value of an older
mans advice"
II suppose so,' granted Dicky. easily.
We have to go up to, the house now,
and break the news to our mamma"
Jessie squeezed his arm adorably for
saying "our mama and they took car
straight up to the Peters home where
they found their mama baking cookies
for Minnie's baby.
Hello, Dicky." she greeted him, wiping
her hands on her apron to shake hands
with Dicky, and beaming up at him with
the motherly warmth he always inspired
in her. did you get that thread JessieY'
Jessie colored.
II forgot it," she falteringly con-
fessed
"Why. you went down for nothing
else" protested Mrs. Peters.
She met me-" smilingly explained
DicIy. kiss me"' and he held down
his puckered lips.
She shrank from him, as If he had
Haunted a spider in her face. She blushed
until the white parting of her hair was
looked at him so distressedly and SO
helplessly that Jessie felt a sudden sharp
tugging of compassion for her.
Don't, Dicky!" she protested. 1T isn't |
fair"
That's right" agreed Dicky nicely.
"We'll sit down and talk it over" and |
placing himself comfortably in the big. |
sag-seated, splint rocking chair, with |
the red worsted cushion in it, he calmly |
drew jessie on his lap You see. Mama |
Peters, having nothing else to do on the
first of next month, Jessie and | have
decided to be married"
Mama Peters slowly sat down and |
stared at them for a long, long minute |
as If they had been their own ghosts
then she suddenly put her gnarled. red,
old hands to her eyes and began crying
Jessie was on her knees beside her inn
and had that gray head bent
on her shoulder and petted 1t, and tears
came into her own eyes.
Don't you like me for a son?" de-
manded the apparently much-abused voice
Of Dicky,
She looked up at him. smiling through
her tears, and then she and Jessie both
laughed. half Historically, at him
Come here and I'll kiss YOU" offered
Mrs Peters.
DiCky was very prompt to accept that
offer; then, seeing that it was positively
necessary for her to cry little longer,