Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1915-01-15

Thornton threw out her hands, "Now
I'm afraid-f0r you" she said
Richard West followed the girl to
the door and then surprised himself
by continuing to follow into the ele-
vator and on down to the street. where
he stood an unnecessary length Of
time assuring her OF his regret and OF
his ability to soothe the RULED feel
Tugs Of her mother Again. in his Of
fee he stopped to pick up bunch Of
faded lsviolets which had fallen from
the girls belt and to place them care
fnlIy IN his desk. Then be leaned
back In his chair. falling into pleas-
ant reyerie. Each fragrant breath
from the violets seemed to bring back
In an iDdehnable way the piquant
charm Of the girls presence-that one
laughing CLEAN from her bluebell eyes.
And so for days the winsome face
haunted his memory.
Richard West formed habit OF gaz-
ing eagerly down at the passersby or
Of falling Into brown studies before
his desk Then. one day. the girls
well remembered name.caught his eye,
seeming to stand out In glowing let
tiers upon the social column Of his own
paper When be had read the pas
sage second time he summoned the
social editor.
Let Inc know" he requested. IF
this announcement has been duly au-
thorized.~ The social editor peered
through her glasses.
The engagement OF Miss Elizabeth
Thornton to Mr.. Robert welis.~ she
quoted "Oh. yes. that is correctl
The notice was copied by request from
Beechwood paper Miss Thornton
has been guest at the Baimoral. re-
turning this week. as the notice says.
to be married y the city. | will send
you the original copy"
Swiftly the editors practiced eye
scanned the bold signature. "Authoriz-
cd for publication by Robert Wells"
Undecidedly his hand went out toward
the telephone. Then, as If In answer
to his thought. the office door was
opened 10 ndmit small figure.
May J come in?" asked a diffident
voice. Richard Vests heretofore well
behaved heart beat rapid tattoo as
the vision In blue advanced to his side.
Il did not think you would do 1t
again" she reproached him In ST.
I lent exoneration he handed to her this
i r,sssssnni s1zn4d slip OF the disturbins
announcement wntchffie IN vast rel1e
as rebellious color flooded the girls
Indignant face.
ut Is Just as l thought" she cried.
Robert Wells wrote the wretched
thing for revenge.
And the fact stated Is not trueY
Miss Thornton scorned the eager
question Il was having such a
lovely time" she said-"dancing. driv-
ing. Tennis Now he has spoiled IL
ALL If had leprosy could not be
more avoided Returning to be mar,
rIed in the city," she Knocked. IN
never be married as long as live.
This time you are not to blame. and
came down to scold you"
Zone might be driven to second Of
Tense" he told her. for the pleasure
Of seeing you once more
You may see me again sooner than
you expect she laughed. and her
prophecy came true.
1t was flushed and beautiful young
woman of flashing eye who burst in
upon him one gloriously memorable
morning.
81 hope I'm in time she began
breathlessly and waving aloft paper.
Grandmother read 1t last night in the
Farm Gazette"
With that glowing face SO near his
own. 1t was rather difficult at first to
grasp the Significance Of this latest
message. hut presently Richard West
realized that Miss Elizabeth Thorn
ton was again reported engaged, Mr.
John Glegg this time figuring as the
fortunate bridegroom elect"
Isn't 1t contemplated" Miss Thorn
ton glanced distractingly through
floating strand of hair. you see. they
have agreed together to get-even. Oh.
| wish The resonant voice broke
TREMENDOUSLY as the girl turned to the
window.
Richard West followed. shaken, be
tween desire for deep sympathy and
desire for helpless laughter. wonder
ing at the mighty emotion which surg
ed within him at the sight of two
very genuine tears creeping down the
girls averted cheek Tightly his hand
closed over hers.
1T has NIL been so chIldishly fool
ish.r she murmured
Perhaps It has the man answered
gently, but I'm afraid that | cannot
be sorry. Elizabeth"-he paused. and
the name was allowed to pass.
Il can't be sorry because the fool
Ishness' brought you to me. and can't
be quite sorry for your tears. Tears
prove the existence of heart. and If
you have one-if-I-haye-I want it
to Keep forever. Elizabeth"
Silence in the office while the tele
phone he'll rang unheard; then Richard
West rushed over TO his desk to pen a
nasty line.
There" he cried triumphantly; "that
goes into the paper tonight. and think.
dear. you've scored the boys there
CHANGING over her lovers shoulder
the girl read aloud; THE engagement
Il announced of Miss Elizabeth Thorn
ton tn lIr. Richard West Wedding to
take place next month"
Tenderly her eyes sought those Of
the editor Authorized for publiea-
tiun by Elizabeth Thornton" she said