Oxford Democrat., 1915-03-02


Curtis paid the note"
tits all right, Mr.. Smith," muttere(
Johnson, stroking his brow. "Come
Edna. let US CO."
johnson was still nervously clutchinf
his daughters hand as they passed
through the outer offices Of the Acme
Johnson Grocery company.
Just before he ushered the girl into
the private office he ordered the Office
boy to send in Mr.. Curtis at once. The
culprit entered with his usual placid
air.
"Hear anything about the Mardeu
noter asked johnson leadingly.
Eyes. sir" replied Curtis dryly. 1.-THE
note has been paid"
"Oh, It has, has itT' asked the chief
sarcastically. "How do you know that
since you haven't been to the bank to
dayT
The smile on the confidential young
mans face was serene.
"I've been at the bank, Mr.. johnson"
he said calmly. II went there for the
purpose Of paying the Marden note"
"And you paid it?"
II paid It"
you paid it." repeated Johnson
riled by the others nonchalance. I'VE
know you paid 1t. but why? Youth
heavens name! Why did you pay III
There is something behind all this,
and I want to know it."
"There is a great deal behind 1t, Mr.
Johnson" admitted Curtis cheerfully
"My life's happiness is behind it
Grace Marden has promised to become
my WIFE"
"And you thought you would do
very wise thing by paying her fathers
note?" demanded Johnson.
II thought so." replied the young
man with just the slightest note OF
doubt in his voice. The elder man
turned abruptly to his desk.
II am sure" soothed his daughter,
.'that you are to be congratulated. Mr..
Curtis. And your paying the note was
q very noble act"
.Thank you." replied Curtis sheep
ishly as he took the dainty hand she
had extended
Ungallantly and ungratefully, he
wished the radiant young woman
showering him with appreciation
would suffer him to get away or-oet'
ter yet-would depart herself and leave
him to have 1t out with her imperious,
heartless father alone
But suddenly johnson rose to his
feet. The young assistants worried
expression gave way to d triumphant
grin at sight Of the changed counte-
nance Of his chief, for the good. old
fighting CLEAN shone In those eyes once
more. johnson handed the young man
q check he had written.
"Now, listen here, Curt" he said
sharply. Curtis knew the tone and
hearkened attentively. This is an or
der, and If 1t isn't carried out to the
letter I'll fire you" Johnson's gray
eyes softened as he continued: "Curt,
you have put your good self in a fix
Bully Johns daughter is too proud to
stand for what you have just done.
Don't know the girl? Now. boy. you
20 over to the bank and stop that fool
deal you just made. Now. you listen
TO mep as Curtis made gesture Of
protest. "Listen to sense. will you.
even If you are in love! You go over
to the bank and do as say. Then you
come back here with that abominable
note. And then it's my move. I'll
write Marden a letter, agreeing to ex-
tend that Internal note Of his another
four months. I'll tell him-er-any-
thing-changed my mind or something.
Well, never mind what tell him;
that's none Of your business nor"
turning to his daughter, who had
laughed audibly. "any Of yours either,
madam. That saves the girls pride
and relieves the old mans anxiety.
Now, listen to me. you two-two-well.
never mindw for Edna had laughed ir-
reverently again. 81 want you to know
this much. l pay the s5,OOO-do you
get that? I-Glenwish Johnson-and
no other living man. or woman either!
Now, Curt, scoot"
Curtis having "scooted." father and
daughter faced each other with new
and better understanding.
81 am so proud Of you" she mur-
INJURED. Glen Johnson caught the tears
n her voice even before he saw them
on her cheeks.
"You mustn't cry about It, grille" be
said tenderly.
But she did cry, about It, while her
happy father held her very close to bis
breast. for he knew that every tear she
shed was a token Of her new love and
reverence for himself.