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

I'm afrsiid-for you" she said
Richard West followed the girl to
the door and then surprised himself
by continuing to follow into the ele-
yator and on down to the street. where
be stood an unnecessary length Of
time assuring her Of his regret and OF
his enbility to soothe the RULED feel
Tugs Of her mother. Again. In his Of
fee he stopped to pick up bunch Of
fadedsviolets which had fallen from
the girls belt and to place them care
ruily in bis desk. Then be leaned
back In his chair. falling into pleas
ant reverie. Each fragrant breath
from the violets seemed to bring back
In an indefnable way the plquant
charm of the girls presence-that one
laughing CLEAN from her bluebell eyes
And so for days the winsome face
haunted bis memory.
Richard West formed habit OF gar
ing eagerly down at the passersby or
Of falling Into brown studies before
bis desk Then. one day. the girls
well remembered name.calght 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 me know" be requested. If
this announcement has been duly au-
thorizedr The social editor peered
through her glasses.
THE engagement OF Miss Elizabeth
Thornton to Mr.. Robert Wells" she
quoted "Oh. yes. that is correct
The notice was copied by request from
Beechwood paper. Miss Thornton
has been guest at the Balmoral. re-
turning this week. as the notice says,
to be married v the city. l will send
you the original copy"
Swiftly the editors practiced eye
scanned the bold signature. "Authoriz-
ed for publication by Robert Wells"
Undecidedly his hand went out toward
the telephone. Then. as II in answer
to his thought. the office door was
opened to ndmit small figure.
May come inT' asked a difiident
voice. Richard Vests heretofore well
behaved heart beat a rapid tattoo as
the vision IL nine advanced to his side.
n aid not think Won would do IL
| again.. she reproached him. In 81.
ient sxoneration he handed to her thu
--,p 2. s',e alssetp,n'
1 ne rehellians color f,oaded M .-,rl.'
Indignant face.
ut IS lust as 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 IT
all. If had leprosy could not be
more avoided. Returning to be mar
rled in the city," she Knocked. "ln
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 nore'
gu may see me asa,n soonel 'nan
you expert sne iausheu' anu ne'
prul'hees o,saus uue s
va" nssu 80 y -. 49, e1l -
"o"i"n y
W. mn '"s ~ ~'
'''o. mus
nole ~ ~ ~ 80.
ole'i.s,esss ai.u We :. ~ Is, ",I.s - -.
-, a,a.a,,o 49, "
wei tha, ,,,ou.,na fa.o 90 ,oor his
!. r,ns r.thar d,fic,,,, a. erst N
,ras,, ,ha s,.n,fcanca ~ this latest
,,assa,o I'M nresantlv Richard west
raaIizad tha, Miss EiIzabeth Thorn
ION vas apa,n renorted engaged. Mr..
rohn Glegv this fine figuring as the
tortunate bridegroom elect"
isn't II contemptibleY Miss Thorn
ron glanced distractiugly through
aoating strand Of hair. ..You see. they
have agreed together to get-eyen. Oh
I wisb- The resonant voice broke
TREMENDOUSLY as the Girl turned to the
window.
Richard West followed. shaken. be
tween n desire for deem sympathy and
a dssire for belpless laughter. wonder
ms nj the mighty emotion which surg
"a within MIN nj the sight Of two
yerv genuine tears creeping down tho
,,,r,.s avartad chaek Tightly his hand
closed over hers.
.It has aIl been SO cbIldishly fool
,sh~ she murmured