Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1915-08-11

pleasant we shall walk. 1 suggest,
however, that you consult Mary before
Eric. The situation might easily be-
come awkward for all of u.s."
THANK you, Uncle Horace" said
Eric. greatly relieved. "Tll take it up
Horace cleared his throat. I'm sorry
she refuses to come to our home. It
should be her home and yours. But if
she wont. She won't. Your aunt and 1
have talked the matter over. If you'd
like US to do so. We will drop in occa-
sionally to see you at the cottage. Per-
haps. it would be rather helpful if we
were to do So"
Its just the thing" cried Eric. Its
good OF you to excuse Mary's attitude.
Uncle HORACE She'll come to her
will be most heartily welcome at"
Horace pursed his lips as ne hook
his head slowly. YOU'D better ask
Mary first. my boy. Then let me know
II we will be welcome
Mary was surprisingly docile about it.
that was in the air.
"A right, Erie. I'll do what you
think best. Mrs. Paulding cut me to-
day In the street. That shows nov the
wind blows. You poor boy! I am sor-
II can't bear the thought Of" he be-
gan, but instantly checked the words.
He came near to saying something that
would have hurt her.
She waited for a moment. her lips
parted as if prepared to cry out against
the expected pain. Then they trembled
with the Maynard little smile that was
her greatest charm.
Good old Erie! You came near to
saying something horrid. didn't you?''
n put her hands on his shoulders,
facing him. isn't this ever so much
nicer, living here as we do? You know
1t is. I think"
Its great. Mary" he cried warmly.
Let them gossip" she said cheerful
~. although there was a darker glow
IN her eyes. 1T won't make any diff
ference after I'm married and out of
reach of them. It's just because nm not
married that they're talking, and look
Ing at my back after I've passed, and
all that sort of thing. But
He clasped her hands in his and bent
Jack Payson. Mary" he cried. II can't
permit 1t. There is q reason, a COM
peillng reason. Why-why, I'd kill him
before I'd see
Now, Errie!" she cried. snatching
her hands away. Don't say anything
You'll regret. I won't listen to you"
why. he's-he's a. No, I won't say
IT," he groaned.
"a thief? I'll say it for you. He Isn't
one, and you know it, but even If he
NouSS AAoNG VIC " OOdSI.
ing"
Well. let's change the subject" she
said sharply. you'd better hurry on
or your miss your appointment with
Judge Bright. Have you sent the plans
to llim?'
He look two or three turns up and
down the room, pulling himself togeth-
er.
NO" he said. breathing deeply. "The
l nndar0fa n6fnu vsyoC <ho% r rr,o~ =. rl~~v
them to Q first of all. She's not
stand with you mi Joan?"
Il don't know, Erie. I wish I did.
We had a tiff a couple of months ago.
She said something horrid about John
Payson and I replied in a way she did
no like. I aid he was a good deal
more of q man than hat Sallonsby
chap and that he'd still be a man when
ner fine gentleman wal pegging
thtng-Why. Erie! What is the mat
He was staring at her. dismay in his
face.
She's mad about him. They The
words died on her lips. He had turned
very white. The truth was revealed to
her. Impulsively h flew to his side.
"Oh. Erie! didn't know It was like
that. You care for her-in that way?
Oh. Eric! I'm SO sorry. IL thought
ut was only q boy and girl AFFAIR"
He held her sobbing, In his arms.
His bloodless lips were working. but not
u. the EFFORT to speak. Some
thing had been shattered.
a little later he left the house and
made his way across to Judge Bright's
hoMe. All xest In the building pro-
Ject was gone. He had no heart in the
long cherished enterprise. It was now
q cold. dull business transaction. not q
/ labor OF love.