Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-26
THE DAILY STORY
A Timely Elopement

Mrs. stevenson reread the last para
graph of the letter which the postman
had just brought 60 make sure she had
understood Il correctly.
by the way, Ellen, have Just heard
that your Margie Is much interested in
Donald Rowland. I'm bit surprised, II
It's true, and do hope that she knows
who Is planning TO marry him at the end
OF his college course"
Mrs. Stevenson crushed the letter I'm
her belt with n sinking heart. II did not
seem bellevable that Donald Rowland.
the gay, lovable, devoted boy, who had
been so plainly interested In her Margie
for the last year, should have been en-
gagged to a girl back in his home town.
And yet here was the statement Of her
own sister, who had gone to that same
town on brief visit.
Her unpleasant reflections were inter-
rupted by the opening of the front door.
the sound OF merry "good-by till to-
night" and then Margie was in the room.
"Oh, mother, dear" she cried, Don
and have Just had the grandest ride. 1
wanted him TO stay for supper. but he
couldn't. He wants me TO 60 to the
circus. though. tonight. May I go7"
The pang which Mrs. Stevenson had
felt when she first read the letter re-
turned with double force.
"Margie, dear" she began. ignoring
her daughters question. ''I asked you
question once before and am going TO
repeat II now. Don't you think that It
Is time Donald asked you to marry him?"
The merry light left Margie's eyes. Her
lips quivered. II know-but what can
do7"
Does he tell you that he loves you3'
Margie shook her head. mo he doesn't.
He says nothing at ALL"
Hasn't he ever?" the mother pursued.
NO. mother, he hasn't Once he came
near 1t. think. He started to put his
arm around me and then he drew away.
II was the only time We're Just friends
that's ALL"
She clasped her hands Were 80
happy together. Let's not have anything
spoil it,"
If anything were needed to decide Mrs.
stevenson on the wisdom of immediate
action 1t was these last words. She handed
Margle the note.
Read IT, dearie. It's the only thing to
, do and postponing the evil day won't help
| matters"
"oh. don't believe It. I can't believe
It," she moaned. And she said nothing
more. She refused to talk of II and that
same evening when It was time for Don
to come she refused to go down. you
| go and see him, mother, and IL II is true
1
| him again."
Mrs. Stevenson went down in answer
to the bell few moments later and the
| frank. glad smile with which Don greeted
| her made 1t impossible for her to believe
the letter she still carried in her belt. He
| seemed even In better spirits than usual
| and shook her hand with frank vigor.
| "Oh. Mrs. Stevenson, 1 am so glad to
see you-and alone. l want to see you
| all by yourself"
| "Yes?"
He waited until they were in the parIor
81 want to tell you something which has
been on my mind for long long time
l love Margie and 1 want to marry her
l graduate in a month, you know, and
father is willing TO take me into his con.
cern. We oughtn't to have to wait more
| than six months. do you think-that is
If Margie loves me as much as I hope
and you are willing" He finished rather
breathlessly.
Sit down, Dom" said Mrs Stevenson
| quietly. Let us talk little first" Then
after moment, Are you quite sure that
there is nothing at all that stands in youl
| wayY'
mo. Mrs. Stevenson, there isn't 6
thing" he answered promptly, and meet
Ing her scrutiny frankly.
Are you telling me the truth?" tht