The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1916-11-02

VI tuc HoCh, uuuB Hluu ONcT tu6 pdttT-
nal knee and began to rain blows
upon him with the full force OF q Wig,
orous and angerdriven arm.
At last the ordeal was over. Mr..
Blake showed the tortured boy away
from him and stamped out Of the
room. Marjorie ran up to Tom and
caught his pain-clenched hands in
hers.
TOM" she walled. "Oh. Tom!
You poor, poor boy! I'm SO sorry!
But why did you tell him II was you
that broke the vase? Why didn't
you say IL was Harry"
Il had to tell him the truth
painted the boy. There wasn't any.
thing else to DO"
From the days when he had defend
ed her from the co~llie-dragon, Tom
Blake had loved Marjorie Lampson.
And now, at twenty-one, It was no
longer the affection of a child for a
child, bTt the whole-souled alteration
Oh a man for a woman.
And n evening he told her 10.
II vas during his senior year at the
university. He had but three months
more to study. After graduation he
was to go into business with his ia.
ther.
He and Harry Lampson were in
the same class at the university. But
their childhood acquaintance had not
ripened into friendship.
II was or the evening after his IA
ther had promised to take him into
the business that Tom called ON Mar.
jorie with the good news.
And, dear" said Tom, after q half
hour OF the delicious idiocies that
lovers consider such infinitely wise
conversation ut won't have to be
n long engagement. either. Father
promised me today that no"
Marjorie darted away from the
clasp OF his arm
Dads coming in" she warned him,
II heard his key In the front door,
I know he won't approve. Don't let's
tell him-yet."
why, little sweetheart" Tom re
assured her. HE won't bite US. Be,
sides, it's the only square thing-the
only truthful thing-to do. We can't
live a lie. He has the right to know
But"
Mr. Lampson hearing voices in the
living room. strolled in. Harry, at his
heels. caught sight OF Tom and halted
%irresolute, Just outside the doorway.
Good evening, Tom." Mr.. Lamp.
son greeted the caller, not over
cordially.
"Mr. Lampson," spoke up Tom
nerving himself for the ordeal. my
father promised today to take me into
the business with him in June"
II congratulate you," said Lampson
perfunctorily.
THAT will mean" went on Tom
that I'll have good pay from the start;
with a prospect OF a raise as DON as
| make good. And I'm going to make
good. Not only for fathers sake and
mine. but for M~arjorie's, too"
"Marjorie's?" repeated Lampson In
mild displeasure. What has Mar.
jorie to do with it?"
." hope she will have everythinS
to do with It." answered Tom.
II don't understand you"
mi. Lampson," said Tom. 81 have
Just asked Marjorie to BIO my wife,
VIII you make us both very happy
by giving your consent? II you will
let us marry as soon as l go to
work"
II am afraid I cannot consent tc
anything of the Sort" said Lampson,
stifly. Ct"
but Mr.. Lampson! You know all
about me. You know my parents
You know Marjorie cares for me. that
l shall be able to support her. that"
IT do not care to go into that ques'
ton at ALL" said Lampson. 1T is
enough for me to say THAI ! cannot
sanction any engagement between
you and my daughter.
"rhat MEANS" flashed Marjorie
that you've been listening to more
OF Harry's stories about him. Harry's
jealous Of Tom, because Tom rs popu'
lar and"
THAT will do, Marjorie!" said hel
father. II don't care to discuss the
matter. positively forbid the en-
gagement. And l forbid yea TO sec
Tom again, for the present
"Mr. Lampson!" broke ct Tom
this is unfair. II you have any oh
lection to me. II Is only honest to tel
ne what Il Is. l."
Il an not compelled to explain ny
motives to every seattcr-brained col
lege bay" said LAmpsoa. my daugh
ter 10 not yet Of ago. and 10 therefor,
subject 30 my Wishes. forbid hel
- zee you again. And l forbid yo'
- call here. Good night"
Ton staiked aagriiy out OF N
room.
When he came home from oolleg'
next aftsrnoon-he lived only abou
q mile from the univsrdty-Ton
found waiting foe him . letter from
Marjorie. naserW ~ opened 1t an
coAa: