The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-02-22
n! And here. apparently,

neT WISH uuChunily Iulliileu.
She lifted her head and cast
an almost frightened look Mt the
DeGuenthers, waiting courteous.
Iy for her decision. In reply
to the look, MIR. DeGuenther be-
gan to give her details about the
business terms of the contract
generally. She listened attentive
Iy. All that-for little guard
ianship, little kindness, and
the giving up of a little piece OF
life nobody wanted and few lit.
tie hopes and dreams.
Phyllis laughed as she always
did when there were big black
problems to be solved.
Then you think you will do
it?" asked Mrs. De Guenther,
beaming.
The Liberty Teacher rose, and
squared her straight young shout
ders under her worn best waist.
IF Mrs. Harrington thinks I'll
do for the situation!" she said
gallantly-and laughed again.
|
He looked like a young Cru
sader on tomb. That was Phyl-
lis first impression of Allan
Harrington. He talked and act
ed, If a moveless man can be
said to act, like a bored, spoiled
small boy. That was her second.
Mrs. Harrington, fragile, flush
ed, breathlessly intense in her
wheelchair, had yet certain re-
semblence in voice and gesture to
Mrs. De Guenther-a resembl-
ance which puzzled Phyllis till
she placed 1t as the work of that
form OF ladies' school they had
attended together.
There was also a grceful, mine
ing white wolfhound, which con-
trary to traditional faithful
hounds, didn't seem to care for
his masters darkened sick room
at all, but followed the one sunny
spot In Mrs. Harrington's room
with wistful PERSISTENCE. II
was such small spot for such a
long wolfhound-that was the
principal thing which impressed
itself on Phyllis frightened mind
thruout her visit.
Mrs. DeGuenther conveyed her
to the Harrington house for in
spection a couple of days otter
she had accepted some ones pro-
posal to marry Allan Harrington.
She had borrowed a half day
from the future on purpose, tho
she did not want to go at all.
But the reality was not bad;
only a fluttering, emotional little
woman who chung to her hands
and talked to her and asked USE
less questions with a nervous in
sistance which would have been
nerve wearing for a steady thing,
but was only pitiful to stranger.
And you are Miss Braith-
waite, who is going to look after
my boy?"'she ended. "Oh, 1t is
SO good of you'll am so glad
can go in peace now. Are you
sure-sure you will know the
minute his attendants are the
least bit neglectful? l watch and
watch them all the time. / tell
Allan to ring for me II anything
ever is the least bit wrong am
always begging him to remember.
| 60 in every night and pray with
him-do you think you could do
that? But ! always cry so be-
fore I'm thru cry and cry
my poor, helpless boyle was SO
strong and bright! And you are
sure you are conscientious"
At this point Phyllis stopped
the flow of Mrs. Harrington
conversation firmly, il sweetly.
Eyes, indeed" she said cheer
fully. But you know, II I'm not,
Mr.. De Guenthef can stop all my
allowance. 1t wouldn't be to my
own interest not to fulfill my du-
ties faithfully"
Eyes. that is true" said Mrs.
Harrington. THAT was a good
thought Of mine. My husband al
ways said l was an unusual wom-
an where business was concerned.
I*** And now you'd better see
poor Allan. This Is one of his
good days. Just think, dear Isa-
bel, he spoke to me twice with
out my speaking to him this
morning."
"Oh-must II" asked Phyllis,
dismayed. Couldn't wait till
till 1t happens?"
Mrs. Harrington actually
laughed a little at her shyness,
lighting up like girl. Phyllis
felt dimly, tho she tried not to,
that thru it all her mother-in-law
elect was taking pleasure in the
dramatic side of the situation she
had engineered.
"Oh, my dear, you must see
him. He expects you," she an
swered, almost gayly. The pro-
cession Of three moved down the
long room towards door, Phyl-
lis hand guiding Mrs. Harring-
tons wheel chair.
A Crusader on tomb. Yes,
he looked like that. In the room 8
half dusk the pallor of his still,
clear-featured face and his long,
clear-cut hands was nearly the
same as the Wilderness of the
couch draperies. To Phyllis
beauty-loving eyes he seemed so
perfect an image that she could
have watched him for hours. \
/ ssIIo..f. NaG.. n--sxL