The Meeker herald., 1916-03-25

some one was coming across thu
lawn. but the footsteps made no sound
on the thick turf. When they begar
to ascend the steps Dorothy opened
her eyes with start. and John Porter
stood before her.
There was wonderfully tender light
In his eyes and II determined express
sion about his mouth. How handsome
he looked. How tall and strong ht
was! Dorothy caught her brenth.
.I thought you had gone way." shr
managed to say.
"Only down to the junction to meet
the chief engineer. He wanted to tnlk
over my next job with me. It's lit
tie bigger than anything Eve ever M
dertaken before. But you didn't think
I'D 20 without seeing you again. DID
you. Dorothy. after Sunday night?
~ didn't know" murmurcd Dorothy,
her eyes on the big buckles OF hei
colonial slippers.
John Porter seated himself on the
porch rail aud looked straight nj Dor.
othy's face.
Dorothy" he said. II know It's the
general opinion that a man has no
right to ask girl with Il rich father
to marry him until he can provide for
her the things she has been nccus-
toned to having. but 1t Seems to me
that n a girl really cared for n mnn
she could he happy with him even II
she had to do without some OF the
things she'd been used to-"
II WONDER" thought Dorothy. IF II
can be possible that the hero has mod
ern improvements too
But she kept her eyes on the big sill
yer buckles. ind John Porter contin'
ned speaking with deliberate convic-
ton. And that is why l dare to tell
you that you can afford to give up
some of the things that money can
buy and come and share with me the
things that can't be bought. win you
come. Dorothy?"
YES" said Dorothy. meeting bis look
squareiy Mt last. II will come"
Half nm hour Inter they remembered
Dorothy's father.
He will never allow you to marry
me-" cried John Porter. "a common
builder OF roads,
"A rising young engineer" correct
ed Dorothy. Come on. I'll manage
papa"
Papa she announced. pushing
aside the porticre with one hand and
drawing her lover inter her with the
other. I'm going to marry Mr.. POr'
ter
Mr.. Allen reused himself from the
depths of leather chair where lie had
been taking an afternoon nap. started
little ut the sight of the young man
and looked quizzicaIIy ut his daughter
'Your prospects for doing SO certnin'
~ look n little brighter than they have
for the I,ust few days" he remarked.
"Where have you been keeping your
self, MIR. Porter: Dorothy and | lind
about conro,ded that you were too
busy doing things to give us any at.
tention. But II Dorothy Inns made M
her mind to marry you You may az
we'll submit first ns last. Do you think
you can support her:"
mot In the style to which she has
been accustomed" snid John Porter.
"But she Is willing to dispense with
tuxuries."
when ! married Dorothy's mother.
said MIR. Allen. ''she had II little money,
which I Invested. and after her death
put the Investment In Dorothy's
name without saying anything to her
about 1t. It's really surprising how
that little sum has grown. The income
from II Is now quite considerable" lie
nCIned sum more than twice John
Porter's snlary. II should think this.
added 20 your present income. might
provide for love in n cottage"-
with all the modern improve
ments.'' said Dorothy softly. with
shining eyes.