Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1916-03-26

EXPLAINING THINGS
By HOPE AINSLEE.


 l. But you cant deny that Louis Ac- ton is the most desirable of the el. lglble men in town" demonstrated Mrs. Davis.
 Money and good looks and fam fly mansion are perfectly good accom- paniments for eligibility" said Agnes indifferently, but what man has doesn't make him eligible; it's what he is.''
 Agnes" began her mother severe ly. as she shifted her embroidery frame nervously, when a girl has reached the age of twenty-five she ought to be willing to settle down in good home with good provider. ,
 "A good provider!" repeated Agnes disgustedly. "Oh, mother. That sug- gests just food and clothes and shel- ter" A moment later she added: Il may as well tell you before MT. Ac. ton arrives to take me to that concert this evening that l could never marry him, and that have already promised to marry Henry Barton.
 Louis Acton likes Louis Acton bet ter than he does anybody else, and he'll like him more and more as he grows older Agnes was still cool in manner, although her voice slightly trembled. And that Henry's grandfa. ther was blacksmith doesn't shock me any more than that Louis Acton 6 grandfather was a clever land buyer whose close trades were barely with. in legal bounds.
 While Agnes and her parents sat in uncomfortable silence a ring at the doorbell heralded a boy bringing a hurried note from Henry telling her that he was leaving that night for Chicago, from which city she would hear from him in a day or two. You'll be surprised and pleasantly, 1 hope, the letter ended, when my story ie ready to tell.''
 For several months Louis Acton had not been satisfied with his progress in securing the favor of Agnes nor with the frequency of Henry Barton's visits at the Davis home. But during the month just passed he felt that he had gained some ground by having put Henry out of the running, tempo rarily. He had bought the towns largest general store, where Henry was employed, and lad enforced SC many unreasonable rules upon certain clerks that Henry had resigned on g days notice, as Acton had intended to force him to do.
 As they returned from the concert Acton told Agnes very softly that ir all he did he considered her happi ness, and that in taking over the busi ness where Henry had been practi caliy manager things had come tt light which made it desirable for tht latter to quit the store and the tow1 at once.
 For your sake, l made no noise about it." concluded Acton, and whe1 you've had time to think the whole matter over I'm sure you'll thank mt for it."
 "Mr. Acton, I don't believe Henry Barton ever did anything dishones in his life," said Agnes.
 Although Agnes thus ended the dis cussion of the subject for that eve ming, Acton hoped he had sowed seeC of distrust that would take root be fore she had chance to hear Henry. side of the story.
 Swinging up from the station few evenings later with his travelling bag Henry was greeted by a friend wht shook his hand warmly and told hin it was time he was coming home te set the rumors at rest. After few mo ments' conversation with this talk ative friend, Henry turned white with anger and went striding off towarC the Davis cottage. As he arrived al the front door, Agnes and Louis Ac ton were just coming out to enter the latter's automobile which stood throb ping at the gate. Each of the three knew that crisis was at hand. Az nes was chalky pale. Acton angrily flushed, and Henry stood waiting fol somebody to break the tense si fence.
 "Well?" Acton's voice was hoarse his manner peremptory.
 All will be we'll before I leave,' said Henry with quiet sarcasm, but not until you explain in the presence of Agnes why you set suspicious ru mors afloat about me when went away" The two men eyed each othel angrily.
 Really, Barton," began Acton, as suming indifference, ''it is demanding a good deal to ask another to explain rumors which originated solely from your own unexplained conduct. Il Miss Agnes has drawn conclusion' quite natural in the circumstances, hardly see how I can be blamed Here is my explanation" Henr, drew from his pocket a legal-lookina paper and handed it to Agnes. q saved it because l wanted to surprise you with it personally. l went to Chi cago in response to a telegram from tho Great Western Grocers who of a~A r~Pn 1>vsav ~nk