The Little River news., 1916-05-13
EXPLAINING THINGS
By HOPE AlNSLEE.


 But you can't deny that Louis Ac- ton is the most desirable of the el- igible 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 a 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 e goci home with a good provider."
 "A good provider.' repeated Agnes disgustedly. "Oh. ncthcr. That sug- gests just food and clothes and shel- ter" A moment later she added: T may as we'll tell you before MT. Ac- ton arrives to take me to that concert this evening that 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" AgAes 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's 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 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, ] hope" the letter ended, when my story is 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 ad enforced so many unreasonable rules upon certain clerks that Henry had resigned on a days notice, as Acton had intended to force him to do.
 As they returned from the concert Acton told Agnes very softly that in all he did he considered her happt ness, and that in taking over the sus1 ness where Henry had been practi. cally manager things had come to light which made it desirable for the latter to quit the store and the town at once.
 For your sake, made no noise about it" concluded Acton, and when you've had time to think the whole matter over I'm sure you'll thank me for it."
 "Mr. Acton, I don't believe Henry Barton ever did anything dishonest in his life,' said Agnes.
 Although Agnes thus ended the dis. cussion of the subject for that eve ming, Acton hoped he had sowed seed Of dtstrust that would take root be. fore ske had a chance to hear Henry's side of the story.
 Swinging up from the station few evenings later with his travelling bag, Henry was greeted by a friend who shook his hand warmly and told him 1t was time he was coming home to set the rumOrs at rest. After few mo. ments' conversation with this talk ative friend. Henry turned white with anger and went striding off toward the Davis cottage. AS he arrived at the front door, Agnes and Louis Ac. ton were just coming out to enter the latters automobile which stood throb- ping at the gate. Each of the three knew that a crisis was at hand Az nes was chalky pale. Acton angrily flushed, and Henry stood waiting for somebody to break the tense si- lence.
 'Weil?" Actons voice was hoarse, his manner peremptory.
 All will be well before I leave" said Henry with quiet sarcasm, but not until you explain ill the presence of Agnes why you set suspicious I'll. mOrs afoat about me when went away" The two men eyed each otho. 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. ii Miss Agnes has drawn cort, lsions quite natural in the cifcumeta.ces, hardly see how I can be blamed.
 Here is my explanation" r Ary drew from his pocket D legal-lc iDe paper and handed it to AgnC I saved it because 1 wantei to prise you with it personally. 1 wen , Chi cago in response to telcgr fiom the Great Western Grocur2 >ho of. fered me job as manager branch store here provided per. -lal inter. view satisfied them. IT.. contract tells you how well sGtistio they were.