The Washburn leader., 1916-02-04
FLOWER OF ROMANCE
BY KATE CONWAY.

"Oh, I've known Tuck Crawford ever
since he was knee high to a grass
hopper" said Aunt Bethtah placidly.
HE won't hurt anybody, and I've new
er been afraid of him. He's got plenty
Of money hid down the well, sup
pose,, or under the mounting stone."
Then it's pity he doesn't dig up
some of it for Berenice," said Laura
passionately. "She has had to stay at
home and take care of her father and
all those children, five of them, ever
since her mother died, and they're
well-not poor-1 suppose, but always
Just getting by-don't you know what
l mean, auntie? There isn't enough
money for this and that, and Bcrntce
can't even think of getting married for
years and years."
HAS she got anyone picked out
yet?" asked Aunt Bethiah.
"Has she? Why, don't you know
she's engaged to our Rob?"
Mrs. Fennimore dropped her Gro.
cheting and looked over her eye
glasses at her youngest niece. The hope
Of the Fennimore family was Rob.
II suppose said Mrs. Fennimore.
with Just bit of a sigh, "they were
sweethearts when they we're children.
Rob's the kind of boy to keep the
flower of romance blooming for years.
Is she nice, Laura?"
".Nice? She's just a darling, auntie.
Well ride over there this morning and
you can see her. She's the winsomest
girl you ever saw-just that, the win
soonest"
Willing to marry Rob?"
"Oh, yes. I tell you they've been en-
gagged since his junior year, but she
has a big idea of duty, and her "a
ther needs her. But If their Grandfa'
ther Crawford would do the right
thing they could afford to hire house
peace"
always was too selfish to give q
crow q crumb," Aunt Bethiah agreed.
"Well see what can be done. / never
was afraid Of Tuck Crawford and l
amt today. He needs boss fear
fully"
About ten they drove over to the
Junior Crawford home.
"Real slightly old place, amt it,"
said Mrs. Fennimore when they came
away, "and l do like Berenice. She's
sweet as a tea rose, declare she is.
with those Dig brown eyes and that
fair, curly hair. Bless her heart!
Just drive over to her grandfather
place, will you, Laura?"
Back on an old side road it was, a
little gray house in tangle of trees
and grape vines, with big we'll sweep
at the back and the barn across the
road. Mr.. Crawford was struggling
with the we'll, trying to draw up a
pail, and Laura hurried over to help
him:
Don't spill It, mind" he cautioned
testify. Cant bear q mite O. damp
or mildew round my house. Some
folks don't mind, but it makes me fear
full chilly. Just set 1t down on that
shelf by the sink, Laury. Much
obliged"
"How be you, Tuck?" called Aunt
Bethiah, happily, coming up the path
toward him, her full skirts brushing
off leaves and cobwebs from the dry
weeds. So sweet-faced and blooming
she looked that Laura stared at her.
And SO did Tucker Crawford. Not
such a vision had he seen in many
years in his front yard. He wiped his
hand off on his coat and gave it to
her bit shakily.
"Why Bethiah, how be ye?" he e1
claimed. Look Just as young and pert
as ever. When did you get over
here?" - ,
| Been East two weeks"
widow, too, amt you?"
"These ten ve4is, Tuck"
well. well. Fow pert you do look.
His faded blue eyes fingered on her
cheerful face hungrily. want place
as tlousekeeper, Bethiah? I've been
looking round for good, hard.work
ing woman"
"No, thanks" she laughed. I'm
provided for, Tuck. I wanted to see
you about Berenice, your grandchild
Our Rob's in love with her, and she
with him. want them to be married
before I go back West. Now, I'll give
Rob some money, enough to set him
up, and want you to look after Bere
nice; give her a nice wedding and
some of her grandmother's linen and
silver. / know she had lot Of it;
probably right up in your garnet this
minute
Like enough it is," murmured Mr.
Crawford, stroking his little pointed
beard. II amt looked to see. How
pert you look, Bethiah! I can't get
over it.''
After they had said good.by and
driven down the road, the old man
stood watching them. leaning his arms
on the little rusty iron gate. His face
wore q peaceful, satisfied smile. He
had promised all Bethiah had asked
wedding clothes, old silver and linen
even the housekeeper.
Let 'em have It and enjoy them
selves. he said. "Take about two
q