The Washburn leader., 1916-04-28

BY HOPE AINsLEe.

-s+$+s+++++++$+++++++sSss1
I But you can't deny that Louis 40 I
ton is the most desirable -.of the el-
tgible men in town." demonstrated
Mrs. Davis.
4 Money and good looks and fam
llys mansion are perfectly good accom-.
paniments for eligibility" said Agnes
lndifferently, but what a man has
doesn't make him eligible; it's what
he is."
:; Agnes" began her mother severe
y, 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
aisgustedly. "Oh, mother. That sug-
sests just food and clothes and shell.
ter" A moment later she added: Il
may as we'll tell you before Mr.. 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" Agnes was still cool
In manner, although her voice slightly
trembled. "And that Henry's grandfa.
ther was a 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 ring at the
doorbell heralded boy bringing q
hurried note from Henry telling her
that he was leaving that night for
Chicago, from which city she would
hear from him in day or two. you'll
be surprised and pleasantly. hope"
the letter ended, when my story il
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 so
many unreasonable rules upon certain
clerks that Henry had resigned on .
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 happi-
ness, and that in taking over the bust.
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 distruM that would take root be-
fore she had chance to hear Henry's
side Of the story.
Swinging up from tho station q few
evenings later with his travelling bag.
Henry was greeted by . friend who
shook his hand warmly and told him
It was time he was coming home to
set the rumors at rest. After q few mo-
'ments' conversation, with this talk
ative friend, Henry turned white with
5 anger and went striding OF toward
: the Davis cottage. Az he arrived at
the front door, Agnes and Louis Ac.
ton were Just coming out to enter the
latter's automobile which stood throb-
bing ct the gate. Each of the three
knew that Q crisis was ct hand. Az.
i mes was chalky pale. Acton angrily
flushed. and Henry stood waiting for
somebody to break the y tense d.
lence.
s''Well?" Acton's voice was hoarse,
his manner peremptory.
"All will be well before leave" !"
said Henry with quiet sarcasm. but
not until you explain in the presence
of Agnes why you set suspicious ru.
pn0rs afoat about me when went
away" The two men eyed each other
angrily.
Really, Barton" began Acton, as.
suming indifference, 1T is demanding
q good deal to ask another to explain
rumors which originated solely from
your own unexplained conduct. II
Miss Agnes has drawn conclusions
quite natural in the circumstances. ]
hardly see how can be blamed"
Here is my explanation" Henry
/ drew from his pocket q legal.looking