The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-06-19

and went down to greet the, arriving
iiarkhams.
BY the time the second course was
served. Mrs. Markham produced her
conversational trump : the latest
book.
Have you read the piece OF effortery,
Maneuvring for First Place? Her
question included everybody at the ta-
BILE.
Mrs. Barnes peaded such a busy
week with club committees that she
had not even heard of the book, Betty
offered meek affirmative and Mr..
Barnes surprised them all with his
reply.
Tread It yesterday on the train COM
ing from Chicago, he said. When 1
found that Betty had put II In m,
travelling bag along with my favorite
copy Of Hazlitt, felt like spanking
her. but I'll have to confess that the
audacious title page carried me right
into the first chapter and that carried
me on through the book.
Well, don't you think It the most au-
dacious slap at society imaginable.
Mrs. Markham's indignation was deep
and dignifled.
Frankly, said Mr.. Barnes, with a
smile, thought Il was o pretty good
hit at US for allowing ourselves to put
too much stress on non.essentials.
Who wrote II? demanded Mrs.
Barnes. ready for hostilities.
It's anonymous, but supposed to
have been written by group of peo-
pie who style themselves the <Sociai
Spy Squad.
Doubtless some disgruntled climb
ers who failed to arrive shifted Mrs.
Barnes, and Mrs. Markham instantly
agreed with her.
Not bit Of It, said Mr.. Markham.
It's not malicious, but It hits a lot OF
US right between the eyes. I'm glad
I've got enough sense Of humor. to
take 1t. like a man so far as 1t hits
me. sfG
The talk drifted to other subjects
and just as the dinner was over a
telephone message summoned the
Markhams home on account OF an &C.
cident to one Of the children: SO the
SAINT kHhl dIlaull lOlUh6Q
dinner had to be abandoned.
Mr.. Barnes resumed reading his un-
finished evening paper. Betty busted
herself with some engraving and Mrs.
Barnes picked up the new book. that
had beet discussed at dinner.
II every one else Is reading this
suppose I'll, have to read 1t, too, she
began, but the next instant stiffened,
for in the doorway appeared Barnaby
Wood, whom she mentally termed the
upstart young scrub reporter referred
to in her conversation with Betty be-
fore dinner. He looked tall, straight
and assured, though decidedly pale.
Immediately after the first formal
greetings were over. he startled them
all by saying that before Mrs. Barnes
began the book he and Betty w~,d
like to make a confession.
Betty? Betty? Thus Mrs. Barnes
haughtily demanded an explanation OF
his liberty with her daughters name.
She has given me the right to call
her that, he said, as he approached
Betty's side, and We want to ask you
and Mr.. Barnes now to consent to our
marriage
Mrs. Barnes turned in silent but ex.
asperated appeal TO Mr.. Barnes, who
stepped forward. Barnaby faced him,
and in a Straightforward way told of
his love for Betty. and Of his parentage
and family connections.
And your means of support? asked
John Barnes.
Why, daddy, broke in Betty, our
book Is already in the fourteenth thou
sand, and the publishers say It vii,
go to fifty within the month. Then,
in confusion, she covered her. blush