The Huttig news., 1917-02-10

didn't think of that" she said. But l do not see why he should not walk if he likes. He's strong and athletic, and fond of exercise. l guess he's plenty able to walk if he wants to. I'm sure he's no tramp, father, if that IS what you are thinking
 T am not thinking anything of the kind, Prudence he said with dignity. But 1 do think it rather strange that young man should set out to walk from bes MoineS to Mount Mark. And why should he be at il so early in the morning? Doesn't he require sleep, as the rest of Us do?'
 "!1ow should I know? I guess if he likes to be out in the morning when it is fresh and sweet, it is all right. I like the morning myself. He had as much right out early as I had. His clothes were nice, and he is q Harvard graduate. and his shoes were dusty bat not soiled or worn. Anyhow. he is coming at four o'clock If you want to ask if he is a tramp, you can do it." And Prudence burst into tears.
 Dramatic silence in the cheerful sit ting room! Then Fairy began bustling poor little Prudence" and her father said sympathetically
 You're all nervous and wrought up, with the pain and excitement, Pru- dence. I'm glad he is coming so we can thank him for his kindness. It E.s mic tY IIal hn hn ,ll wasn't it? A Harvard graduate Yes. they are pretty strong on athletics at Harvard. You'd better straighten this room little and have things looking nice "hen he gets here" said Father Starr, with great diplomacy. And he was rewarded, and startled. by observ- ing that Prudence bfSghtened wonder fully at his words.
 ''Yes. do," she urged eagerly. Get some of the roses from the corner bush. and put them on the table there And when you go upstairs, Fairy. you'd better bring down that little lace spread in the bottom drawer of our dresser. It'll look very nice on this bed. Work hard, girls. and get every thing looking fine. He'll be here at four, he said. You twins may wear your white dresses, and Connie must put on her blue and wear her blue bows. Fairy, do you think it would be all right for you to wear your silk dress? Of course, the silk is rather grand for home, but you do look so beautiful in it. Father, will you put on your black suit. or are you too busy? And don't forget to wear the pearl cuff buttons Aunt Grace sent you.p
 He went upstairs to obey, with de- spair in his heart. But to the girls, there was nothing strange in this ex- actness on the part of Prudence Jer- rold farmer was the hero of the TO- nance, and they must unite to do him honor He was probably q prince in disguise. Jerrold farmer was a per- fectly thrilling name. It was really shame that America allows no titles Lord Jerrold did sound so noble, and Lady Prudence WAS very effective. too He and Prudence were married. and had family of four children. named for the various Starrs, before one hour had passed.
 "Tll begin my book right away" Lark was saying. She and Carol were in the dining room madly polishing their Sunday shoes what time they were not performing the marriage cer- emory of their sister and the hero.
 "Yes, dol But for goodness sake, don't run her into mule! Seems to me even Prudence could have done bet ter thaa that"
 '1'll have his automobile break down in the middle of the road, and Pru- dence can run into it. The carburetor came off, aHd of course the car wouldn't run an inch without it."
 "Yes, that's good" said Carol ap- proyingly. T must be d sixty-cylin- der, eight horse power-er-tonneau or something real big and costly"
 Twins You won't be ready" warned Prudence, and this dire possi- bility sent them flying upstairs in panic.
 While the girls, bubbling over with excitement, We're dressing for the great event, Mir. Starr went downstairs to sit with Prudence. Carol called to him on his way down. and he paused on the staircase, looking up at her.
 Lark and I are going to use some of Fairy's powder, father" she said. We feel that We simply must on an occasion like this. And for goodness sake, cont mention it before him! It doesn't happen very often, you know, but today We simply must. Now, don't ycu say anything about falling in the flour barrel, CT turning pale all of a sudden, whatever else you do. We'd be so mortified. father.'
 Mir Starr was concerned with weightier matters, and went on down to Prudence with never so much as u reproving shake of the head fer the worldly-minded young twins.
 Father" began Prudence, her eyes on the lace coverlet, do you think it would be all right for me to wear that 1 silk dressing gown of mothers? I i heed something over my nightgown, l and my old flannel kimono is so ugly. | You know, neither said l was to have !