The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-03-16


In, and the cart was so small they both
had TO walk"
"Where is he now7" "Is he young"
"Is he handsome?" "Did he look rich2"
Don't be silly, girls, He went to
the hotel, suppose. Anyhow, he left
us as soon as we reached town. He
said he was In hurry, and had some
thing to look after. His coat was un-
derneath me In the wagon, aud he
wouldn't take It out for fear Of hurt
ing my ankle, so the poor soul lstprob-
ably wandering around this town In his
shirt sleeves"
Already, In the eyes Of the girls, this
Jerry-er-Harmer had taken unto
himself all the interest of the affair.
Hell have to come for his coat,
said Lark. "We're bound to see him.
"Where does he live? What was he
doing in the hickory grover" inquired
Mr.. Starr with a strangely sinking
heart, for her eyes were allght with
new and wonderful radiance.
"He lives in Des Molnes. He was
Just walking into town, and took
short cut through the grove"
walking From Des Molnes"
Prudence flushed uncomfortably. 81
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. 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"
81 am not thinking anything of the
kind, Prudence" he said with dignity.
But / do think it rather strange that
young man should set out to walk
from Des Moines to Mount Mark. And
why should he be at 1t so early in the
morning? Doesn't he require sleep, as
the rest of us do?"
"How should know? I guess If he
likes to be out in the morning when it
is fresh and sweet, 1t is all right.
like the morning myself. He had as
much right out early as l had. His
NlOlllNH NNlt hANNt anu AAN 10 a. AAeAA ~ "a
graduate, and his shoes were dusty,
but not soiled or worn. Anyhow, he
is coming at four o'clock. If you want
to ask If he is tramp, you can do it,"
And Prudence burst into tears.
Dramatic silence in the cheerful sit
ting room Then Fairy began bustling
about to bathe the face and throat Of
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. 1t
was mighty lucky he happened along,
wasn't 1t? A Harvard graduate Yes,
they are pretty strong on athletics at
Harvard. You'd better straighten this
room little and have things looking
nice when he gets here" said Father
Starr, with great diplomacy. And he
was rewarded, and startled, by observ-
ing that Prudence frightened wonder!
fully at his words.
Eyes, do" she urged eagerly. Get
SOlllC VI llt AOoco AAOAu NhC NOiLCA
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"