The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-04-05

brought downstairs, and Prudence de-
posted upon 1t. There's no use to
put me upstairs" she assured them.
IL won't stay there. l want to be down
here where can boss the girls"
The doctor came in, and bandaged |
the swollen purple ankle. Then they |
had dinner-they tried to remember
to call II luncheon, but never succeed
ed After that, the whole parsonage |
family grouped about the little single |
bed In the CHEEKY sitting room.
"Whose coat Is this. Prudence?"
asked Connie.
"And where In the world did you
get these towels and silk shirts?" add
ed Fairy.
Prudence blushed most exqulsitely.
"They are Mr.. Farmers" she said,
and glanced nervously ut her father.
Whose" chorused the family.
"If you will sit down and keep still.
l will tell you all about 1t. But you
must not Interrupt me. What time is
it, Fairy?"
"rwo O'Clock"
"Oh, two. Then have plenty of
time" and in her own frank way, she
told the story.
"Then Mr.. Davis came along with
his cart" she concluded, "and Jerry
er-Ilarmer, you know, helped put me
in. and the cart was so small they both
had to walk"
"Where is he now?" "Is he young?"
"Is he handsome?" Did he look rich?"
Don't be silly, girls. He went to
the hotel, l 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, and ne
wouldn't take 1t out for fear of hurt
ing my ankle, so the poor soul Is prob
ably wandering around this town in his
shirt sleeves"
Already, in the eyes of the girls, this
erry-er-Harmer. had taken unto
himself oil 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
|
heart, for her eyes were alight with
new and wonderful radiance.
"He lives in Des Moines. He was
just walking into town, and took a
short cut through the grove"
walking! From Des Moines?"
Prudence flushed uncomfortably. ~
didn't think of that" she said. But
I do not see why he should not walk
If he likes. He's strong and athletic,
and fond of exercise. 1 guess he's
plenty able to walk IL 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 1t rather strange that
young man should set out to walk
from Des Moines to Mount Mark. And
why should he be at II so early In the
morning? Doesn't he require sleep, as
the rest of us do?'
"How should I know? guess II he
likes to be out In the morning when II
Is fresh and sweet, 1t is all right.
like the morning myself. He had as
much right out early as l had. His
clothes were nice, and he is Harvard
graduate, and his shoes were dusty,
but not soiled or worn. Anyhow, he
Is coming ut four o'clock. If you want
to ask If he Is tramp, you can do 1t.
And Prudence burst into tears.
Dramatic silence In the cheerful SIT
ting room Then Fairy began bustlini
about to bathe the face aud throat Of
poor little Prudence" and her father
said sympathetlca!ly:
"Youre all nervous and wrought up
with the pain and excitement, Pru
dence. I'm glad he is coming SO W,
can thank him for his kindness.
was mighty lucky he happened along
wasn't 1t? A Harvard graduate! Yes
they are pretty strong on athletics a
Harvard. You'd better straighten thi
room little and have things lookjn,
nice when he gets here" said Fathe
Starr, with great diplomacy. And h,
was rewarded, and startled. by observ
ing that Prudence frightened wonder
fully ut his words.
"Yes, do" she urged eagerly. zee
some of the roses from the cOrne
bush, and put them on the table there
:. And when you go upstairs, Fairy, you''
better bring down that little lac
, spread In the bottom drawer of ou
: dresser. It'll look very nice on thi
. bed. Work hard, girls, and get every
thing looking fine. He'll be here a
four, he said. You twins may wea
your white dresses, and Connie mus
|. put on her blue and wear her blu
: bows. Fairy, do you think 1t would b.
all right for you to wear your sill
|, dress? OF course, the silk is rathe
. grand for home, but you do look s.
= beautiful In 1t. Father, will you pu
on your black suit, or are you too busy
And don't forret IN ~ anr the nenrI chi