The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-04-13
CHAPTER xlI-contlnued.

w JAhA AAiN ''AhNs
worry about It, father. It's all right
Prudence" he said, more tenderly
'we have been the closest of friends
and companions, you and |, from the
very beginning. Always you have come
TO me with your troubles and worries
Have / ever failed you? Why, then
do you go back on me now, when you
really need me?"
Prudence patted his shoulder affec-
tionately, but her eyes did not meet
his. II do not really need you now,
father. 1t is all settled, and am quite
satisfied. Things are all right with me
just as they are"
Then he took serious step, without
her knowledge. He went TO Des
MOlnes, and had visit with Jerry. He
found him thinner, his face sterner,
his eyes darker. When the Office boy
announced "Mr. Starr" Jerry ran
quickly out to greet him.
rs she all right?" he cried eagerly,
almost before he was within halling
distance.
Mr.. Starr did not mince matters.
"Jerry," he said abruptly, "dld you and
Prudence have a quarrel? She de-
clines to tell me anything about 1t, and
after the conversations you and ! have
had, 1 think 1 have right to know
what has happened"
Does she miss me? Does she seem
sorry that am away? Does" His
voice was so bOyish and so eager there
was no mistaklng his attitude toward
Prudence.
Look here, Jerry, want to know.
Why are you staying away?"
won't Prudence tell yOu?"
mo"
''Then cannot. She made me prom
ise not to tell you a word. But it is
not my fault, Mr.. Starr. l can tell you
that. 1t Is nothing have done or said.
She sent me away because she thinks
it was right for her to do so, and-yOu
know Prudence! 1t Is wrong, l know.
/ knew it all the time. But couldn't
promise not to tell"
In the end Mr.. Starr went back to
the parsonage no wiser than he left
save that he now knew that Jerry was
really not to blame, and that he held
himself ready to return to her on a
moments notice.
The Ladies of the Methodist church
were puzzled and exasperated. They
went to the parsonage, determined to
find out what's what" But when they
frail, pathetic little figure, with the
mOurnful eyes-they could only sigh
with her and go their ways.
The twins continued to play in the
great maple, even when the leaves
were fauen. "It's a dandy place,
tell you. Prudence" cried Carol. "Jer-
ry didnt have time to put up the rope
before Connie pulled him down, but
we've fixed it ourselves, and it is sim
ply grand. You can go up and swing
any time you like-unless your joints
are too stiff! It's very serious mat
ter getting up therefor stiff joints,
of course, mean. Lark and 1 get up
easy enough"
For moment Prudence sat silent
with quivering lips. Then she burst
out with unusual passion, "DOnt you
ever dare climb that tree again as
long as you live, twins! Mind what
sayw
Lark looked thOughtfully out of the |
and Carol swallowed hard.
It was she who said gently, "Why, of
course, Prue-just as you say"
On the day before Christmas an in
'ured package was delivered at the
for Prudence. A letter was
With it, and she read that first.
my dearest little sweetheart: l
hose this gift for you long before l
lad the right to do it. 1 was keeping
t until the proper moment. But the
moment came, and went again. Still
want y II to have the gift. Please
year it, for my sake, for l shall be
appy knowing it is where it ought to
e, even though myself am banished.
love you, Prudence. Whenever you
end for me, am ready to come. En-
lrely and always yours, jerry"
With trembling fingers she opened
he little package. 1t contained a ring,
nth a brilliant diamond flashing my
lad colors before her eyes. And Pru- {
ehce kissed it passiOnately, many
mes. s
Two hours later, she went quietly 1
W g n re 70 rrrhn Z
lmily were decorating a Christmas 9
zee. She showed the ring to them 9
ravely.
Jerry sent it to me-" she said. "Do I
on think it is all right for me to wear I
, father?" q
A thrill of hopeful expectancy ran \
trough the little group.
Eyes, indeed" declared her father. h
bow beautiful it is! Is Jerry coming b
} spend Christmas with usY t
''Why, no, fatherThe is not coming
all any more. 1 thought you under O
ood that" 2
An awkward silence, and Carol came Il
tightly to the rescue. TT certainly is q
beautyl / thought it was very kind n
Professor Duckie to send Lark and d
e five-pound box of chocolates, but n
course this is ever so much nicer. n
srry's bird, / say" @
"a bird" Knocked Fairy. "Such Ian e
lage." n
Lark came to her twins defense. D
Yes, bird-that's just what he is" e,
Carol smiled. I'VE saw him use his Il
lngs when Connie yanked him out of c,
e big maple. didn't we, LarkT" Then,
Did you send him onvthinp prua9V .,