The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1917-07-31

or waking, real or unreal, the discour-
aging adventure Of an hour ago had
turned, fairy-like, to one of pleasure.
Thank you" he replied. "And now
may / ask just how you come to be
here"-he waved an arm about-"here
In the tower room Of this deserted,
ghostly old houser
The girls eyes opened wide. ''Why,
1 told you," she said, Il came after
the books.''
"Booksf' 1t seemed the lawyer could
now only repeat, parrot-like, her words.
She nodded impatiently. but l had
no idea there were so many. 1t will
be impossible to remove them at pres
emit. You gave me no idea of their
number or value over the, phone.
Whatever"-she gazed dreamily into
the possessed Uncle Laidlaw to
leave his books to father and the
house to that rich lawyers motherT
Now, if he'd left us the house and the
lawyer the bookshelf, that would
have been more reasonable
John Gordon leaned forward In sud
den understanding. So this was the
solution Of the problem He wished
he had finished his reading Of the will
Your father he began.
rs an invalid" she finished.
1--WE have such a tiny apartment In
the city. This country air would have
done him so much good. And the gar
den-oh, what garden / should have
made Of 1t in SUMMER The girl SIGH
ed. "When does the lady take pos
session, Mr.. Perkins2' she asked.
Johp Gordon stared, then silently ac-
copied the real estate agents name
IL haven't heard" he replied "I'n
have to talk things over with you
later"
"And the books may remain for a
timer she asked him.
Eyes," he said,
The girl jumped up, going over to the
window. There's light at lastr' she
cried. "And the storm is going over
Do you think we dare venture yet?
Father viii be so anxious. He is alone
until come. There are just we two"
Half regretfully John Gordon follow
ed to look over her shoulder to where
the lights now shone below. "Can you
walk it2" he asked anxiously. She
had already started down the stair.
AS the key TURNED rustily in the front
door lock the. two stood for moment
looking into each others eyes. Into
John Gordon's heretofore empty heart
came feeling Of great and protective
tenderness. He held out his arm, and
quietly the girl placed her own with
in it; then downward they started
through the drifts.
At the station she gave him her hand
in farewell, but he was going into the
city tonight, he told her, so they trav-
eled together. Next day came letter,
which Miss Laid1aw, with glowing
cheeks, read aloud to her father.
Mr.. Gordon $50 the agent Perkins
wrote upon being consulted as to the
disposal of his property suggested that
caretaker be found, with salary to
cover expenses. He himself did not
care to trouble with the estate so If
Mr.. Laidlaw and his daughter were
willing to accept the position indefi-
nitely-
''Willingr cried the girl, and joyous
ly fastened to write their acceptance.
1t was necessary many times through
out the winter for the agent to make
his way to the Elmhurst home to see
that all was satisfactory. 1t seemed
also necessary for Miss Laidlaw her
self to drive him after each visit down
the hillside to the station, and into the
life Of John Gordon came the realiza-
ton that all service has not its mer-
cenary motive, and into his heart came
a sweeter realization still
1t was when the flower borders of
the garden were blooming gloriously
that he approached. almost timidly,
the bending figure of the girl.
Reading the unmistakable message
Of his eyes, she arose suddenly, wait
Ing before him.
Dear" he said gently, will you
take me into your care, as you have
taken this neglected garden? 1 love
you-love you SOP And when his arms
were close about her John Gordon
breathed sigh Of real content.
my true Iegacyr' he murmured hap
niIV And then he told her all ahOut IL