The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1917-08-17


with an ambiguity lost upon Lydia,
who accepted the response as one of
simple concurrence, whereas the wom-
an at her feet was hiding an ironic
smile.
In point of fact, this Tad Craven of
Mrs. Beggarstaff's acquaintance was
conspicuous figure among transatlan-
tic travellers, one who crossed fire.
quently, and, lacking any other title to
notOriety. would have made himself
remembered by his lavish tips. More
over, Winant read American as we'll as
English newspapers, and knew vast
deal more about Craven than that man
would have cared to credit-who,
when ail's said, wasn't lightly to be
termed man Of retiring disposition.
Thus the discovery that he had q
daughter land why not wife living,
as wellO was one tremendously it'll
lating; for trade in gossip about nota-
bilities goes on as briskly between
decks on fashionable Atlantic steam
ships as below stairs in fashionable
homes on either side of the water.
But Crayen's daughter, forgetful of
the serving woman, sat with eyes So
rene in face radiant with the glow
of happiness in her heart. Never a
doubt troubled her ardent anticipa-
tons. That ominous note which had
been sounded in the brief conversation
outside her window was now forgot
ten-at worst could not have shaken
her faith in his loving kindness. That
was something always to be counted
upon, something that had never
failed her. And if his attitude of late
might have seemed inconsistent with
truly sympathetic affection, Lydia
knew better: her father had not so
much opposed her wishes as he had
underestimated the sincerity Of her
mutiny against the rule of Agnes Hicks
LOrrimer.
How could 1t be otherwise, with a
gap Of five long years in their associa-
ton, five years of separation, change
and GROWTH
His thought aroused appreciation of
the great changes time had wrought:
so great that it wasn't difficult to fancy
Craven falling to recognize Lis daugh-
ter, whose memory with him must be
that OF a hobbledehOy of fifteen, long
legged and awkward, with perpetually
freckled snub nose, mouth too wide,
and eyes too large for her thin face,
and her hair in plaits-two wrist-thick
cables of 1t falling below her waist,
carroty red, and bound with broad but
terf1y bows of stiff blue ribbon.
Mrs. Hicks-Lorrimer's idea, that of
the butterfly bows-the final touch of
ignominyI Lydia dated her hatred of
the woman from the hour when she
had been compelled to submit to those |
decorations.
But today-Lydia smiled tenderly. |
No; Craven wouldn't know his girl
not until she told him-unless, to be
sure, she had grown somewhat to / y
;emble her mother, who had been ia
nous beauty-or so Mrs. Grummle of
he Bloomsbury lodgings had asser-
so Craven himself, under
PRESSURE Of persistent questioning, had
nee admitted.
Winant, rising from her knees, dis
,elled reEerie. as that all, Miss Cra-
-enr
Lydia smiled brilliantly. That's
light" she affirmed with decision. LET
ne be Miss Craven from now on. Dol
on think you could find my father for
ne, WinantT
"Oh, surely. miss" Winant preserved
straight face. "Would you wish me
D send I'm 10 you 'ere7"
ooh, no. merely want to know
here to look for him. But to send
inn here to find me-why-don't you
eea-that would spoil It ALL"
'QuIte 30 miss won't be q EIE-
te.- u