Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-07-21
CYNTHIA TELLS MILLIONS FATHER
OF HER HAPPINESS IN HER
LOVE FOR HIS SON
CHAPTER Inv

during the days following upon the
new beirothais the young people exer-
cised great circumspection. for fear
the suspicious OF MIR and Mrs. Living
stone should be aroused
To Dora the turn OF affairs seemed
not only source OF happiness. but Of
plcasurabie excitement The arrival Of
CUTS for her and her cousin kent her
in Il state OF enthusiasm. Yet Cynthia
noticed that genuine love coming
into this girls life had softened her
She was gentle and tactful. as she had
never been before.
Cynthia appreciated also that per-
sons OF opposite temperament suit each
other as she saw the quiet and dignihed
Gerald become laxative and boyish
when with Dora.
AS for herself. she was so happy
that She sometimes doubted the evil
dence Of her own senses. AS Gerald
had become less diEnitied. Milton had
very becoming 10 him. His JOY seemed
to deepen his whole nature.
y week before the date set for the
wedding he made a request OF his
hancec
Dear" he said. may tell Dad how
matters stand?'
oh. | wish YOU would" she ex-
claimed Il have hesitated 10 suggest
H. for | did not know just how YOU
would feel about it"
Milton Has Thought.
~ fancy he is anxious about me-,
Milton explained Il can see him
watching me. Yesterday he remarked
that vas looking we'll and satisfied.
had all could do to keep from blurt-
ins out the truth. l think he sus-
pected that Dora and l were not suited
TO each other"
II know he did," Cynthia said i'm
pulsively.
She laughed and colored with con-
fusion when Milton asked her what she
meant
II warrant dad and you have become
better chums than l suspected" he ac-
cused. How did you happen to talk
of my engagement"
Il did not talk OF it, Cynthia re-
piled. Now that have been SO care
less as to admit part OF the matter.
l may as we'll go on. There is not
much to tell-only your father &C
knowledged in burst Of confidence
that he was worried because you
seemed worried. He feared that Dora
did not love you. and that you were
distressing yourself because your love
for her was unrequited. l made no
comment. / did not dare talk much
about 1t. ! was too miserable myself.
Now, Milton, have told you the facts"
Little Miss Discretion" Milton APP
proved Il am glad to know this. for
II only shows that l am right in be-
Eeving that our news will delight dad.
He's awfully fond OF YOU"
II am more than fond OF him." Gym
thia rejoined. "He reminds me OF my
own dear father"
Her voice broke, and Milton kissed
her. Dad will be your father as well
as mine. dearest" he said. Not that
he can ever take the place of your
father-but he may be q bit OF COM
fort to you. Perhaps" hesitatingly,
I'VE might stay with him for a while
after we get back from our wedding
trip. know he breads being all alone
in that big house. But don't decide
now. Just think 1t over"
The next morning Cynthia received
box OF violets. accompanied by a note
from Edward Van Saun.
Dear little girl" she read, IT wonder
IL you can guess how light, yet how
full. my heart is. Milton has told me
the joyous news. I have hoped TO be
we'll enough to attend the wedding.
Now know / shall be. 1 would not
miss it for worlds. Please wear these
few blossoms from an old man to whom
you are as dear as an own daughter
could be-"
Il, suppose Gerald sent you those
violets you have on. Cynthia" Mrs
Livingstone observed.
The girl was coming downstairs
dressed for the street
lney are lovely aren they!' Gym
thia said. evasively
Where are you going?" her aunt
questioned her.
Cynthia hesi,ated. ITO sec Mr.. Van
Saun," she replied with an effort
Tender Directing.
"I am glad 1t is morning. so there
will be no chance Of Milton being
there Mrs. Livingstone remarked
coldly. II do not think it looks well
for q young girl to he seen too often
AT young mans house. even II he Ia
to be married to her cousin in a few
days"
II have been to see Mr.. Van Saun
but once since his Illness" Cynthia
began to excuse herself. Then she
said no more. Why should she trouble