El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1918-11-27

7 hope so. and that mother did not
deliver my peevish decision verbatim
TO Milton
He would not be vexed with you
II she did" Cynthia consoled her.
He would not misunderstood you"
Perhaps not" Dora agreed du-
biously. Anyway. if he was vexed he
can get over it-thats all I should
worry
Leaves Cynthia Alone.
With which bit Of slang she ran
on downstairs. leaving Cynthia alone
again 20 her thoughts.
Cynthia had spoken truly when she
expressed the belief that her aunt
would say nothing TO vex Milton. The
girl knew that Mrs. Livingstone ap-
proved too thoroughly Of her daugh-
ter's engagement 10 introduce a note
that might be discordant- In fact.
Cynthia had been sure that the match
had been aided and abetted by both
families.
II this were so. was Edward Van
Saun beginning 70 doubt II. after all.
Dora was as much in love with his son
as the father had supposed her TO be
Cynthia might be fancifui, but surels
he had looked a bit disappointed al
Dora,s light mention OF her coming
marriage
How could she talk so f1ippantly Of
marrying Milton Van Saun2 Yet Mil
ton himself-in spite OF his tender.
sympathetic nature-showed no depth
Of sentiment when he referred to his
betrothed- Were they suited % each
other?
Rather Homesiek.
Cynthia recalled unwillingly her
aunts teasing remark about Gerald
Stewart Did Mrs. Livingstone mag
inc she could bring about a marriage
between her niece and this man? Dora
asas~ -H-rs- rnre# ~
idea. Indeed. Dora seemed 10 resent
her mothers scheme
Cynthia lay. her eyes closed and
her ltrs compressed as great wave
Of inconsistencies swept over her. How
different was all this kind Of thing
from the simple yet comfortable life
she had led with her father In her
home the things that were
Of the s1irit mattered more than the
things OF the world. There had always
been peace comfort. plenty. but no
5trivings after effects or worldly ad-
-ancement.
It was surely a sign OF the ravazes
disease had wrought in the mental !
condition Of her father. that in his last /
lays he had yielded TO the temptation I
% increase his fortune by one grand |
coup. or had it been because he |
Wished 20 protect his child from the I
-ery conditions she was now facing
dependence upon others or the neces- J
'itE OF making marriage OF conven- :
ence2
She Is Miserable. ;
Tears weIled through her closed lids I
md rolled down her cheeks. She would 4
Tot allow herself to cry violently. but 4
he was miserable.
4 knock at the door startled her. /
Come in" she called. wiping her
yes swiftly
"A box Of flowers for you, Miss 4
1ong," Marie announced. entering
Lay It on the table please Gym
hia ordered.
viii I not turn on the light
mann the girl asked Then you
an see better"
No. let it wait for while. Marie"
,ynthia told her. Ny head aches"
She was afraid that the merciIess
-lare might reveal 10 the curious maid
hat she had been shedding tears. Yet,
-hen the girl had gone away. Cynthia
rose and turned on the electric light.
hen looked at the box lying on the
able. 1t bore the name OF a fashion
BE florist Who could have sent Il
D her2
Merely a surmise.
christening the string, she removed
he lid. revealing a mass OF huge pink /
0ses on their bed OF cotton
There was no card to show from I
whom they came. The address on the
OK was evidently written by the
lorist's clerk, for the handwriting
vas unfamiliar.
As the girl bent TO inhals the de-
icious fragrance Of the flowers, there
rose before her mental vision a face
he knew well-fair. with blue eyes.
He sent them" she whispered.
She drew in her breath sharply. II
.e had sent them. he had no right TO
10 so. and she had no right 10 receive
hem.
oh" she murmured, pushing the
OK from her and turning out the