The Washington times., 1918-05-31
By Virginia Terhune Van
de Water.
CHAPTER LNiH.
Copyright, 1913, Star Co.

CET might be wise to knock or
rattle the knob" Milton
4 rested. laugh!ngly, as
he and Cynthia paused outside the
drawing room door.
Come in" Dora called in an
Gwer to their knock
she ran forward as the pair en-
tered and threw her arms around
her cousins neck.
."oh, Cynr she exclaimed. Z am
no happy! Gerald and I are en-
gagged. Say you are pleased dear!
"of course I am pleasedg' Gym
thia assured her, kissing her. Why
Honey. you look like your own
cheerful self again It does me
rood lust to see the change in you.
That's because I an 50 happy
Dora declared
Cynthia turned to where the two
nen were shaking hands warmly.
Gerald. I am SO glad for you and
Dora" she said.
Gerald took her hand in his ana
smiled down at her. You certain
IL seem mighty glad. Cynthia" he
remarked
She flushed hotIy at the tone, and
Dora pounced upon her.
''Cyn! What has happened7 You
say look happy. Why you look
positive radiant. as If some beau
uful thina ad happened"
"A beautifL hing has happened"
Cynthia said in Nv voice.
The minutes flew --s, as the four
talked eagerly. expla. al tnS
past. full Of hope for Il futurH.
Dora insisted on confessing Hyn-
thin her actions on the afterHO
. On which she had sent her COUSIN
into the library to see Gerald, and
CYNTHIA showed her lack Of vanity
by laughing heartily at the recital
-Just think what we all have es-
eaped." Dora exclaimed.
you are not a bit complimentary
Dora" Milton teased. But for
give you. Since Cynthia approves
OF me nothing else matters. =.
yes. something else does matter,
Gerald said, suddenly. we have 10
break the news TO Mr.. and Mrs.
Livingstone"
oh" Dora groaned. 4 had ac-
tuzlIy forgotten it for awhile
? 4 hadn't" Milton remarked But
I did not want to talk Of il. Now
that Stewart has broached tne sub
seet, ! suppose we've g0t 10 face It
Equa-ely."
Father on the Scene.
~Harkr' Dora cautioned. as the
sound OF a latch-key was heard in
the front door. Here comes father"
When Nj Livingstoaa parted the
portieres Of the drawing room. he
found Dora sitting rear Cynthia.
chatting unconcernedly. while the
two men stood at a polite distance,
6iscussIng politics.
Good evening" the elderly man
greeted the qua-tette. What have
you all been doing with yourselves
this evening? Talking over we'd
ding plans. I suppose"
yes" Milton answered. talking
ever wedding plans"
Dora giggled. and her father
glanced at her. then smiled. Well.
daughter. your headache OF yester-
day has disappeared. hasn't it? You
seem very well again"
Il feel very well again" the girl
admitted.
TIL go on upstairs and leave you
youngsters TO yourselves" the host
said. Good night"
''Oh. dear" Cynthia sighed when
he had gone. Il feel like a wretch
and a hypocrite! And to think how
he and Aunt Amanda have set their
hearts upon a double-wsdding."
Dora sprang 10 her feet as q
sudden thought struck her.
I have it." she exclaimed. We'll
A.4Es that double weddingl only
there will be an exchange Of BRIDE
Erooms. Oh" catching Cynthia by
the waist and whirling her around
In a frenzied dance, isn't that an
Inspiration? 4 surprise weddingl
I declare yon three look as II you
had lost yoUT breaths and never
expected TO capture them again:
Now cit down all Of you and let's
talk sense"
Her plan was quickly. unfolded
Nobody was told OF the scheme
until a day or two before the we'd
ding. Then the minister was to be
taken into confidence.
He'll hold his tongue" Dora af-
filmed Ministers have to learn to
DO that. you know"
II had been arranged weeks ago
that there were TO be no brides
maids. Dora and Cynthia were to
walk up the church aisle together,
preceded by the ushers AR. Liv-
ingstons was 70 give both girls
away at the altar.
But" Cynthia objected. Uncle
viii have TO be told about II be-
forshanh-
4 New Point of View.