The Hope pioneer., 1918-12-26


True, that girl was a sweetly refined
little thing and reasonably popular; {;
but when one considered the wide
range Of selection available to man
of Harris standing it was startling to
know that he preferred the little gov
erness in the Parkman family. Harl
and Airline were slowly rounding the
curve, which would bring them
in direct vision of the Parkman We
randa.
"You may leave me here, Harl,"
said Airline.
"But why should that be necessary,
Airline? I want to prolong my happi-
ness by seeing you to the very steps.
Perhaps Mother Parkman wifi invite
me to tea"
"Well said, little boy, but very much
my decision"
"Great guns, Airline, do you-can you
think that would consider any differ
ence in social position barrier?
You're governess with college ed
ucation which is the equivalent of
mine. We have common interests and
should be very happy. Why dig up
stuff concerning social and financial
differences which don't count at all?"
Upon reaching the piazza Harl shook
hands with Mrs. Parkman, saying at
the same time, Congratulate me,
Mother Parkman. I've found the
lady!"
Harl, armed with flowers and candy
made morning call at the Parkman
home. Upon learning that Airline had
made hurried departure on an early
morning train, leaving no city address
after her, Harl attempted to gain pos
session Of himself sufficiently to leave
the flowers and sweets for an invalid
aunt in the household and depart.
+
The spacious rooms of the Granville
poses to which they were frequently
subjected. Mrs. Granville was famous
because Of her very successful social
gatherings. Tonight's dance was no
exception.
Harley Cox respectfully excused
himself from the very lively gath
ering of younger debutantes to an
swer the summons of his hostess, Mrs.
| Granville.
"N'ow Harl, my boy" said Mrs.
Granville, "look your finest. I want
you to meet my best beloved niece.
So saying, Mrs. Granville led the
way to the farther end Of the room.
Arriving there she secured the atten-
tion Of one Of the most attractive of
group Of girls and said, "Arline, I
want to present"
But she wasn't able to get any fur.
ther for both Airline and Harley in
sisted upon taking up all Of the talk
ing space available.
| Briefly explaining that he had made
Arline's acquaintance, Harl quickly
took her out Of the crowd.
| Gaining quiet corner, Harl de-
manded an explanation of Arline's sud-
den departure from Wilton.
In her quiet way Airline said, Eyes,
Harl I do owe you an explanation, I
know. AS to my residence, since
Aunt Martha's breakdown have been
living here with her. She is such a
dear and so indulgent that am able
to find plenty Of time to write here.
Perhaps 1 don't understand, Airline,
| What work do you mean? Do you
still teach?"
"Oh, no, am finishing up my book.
When you met me was working after
hours on the most vital part of my
story. There being no kiddies at home
wanted to 60 somewhere where I
might make their acquaintance in Or
der to secure atmosphere for my story.
"Why then did you let me believe
that you were really governess?
Furthermore, why did you run away
when needed you most, Arline?"
II allowed you to continue in er-
ror about my position as governess
since felt happy to know that you
cared regardless Of my social position.
Indeed" said Harl, "then I played
second fiddle! Although a man isn't
ordinarily interested in the welfare of
his rival, I'd like to ask how the book
panned out"
"Well, the publishers were satisfied
with earlier installments Of it and are
anxious to have me send the later part.
But I've lost my ambition" she added
little wistfully.
"And the cause Of this loss of am
bition, Airline? Why has the once so
particularly important book come into
disfavor?'
Because It's nearly been to blame
for my losing something more essential
than the book" answered Airline with
a telltale blush.
"Blessed book" answered Harl while
he boldly took the girl In his arms.
"Were it not for it, I might never have
met my dream girl"
This, they both seemed to think,
would have been most alarming trag.
ely