The Jasper news. [volume] (Jasper, Missouri) 1898-1924, 1918-06-27

1uere, Luere' OdrOllne, you neeOn'C
go on. I've heard your opinion of my
character afore. Never mind me for
the minute. And, If you'll remember,
I amt said that doubted your young
man. You told me that you thought
the world and all Of him and that he
did Of you. That's enough-or ought
to be. But your brother says you
wrote him two days ago and he amt
been near you"
Il misdirected the letter. He didn't
receive it."
"Um-hm. see. That would explain"
"Of course 1t would. That must be
the reason. Do you suppose IL he were
as poor as-as l am that l would de-
sert himf You know 1 woul1:.'t. I
should be glad-yes, almost happy-be-
cause then could show him-could"-
Her voice failed her. She put her
handkerchief to her eyes for an instant
and then snatched 1t away and faced
them, her head erect.
mo. no." he said gently; IL never
supposed you'd act but In one way.
Caroline. l knew you. If Malcolm's
what he'd ought to be, l said. he'll be
glad of the chance to prove how
much he cares for you. But Steve ap.
peared to have some misgivin's, and so
1t seemed to me that his doubts ought
to be settled. And" rising as there
came tap at the door, II callate
they're goin' to be-"
He walked briskly over and opened
the door. Sylvester was standing with.
out, and with him were Mrs. Corcoran
Dunn and. Malcolm.
They were past the sill before Can
tain Elishas greeting caused them to
turn and see the three already there.
Mrs. Dunn, who was In the lead. stop.
ped short In her majestic though creak-
ing march Of entrance, and her ford
face turned brighter crimson. Her
son, strolling languidly at her heels.
started violently and dropped his hat.
Mrs. Dunn had come to the offices OF
Sylvester, Kuhn & Graves at the senior
partners request to be told, as she sup
posed, the full and final details Of the
financial disaster threatening the War
rem family. If those details should
1t appeared, then-well, then, certain
disagreeable duties must be performed.
But to meet the girl to whom her son
was engaged and her brother and her
guardian thus unexpectedly and unpre-
pared was enough to shake the compo-
| sure and nerve Of even such veteran
campaigner as Mrs. NJ. Corcoran Dunn.
| But of the three to whom the meet
ing was an absolute surprise-Caroline,
| Malcolm and herself-she was charac.
teristically the first to regain outward
serenity.
my dear child" she cried. "My
dear girl! I'm so glad to see you! I've
thought Of you so much! And pity
you so. Poor Malcolm has-Malcolm,"
sharply, come here! Don't you see
Gardiner"
Malcolm was CROPPING nervously for
his hat. He picked 1t up and obeyed
his mothers summons, though with no
great eagerness.
How dye do, Gardiner" he STAN
mered co1fusedly. "I-I-it's a deuce
Of surprise to see you down here.
The mater and didn't expect-that is,
we scarcely hoped to meet any one but
Sylvester. He sent for US, you know"
He extended his hand. She did not
take it.,
did you get my letter." she asked
quickly.
"Yes-er-yes, l got 1t. Caroline. l.
by Jove, you know
Captain Elisha stepped forward
EXCUSE me for interruptin', ma am. u
he said addressing the rufiled matron
but Mr.. Sylvester told me you and
your son had an appointment with him
for this afternoon. Now, there was
something that we-or I, anyhow
wanted to talk with you about. so
thought you might as well make one
job OF 1t. Sylvesters pretty busy
man, and know he has other things
to attend to, so why not let him 90
ahead and tell you what you come to
hear, and then we can take up the
other part by ourselves Amt that q
good ideaT
Eve did have an appointment with
Mr.. Sylvester" Mrs. Dunn admitted
reluctantly. "but the business was moi
important. And" haughtly. II do moi
care to discuss 1t here"
The captain opened his eyes. "Heyf
he exclaimed. "Not Important Twas
about the real size of your fathers es
tate, Caroline" turning to the girl. %
thought Mrs. Dunn and Mr.. Malcolm
must think twas important, for / un
derstand they've been telephonln' ant
askin' for appointments for the las,
two days. AS to discussln' 1t here" hi