Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1918-04-05


run down the beach and back before
breakfast.
You know, Anne" he had said, back
in those first happy, unconscious weeks
of their acquaintance, II don't think
I'm going to fall in love this time. hon
estly l don't. It's such a bully COM
radeship, this affair of ours, don't you
know, and the minute you start in max
ing love you always lose a good pal.
You're not in love with me, are you"
"Not in the least" Anne had assured
him merrily.
Then there had come a day when
her horse had taken fright on the bluff
road. She had not realized at first
that it was actually running away, I'M
til it Swerved from the road and start
ed over the rolling downs. straight for
the edge of the bluffs.
1t was a sheer drop of hundreds of
feet TO the rock below. Just for an in
slant wave of sickening dread had
swept over her as she thought of the
plunge downward, and then Courtney
hoN CSlDCu hCl anu II was Cil
over. When he had brought her horse
to a Standstill, trembling and covered
with foam-like hoarfrost on TANKS and
shoulders, she had slipped down into
his arms in sheer relief. There had
not even been words, or the need of
them. He had held her close to him,
Shuddering and unnerved, and just for
once she had been glad to feel an
others strength. For many years she
had depended on herself.
And after that it had all come about
acknowledgements realization that life's
particular meaning for them meant
love and companionship.
But you'll have to be mighty sweet
and patient with me, pal of NINE"
Courtney had told her. "Fve, been a
pet all my life, while you, bless you,
have been worker. If my father had
lived perhaps it would have been diff
ferent, but you know, love can weak
en- where it is miSdirected. The mater
loves me to death, but she's always
given me my way. And she hasn't be-
lieved in me, Anne. That's what l
love about you. You do believe in me.
When I'd start telling mother some Of
my ideas and what | would like to do
to be of some use in the world and get
a grip on life, she'd tell me not to
worry her; to run along and be good
boy; that everything was provided for.
But just wait until she knows you,
Anne. | am going to write and tell
her all about everything one of these
days"
Maybe she won't like me, Cort,"
Anne said wistfully.
shed better had" There was
logged look on Courtney's face.
That had been several weeks ago.
Now, as Anne looked at the face of his
mother she felt n curious. almost
amused, sense of helplessness. She
had all of COurtneys charm and good
looks, feminized, all of his appeal to
ones sympathy. She did not wait for
AnneS answer, but went on, without
seeing Courtneys figure in the dis
lance, walking briskly up from the
| board walk.
You see, if you were different
kind of girl l never could make you
understand but you have been in bust
ness and earned your own money.
| Courtney has never earned a cent in
his life. He always runs over his in
come, and ] have to make it up every
year. His father left money in trust.
If he marries, well-how could one say
it?-injudicously-the principal re-
verts to me and to his sister"
Courtney entered the door behind
her, and only Anne saw his quick, hap
py grin of recognition before his arms
closed around his mother.
HAS she told your" he asked hap
PLY. 1--WE were married four weeks
ago, and Anne has taken me into part
nership with her. / am a regular sal
aried man, mOther-general sales man
ager for this end of Florida with her
Boston firm. I never knew how good
q check looked before that you had
earned yourself. l suppose Anne told
you, though"
Mrs. Rigsby met Annes brown eyes
with long, startled look of approval
IN appeal to her tact and womanli-
ness not to betray her real mission
south, and Anne smiled.
1--WE understand each other perfect
~, Cort," she said gently, land know
your mother is glad, for your sake,
that everything was settled before she
came"
Mrs. Rigsby gave quick little sigh
Of relief and took off her glasses to
give her daughter-in-law her first kiss.
Hov Hvdrophobja Is Transmitted