The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1918-11-23
JANEY'S AGENT
BY AGNES G. BRoeAN.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

=
aud an elusive dmple appeared at the
corner of her mouth,
Its from my revered namesake,' -
said Janey "She wants me TO visit
her for month. You know what that
means, mother--another possible suit
or in the prospective. Poor Aunt Jane
will never rest until she has me safely
and satisfactorily married"
Mrs. Joyce glanced at her willful
daughter in veiled eagerness. "You
will 90, dear, win you not?" she asked.
In conspiracy with Aunt Jane to
be rid of me?" Janey laughingly ac.
cused but her mother denied the i'm
putation.
ut is only that do want you TO en-
JOY Yourself" she protested.
The trip will mean an unnecessary
expenditure OF money" the girl warn
ed. New frocks, in preparation for
the fray.
"These ambitions Of Aunt's have
failed heretofore, mother, and, If you
ask me, they are likely to fail again
/ ] win not-thats emphatic--enter the
chase. | Will visit Aunt Jane, IL you
like, but when | think an eligible is
hkely to bC presented I'll retire to the
privacy of my room, as they say--or
something like it"
"Well, write your acceptance" she adj
Vised. "We will dismiss all thought Of
the male element and 80 shopping for
just one lovely dress"
SO, later, Janey was duly installed
In the beautiful room which her aus
tere but affectionate aunt devoted to
her use.
Tomorrow afternoon, Jane" she
told her young namesake, 1--WE go to II
reception ut the Arlington's. Wear
your prettiest dress and do be amen
able. Several very nice men viii be
present--AIrs. Arlington's son, an on
Ger soon to leave with his regiment for
France. a really notable lawyer. and"
Aunt Jane cleared her throat lm.
presslvely-"the famous young rector
OF st. Thomas church"
"Have to be excused from the re-
cepton, Aunt" she s.id.
Aunt Jane, completing her own tol-
let, glanced around sharply. Head
achef she questioned, "Oh make an
effort to overcome it. Mrs. Arlington
has been planning so for this occa-
sion"
Janey sighed as she shook her head
"AlI l want is perfect quiet-going to
curl up on corner of the library
couch and go to sleep" And as she
immediately proceeded to carry out
her purpose Aunt Jane, though dis
turbed and annoyed, could only eau
tion the maids to keep away from that
part Of the house and leave her niece
in the silence she desired.
That young person, scurrying to a
front window in her felt slippers to
witness her aunts departure, was
caught in trap, as 1t were, by Il per-
slstent seller of embroidered linen.
In vain Janey stated that she was
not mistress of the house. The agent
hopefully presented her wares, using
the wide hall for the exhibition.
Close following on the discouraged
agents heels came composing nlusi-
clan, who would not be gainsaid.
So Janey was forced to linger. while,
uninvited, the man dashed off one OF
his airs upon the grand piano. She
had gone to close forcibly and lock
the door upon the musicians retreat
ing figure when a tall man In a close.
huttoned overcoat hastened to forestall
her, He wore soft bat, this man.
rather carelessly dented, and carried
beneath his arm several books. His
free hand held e black leather bag.
Janey's patience was exhausted
Il do not" she said decidedly, "wisb
to look at any books today"
Unabashed he smiled II would like
TO see Mrs. Flemming," he requested.
Mrs. Flemming is not AT home"
Janey responded, and proceeded to
close the door. But the man put forth
restraining hand.
"Then," he said, determinedly, "yOuI
will give this book to Mrs. FemmingI
upon her return and direct her atten-,
tion, please, to the decorative map on.
page ten. | will call for the book to-
morrow"
Before Janey had time to close the
door the book was pressed into her un-
willing hand.
Janey realized tall strangers pres
ence before she had fairly entered the
dining room.
MIR. Harmon, rector of St Thomas
church." she heard her aunt say, and
the well'remembered figure of that af-
ternoon's book agent bowed before her.
"Glad to see you again." said the
famous rector. His eyes were smiling.
you have met my niece before"
Aunt Jane asked surprised.
Only today" Mr.. Harmon replied,
81 called on my way to the reception to
leave that book on church decoration
which you wished to see. YOur niece"
--he paused--'received me-"
Across tue dinner table, later. John
Harnon's head bent close to Janey's.
81 like that kimono thing" he was
saying. "Ive often heard about them,
but never saw one until this after.
noon"