Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-04-12
CHAPTER Mi

ShAIIEh ALl
Copyright, 1918, by Star Company
There were so many things the
matter that Cynthia scarcely knew
how to reply to her aunt's question.
But, first and greatest of all, was
her own disinclination to marry for
long while yet. She could not
say something.
"I-I-had not thought of marry
ing so soon," she stammered, There
are others besides myself to be con-
suited, Dora's marriage is the main
thing. | would not want to inter-
fere with that. Then-of course,
Gerald might not think we'll of the
idea"
Excuse me if set aside that last
objection Mrs. Livingstone said.
1T is not the mans place to set the
date for a wedding. 1t is the brides
prerogative. AS to Dora, she will
see the advantages of my plan"
What are they?" Dora asked
with disconcerting promptness.
Mrs. Livingstone hesitated. She
had a card she had held to the last
"a card whose playing would move
Cynthia, although it might not have
any effect on Dora. Still, she ad-
dressed Dora. Common decency de-
manded that she should not make
her main argument to the person to
whom it would appeal most strongly.
Dora" she added, you seem to
ignore the great expense that your
wedding will be. Cynthia's wedding
following upon yours will be an
other strain on your fathers purse.
While he is only too glad to meet
both of these obligations-and roy
ally, as he does all such things
1t would lessen the expense if he
had to pay for a double wedding,
instead of for two separate ones"
How" Dora demanded, her
cheeks flushing as she noted her
cousins panied embarrassment.
Think for a moment, child" her
mother urged. There is the price
of the caterer, for instance. One
supper would do for both affairs
The same music would serve for
both; the church would cost no more
for two brides than for one. OF
course the trousseau would cost the
same in each case. Your uncle tells
me that Cynthia wishes to supply
her own rousseau-though he
would be glad to do that too. He
is so generous that his wishes should
receive all consideration"
An Unpleasant Conversation
She did not know that, as she
spoke, a mental picture presented
itself to her daughter Dore saw
herself as the wife of Milton Van
Saun watching Cynthia being mar
ried to Gerald Stewart. Perhaps
she might even have to act as ma
tron of honor. She could not and
would not stand it. After all, a
double wedding would be less nerve
racking. If the thing must be gone
through with, it might be well to
have both weddings at once. That
would give her, Dora, less time to
brood on the second ceremony.
All right" she said, suddenly.
SO far as / am concerned, go ahead
and do as you please"
The tone was not sullen, but it
was hard. Yet the mother appeared
not to notice it.
That's a good child" she ap-
proved. 81 knew you would listen
to reason. And. of course, you
agree to the plan, Cynthia, my
dear?"
Cynthia stood up. She felt as If
she could sit still no longer.
Il do not want to seem obstinate.
Aunt Amanda" She spoke with an
effort. But may 1 have a few days
in which to think of it?"
"Why?" Mrs. Livingstone's ewes
We're cold and critical. Are not
the reasons ! used in talking to Dora
plain to your"
Yes, they are" Cynthia acknowl-
edged. In fact, they are so plain
that l do not feel that 1 can let my
uncle go to such expense on my ac-
count. l do not want him to pay