Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-07-11
TURNING TABLES
BY PEARL 3. MEYER.

Nopyrlsht, 1919. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndlcate.)
Aunt Jane leaned over an open chest
IN the garrett.
whats this" she queried, hauling
out some white material.
Beckie, her niece, drew her brows to-
gether.
That's the bureau scarf I started
last winter You didn't like the pat
tern, so dropped it,
Him." said Aunt Jane. whats
this" She pulled out something gay
with colors.
"Oh, that's the table runner got
SO sick of 1t never finished the thing"
Him. And this?" Another article
was brought to light
Goodness me. l started that shirt.
waist over year ago. I'd forgotten
all about it."
"Since you were old enough to re-
member commenced Aunt Jane, 81
nave tried to impress on you the value
OF finishing what you commence"
DO what you set out to do. This
applies to greater things than bu-
reau scarfs and shirtwaists. II you
know thing Is right, 60 ahead with
it."
but, auntie," interrupted Beckie,
this time successfully. How am to
know that can trust my own judg-
ment?
Your conscience will tell YOU"
Beckie. sitting bumped over the toy
of n trunk. pondered deeply.
Thcn," she said finally, 'if start
to do something that I am sure Is
right, l should not allow even you
even you, auntie-to swerve me from
my purpose?"
Exactly" returned her aunt, with
pleased nod. Let's go down now.
want to take nap.
The nap heightened into a regular
snooze. Aunt Jane was sound sleep
er. She was aroused finally by knock
Ing on the door.
Its half-past four" called Beckie.
Aunt Jane arose hurriedly. Her sim.
pie toilet did not take many minutes
Giving final hurried dab at her tight
ly twisted pug Of gray hair she moved
toward the door. To her astonish-
hSh1' IL WIS ioCheO. Sne ratCle0 the
knob vigorously.
"Beckie," she called.
"I'm SO sorry" spoke a small voice
close to the keyhole, "but I'm doing
what you told me to do"
Unlock this door," demanded Aunt
Jane sternly.
II can't"
What do you mean?"
"Not until you promise me some
thing" said Beckie meekly. my heart
! tells me am right. This Is the only
way. I've begged and begged and
prayed; but you have always said no."
Aunt James hands sank Imply to
her sides. Beckie had Willingly made
her prisoner.
''Beckie Stowell, let me out this in
slant.
II WILL" came the pleading voice,
IF you'll say that may marry
| Dwight"
Never" she ragged. docs that
that whippersnapper know you have
done this?"
"No." In GREATNESS haste II just
asked him to come to supper tonight. I
! told him had real nice surprise for
him."
"a real nice SURPRISE" mimfcked
Aunt Jane; then, after slight pause ;
"He will get It."
'Oh, auntie." Beckie's voice was full
Of tears-"then you can't come out
It's after five now. I've got to 60
| downstairs"
Aunt Jane leaned weakly against
the door, her thoughts in such turmoil
that she was momentarily stricken
dumb. The minister due at six. The
table not set. The biscuits. In an
outburst Of despairlng rage, she beat
on the door with her clenched fists.
Becker" she shrieked "Beckie"
No reply. From the distant down
stairs came little Gathering sounds as
Of dishes being moved.
ITS twenty minutes Of six, Aunt
Jane"
"AIy biscuits" walled Aunt Jane.
"You wicked girl. shall never forgive
| you as long as I live"
These bitter words evoked little
| sob from the free side of the door.
A terrifying idea flashed into Aunt
James mind. Did the girl mean she
| might run away? Az her wrath was
swept away suddenly in flood tide Of
| love. She could never think Of
Beckie other than Il child. That was
why she would never listen to her talk
of marrying.
ITS ten minutes of SIX" pleaded
Bcckie. Ooh heard the gate click"
! There was Il momentary quaver in her
voice. AUNT Jane-Dwight Is so dear"
Her voice sank to breath
The jangle Of the door-bcll rang
through the house. But to Aunt James