The Coconino sun., 1919-07-04
They Were
 Seven!
Copyright. 1919. by western Newspaper union.l
By ERNEST sErrRRrDaE

Copyright. 1919. by Western Newspaper Union)
 Looking for a job, eh? We'll, you go seven blocks down that street to the end of the town. There you'll find Sevenoaks. Neat little place. John Darlow owns It. Ask for him. I hap. pen to know he wants handy man there's a pretty daughter there. Aha ! Stick to DarlOw for seven years, like the man did in the story, and maybe you'll get her. And she's worth wait. ing for, believe mew
 Thus native of Brompton, answer. ed an incidental inquiry of Wylie Marsh. The latter. fine looking young fellow of about 20. smiled at the quaint presentation of his infor mant, thanked him and seemed in' fused with the "seven" idea. for with in seven minutes he was at the Oar. low place.
 Seven hours work about the place and at the supper table Marsh met Celia Darlow. Never so tidy a little housekeeper. never a more charming face! With .a feeling of rare content Marsh settled down into a groove that seemed exactly fitted to him.
 By the end of seven weeks Marsh and Celia were engaged. At the end of seven months John Darlow discOv. cred this mutual devotion, fiercely or dered Marsh out of the house and nearly broke Celia's heart by that act. Celia eloped with Marsh, and from town seven miles distant wrote beseeching note asking for the pa. rental blessing and forgiveness.
 There came back scathing, scorch- ing reply. Forever, 1t stated, she was shut out from heart and home. Neither she nor the man she had welded with out permission should ever darken the door of Seyenoaks again! More appeals, more bitter and definite re- plies, and Celia knew that she had cast in her lot with Marsh for good.
 Seven years passed by, unforgiving and lonely for John Darlow, full of life, variety and bliss for the welded pair. Tender, considerate, loving, Marsh had never given Celia cause to regret marrying him, except for sor- rowful thoughts regarding her father Celia was supremely content.
 Marsh, 1t seemed, before coming to Sevenoaks had been member of circus troupe. He was gymnast with a peculiar talent. This was the abll. ity with lightning swiftness to hang, twist and swing from one trapeze bar to series of others placed at vari- ous distances. His act was a star one and literally paid for. When he had applied at Sevenoaks for work 1t was after fit of illness and out of the circus season.
 Marsh followed hts unique profes- sion only four months In the year. The first season Celia accompanied him, and added to their store of savings by taking charge of the wardrobes of the members of the troupe. The sec ond year there was baby, the third year Marsh had accumulated sufficient to purchase pretty bungalow with several acres set in small fruit sur rounding it.
 Then began an ideal existence for the happy pair, still lovers. Marsh was at home eight months of the year. Two new babies came along and health and harmony made the time fly swift ly. Upon each recurring birthday of her father Celia wrote him loving note, but no attention was paid to these.
 It was the anniversary of their we'd ding day when bad news came to them. Sevenoaks was POO miles away. but Marsh got out his automobile and started on the long trip without losing a moment. A telegram from a physician had apprised Celia that her father was dangerously i'll. When they reached the old home a nurse told them that MT. Darlow was un- conscious, and after they had seen the physician they knew that the patient had seen his best days.
 "His trouble may wear off with time," the doctor said, "but he may be an invalid for many months" There was a serious consultation and Marsh to0k fhe respOnsibility of removing