The Ordway new era., 1919-11-14
CHAPTER xI-continued.

When they went down to the dining
room, he pronounced acceptable the
salmon salad, cold beef, cheese and
cake which Fanny made ready for
them without disturbing the servants.
The journey had fatigued Isabel. she
ate nothing. but sat to observe with
tired pleasure the manifestations OF
her sons appetite. meanwhile giving
her sister-in-law brief summary of
the events of commencement. But
presently she kissed them both good
night and left aunt and nephew alone
together.
"It never was becoming to her to look
pale" Fanny said absently, n few mo-
ments after Isabel's departure. 81
suppose your mothers been being
pretty gay7 Going a LOTT"
How could she2" George asked
cheerfully. I'm mourning, of course
all she could do was just sit around
and look on. That's all Lucy could do
either. for the matter of that"
81 suppose so." his aunt assented.
"How did Lucy get homer Did you
drive out to their house with her be
fore you came herer
me. She drove home with her fa-
ther. of course"
"oh- see. So Eugene came to the
station to meet you"
'To meet us?" George echoed, re-
newing his attack upon the salmon
salad. "How could he7"
II don't know what you mean."
Fanny said drearily. in the desolate
voiee that had become her habit. II
haven't seen him while your mothers
been away"
Naturally" said George. Hes
been East himself"
At this Fanny's dropping eyelids
opened wide.
"Did you see nimr-
"Weli, naturally, since he made the
trip home with u.s."
Fanny's eyelids dropped, md she
sat silent until George pushed back hiJ
chair and lit cigarette. declaring his
satisfaction with what she had pro-
vided. you're fine housekeeper,"
he said benevolently. 81 don't believe
you'd stay single very long II some of
the bachelors and widowers- around
town could just once see"
odd" she said.
whats oddT'
"Your mothers not mentioning that
Mr.. Morgan had been with you"
-Didnt think of 1t, I suppose" said
George carelessly; and. his benevolent
mood increasing. he conceived the Idea
that little harmless rallying might
serve to elevate his aunt's dropping
spirits. "rll tell you something, in
confidence" he said solemnly.
She looked up. startled. "What7"
well, 1t struck me that Mr.. Nor
gan was looking pretty absent-mlnded,
most of the time: and he certainly Is
dressing better than he used to. !
shouldn't be bit surprised II all the
young fellow had been waiting for was
10 know he had an assured income be-
fore he proposed"
'What young fellowT"
This young fellow Morgan" laughed
George. Honestly. Aunt Fanny. !
shouldn't be n bit surprised to have
him request an interview with me any
day. and declare that his Intentions are
honorable, and ask my permission to
pay his addresses to you. What had ]
better tell him?"
Fanny burst into tears.
-"Good heavens !" George cried. 81
was only teasing. didn't mean"
LET me Alone" she said lifelessly
and, continuing te weep, rose and be
gan to clear away the china and silver
George was distressed. II didn'i
mean anything. Aunt Fanny! I dldn't
know you'd got SO sensitive as al
that"
you'd better 20 up to bed." she
said desolately. going on with her wOrI
and her weeping.
He obeyed, and could still hear q
pathetic shifting from the dining room
as he went up the stairs.
by -GeOrgel" he grunted. as he
reached his own room; and his thought
was that living with a person so sensi-
tive to kindly raiIlery might prove
iugubrlous. He went to the window
and looked through the darkness to
the great silhouette of his srandfa,