The Meeker herald., 1919-02-08
OBSTACLES
sy MILDRED WHITE
0oss..sht. 1els. bs ws.t..n N.vsp.p.s u.so..,

Copyright. 1913. b. Western Nswpapse ussos.)
Nollie come through the Old-fash-
Toned garden and seated herself beside
her aunt.
"In all this town Of curious crea.
tures," she said, II have seen one good.
looking man."
Aunt Martha Smiled. "Afust be Ho-
mer vane." she replied. "Every young
woman who comes to Farmsville dis
covers Homer, and to no purpose. He
Ia devoted to his frail and domineer-
ing mother, and has declared his inten-
tion of continued bachelorhood In her
service.
"Poor. handsome Homer" laughed
Mollie. Aunt Martha, I have wick
cd desire to torment the despotic old
lady. Won't you at least introduce me-
to the considerable man who thought
fully warns hopeful maidens Of his
non-marringenble intentiOns7"
"Mollie I" her aunt exclaimed. fare
you never going to outgrow your mis-
chievous spirit3 Certainly I will In
troduce Homer yane, but your tor
menting siege will end there"
So IL seemed. Mollie smiled her
prettiest when the interestingly aloof
one was presented. Mr.. vnne was
courtesy itself. Mollie decided that he
had both studied and Travelled. which
WAS true. But when the young lady
visitor from the city again met the
zone goOd-looking man." a brief bow
was his only salutation.
She saw him occasionally from her
retreat. MS he passed her aunt's home
In his car. Mollie loved automobiling.
She could fancy delightful rides about
this beautiful country. And the girl
was lonely in her self-appointed exile.
Never had she imagined days could
contain such long-drawn hours.
Aunt Martha, doing her best with
village guests, was discouraged. Mol
lie longed to be flying along a wide
road, the sweet air blowing In her face,
In her heart spirit Of adventure. Any
presentable driver would answer the
purpose, she told herself.
Farther down rippled the waters of
n lake. Mollie wanted to travel down
those ripping waters In motorboat
now resting against the shore. This
boat. she learned. 'wns also the prop
erty Of the selfish Homer" Selfish1
Mollie wondered.
"Devoted to his invalid mother for q
lifetime, denying himself that broader
living which nature such as his must
crave" Suddenly a smile curved the
girls lips. Why not for just one after
noon give him holidayf Other men
had sought the privilege Of her COM
panionship; why should not this man
f,nd 1t amusing also1 The gift, she
realized, would have to be forcibly be-
slowed. Mollie walked up the hill
that began at her aunt's very doorway.
Not long since the object Of her
thoughts had dashed up this way In
his car. Usually he returned In
short time down the hill.
"up looking over one Of his farms"
was the way her aunt explained these
errnnds.
True to her expectations. as she
paused In the center Of the dusty road,
the car came on again, seeming to slip
over the top Of the hill. Its occupant
raised his hat, while Mollie put forth
detaining hand.
"Please." she said sweetly. "if you
are going down won't you carry mel
1t is long way to walk"
Homer vane quickly restrained his
glance Of amazement. with pleas
ure," he agreed, and assisted her into
the car.
From here" said Mollie, disap-
pointedly. zone cannot get a view Of
the lake. Ihoped to see 1t. but cannot
climb 80 high"
az would be delighted to drive you to
a good view point" he suggested, and
at her quick nod Of acceptance, the
car swung about for the upward trip.
He was agreeable and easy to talk
to. this unusual man. Mollie had not
expected such easy victory over his
reserve. From the lake view they rode
on through glorious country, and his
laugh rang out at the girls ingenious
remarks. Frankly she confessed her
stratagem.
81 was lonely" she said, "and I
did want a ride. You were such diff
fcult person. Mr.. Vane. OF course,
Aunt told me that your time was too
fully occupied to waste-entertaining
young women, still" she hesitated.
"My mother" he murmured. els de-
pendent upon my care"
Mollie laughed softly. 'There are
two Of us, then" she said. and held out
a hand with a sparkling ring. "That
IL my sign of devotion to one subject,
yet. why shun other companionship. or
forego simple pleasures which make
time pass happilyT'
"Would you like lake ride tomor-
row" he asked.
II must go back to the city" she
said, disconsolately. ITO be, married"
Homer vane appeared disconsolate
o1~o a. IN Arova NoJlta tr tho ota tim