Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1919-12-16
ASH came Madge was "almost

Ing backward as II lnlereSteu Ala SUNNI
one occupying a seat behind them
across the aisle.
Presently he excused himself. MY
aunt-that little old lady in black is
with me-" he said. II will just tell
her that / have met you, and then
may come and sit here beside you
for at least part of the tripr
| Until he came Madge's heart beat
so fast and her poor little tired brain
| was in such q whirl that she could
not explain just what she would say
| in the event that he asked her point
blank where she was going; If, for In
stance, he suggested that he accom-
pany her to her destination In NAL
vern.
He came back and they talked about
the dreary weather, then of Thanks
giving. II suppose" ventured Madge.
for her curiosity was aroused. that
you are going to Malvern for the hon-
days?" She was sure now that Bob
was going to see a possible fiancee.
She couldn't help being jealous
Il may stay ONCA 4LuhhSEAfAAos &AS
said drearily. IF they let me-"
There was a rather sorry attempt
to talk about things In general and
then the conversation got back to the
subject of Malvern. 1t was only fif-
teen minutes away and each was
eager to find why the other was bound
there, though each was as eager not TO
tell.
1t was Bob who began. II am really
sorry for what / am doing-ashamed
would be if there were any way out
of 1t. Dear old Aunt Sally brought me
up. A mother could not have been
kinder to me. have wanted to mako
a home for her-I hope to some day.
But she is old and she cannot be
left alone. Now have chance to
do really big things in the West-that
is, big for me. After year I've been
promised ten thousand year. But !
can't take Aunt Sally with me. She
would be without friends. 1 want to
make good first. I've tried to repay
her just little for all she did for me
that is the reason why / never asked
asked the one woman In the world
to be my wife. Because l felt that so
long as Aunt Sally lived l wanted to
live with her and did not feel free to
ask her" Bob's eyes gazed past
Madge as If they were really afraid to
rest on her.
But, Bob" cried Madge as she
~ hn hod haar, wi
and then their eyes met. why are
you taking her to Malvern? Are you
taking her to st. Anne'sT'
Eyes, to st. Anne's, and it does
sound pretty shabby to let her go to
an old ladies' home-but 1t is just for
the year. know she will be treated
well there and she would not consent |
to my giving up this chance in the |
West just to stay East with her. Then |
I'll get a little home and / can afford |
companion for her. But until then"
They were very near to Malvern. |
Suddenly it seemed to Madge as If the |
whole world of love and life were slip. |
ping through her fingers. She felt a |
boldness of speech that was not at all |
usual with Madge; besides, hadn't he |
limited that she was the only woman? |
Bob, If you had married and If |
your-your wife happened to be very |
fond Of old ladies-very tactful and
perfectly willing to be considerable |
you have been willing to take |
the wife and Aunt Sally out West |
with you right away? The wife would |
be willing to take care Of the dear old
aunt, and having them both with you
might help you to win out. That is,
the one woman In the world |
were still willing to marry you, even
though you nearly broke her heart be-
cause you didn't tell her that you loved
her before"
"You didn't-you wouldn't reallyT
Bob.
"Yes. 1 did, Bob" announced
Madge.
But could you share your home
with Aunt SallyT
'Pve a reputation for being very,
very fond of old LADIES' know I'd
love Aunt Sally. / could manage
beautifully with one old lady" and
there was an emphasis on the one, the
reason for which Bob did not under
stand.
There was just time enough before
they reached Malvern for Madge to
explain.
"Then why should any of us go to
St. Anne'sf" asked Aunt Sally, when
they explained just what had happened
In the little waiting room at Malvern
while they were waiting for the ON
nibus from the old ladies' home. "Why
shouldn't we take the next train back
to town anG just send telegram that
we aren't any Of US coming?"
"And what could we do them"
asked Madge, holding the little old
adys hand very tight in hers.
"Why, / suppose you two children
could get married. Then we'd all have
together, and you and I,
dear, could go West with Bob if he'd
eft u.s."