The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-09-02
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
Game for Three.
BY a. W. PEACH.
gcopyright; 1918, by the Mcclure
Newspaper syndicate.)

II knew by the expression VI nte 80 -
that he had met disaster He mao
rane into the library where Mr., and
WTs Norcross we're reading, and there
IA had asked permission to wed the
rirI 81 his choice, who happened 70 De
their brieht. haired, blue-eyed daugn-
mo luck. Ray?D Betsy asked.
No al down glumly. mot q bit.
yonr mother did the talking, and In
formed me that under no circum-
stances was / to have you: sne was
willing that we continue as friends, pul
80 for narriage-not bit Of 1t! And
he made no bones OF saying so. Then
your father agreed with her"
~ can't understand father!" Betsy
said explosiyely. HE likes you, l
know: and all mother has against you
ISIS we'll, dear, she thinks you aren' t
-blooded enough, while think
She snuggled herself beside him by
way Of completing the sentence.
arm hot-blooded enough just nov"
he answered, smiling family down
into the petal-like, uplitted tace'
0Betsy, how can ever, ever give you
up?" Pain and longing were In MS
She looked up at his worried, hun
rry ewes. and the rose deepened In
her cheeks. Mischief was in her glance
and meaning.
"po Won have to?" she questioned.
He started as he caught her mean
ing and she felt his firm shoulder
culver. "You mean?" he asked, hope,
doubt, and love mingled In his eyes
why, my dear, do not Intend 70
let my mothers prejudlces come be-
tween me and you; so say, Let's
He 81 spr an to his feet and caugh.
her to him in bearish hug. and !
can't! / simply can't give you up!
Well skip-when?"
"Tonight," she said, wriggling loose
from his arms.
The quick brain that had made him a
valuable man in one Of the downtown
brokers' offices turned the possibility
over once. Betsy, can you manage 70
get out-say, about nine o'clock? That
will give me time to make arrange
ments." The fire died In his eyes,
eve can do It. I'll telephone Mr.. Jud-
son, an old minister friend OF mine,
who lives about twenty miles out. But
is 1t right by you?"
She drew his face down to hers and
kissed him. Everybody trusts you
except mother; SO folks will be with
us. AS for me, l am willing to give
myself to you and your care; and II
you don't take me-grab me now while
you have a chance-In begin to be-
lieve you are something OF a coward!
It was challenge. Ten minutes
later Elder was on his way to make
the arrangements, and she was saun-
tering serenely into the library, where
her mother sat, reading, and where her
father came moment later. Betsy
wondered If he had been in position
to oyerhear the conversation in the
den.
my dear, am sorry, but Mr.. Elder
will not do. l have better hopes fol-
you" her mother said in her firm way
81 am sure your father agrees with
me-"
Her father peered over his paper
elder has a fine reputation among
the men, but am inclined to think he
lacks something the right sort Of 9
man should have, and that is nerve,
Mr. .Norcross said unsmilingly.
moh, is that 500" Betsy said, smil-
ing. Mother, do you agree?"
"Well, 1 have always thought he was
lacking in stamina" her mother an
swered. =.
Betsy went out, hiding her smiles a
wonder what they will think after to-
night"
At 8 o'clock she was ready, a slight
eager, joyous figure, just where the tall
trees on the corner threw their heavy
shadows.
Elders quick, steady stride caught
her ear as he came up the almost de-
serted residential street. In moment
he was at her side.
BETSY, the deuce is to pay. YOU
mother telephoned NovelPs garage, ant
Novel;, afraid he'd lose her trade
wanted me to surmise was not mp tt
anything It's enough to drive a mar
mad, Now I've got to get in toucl
with some downtown garage. It's "a
A, car rolled softly to the curb, Spar
don me, sir, but is this Mr.. Elder?
am from Novell's garage, He tolC
me to tell you that he had changed hi:
mind, and that am under your orders
sir1S' the husky voice Of the driver
said.
One moment for thought and Eide
acted. He lifted Betsy into the car
rave the directions to the driver. Tile
powerful motor whispered little, ant
they rolled OF into the dusk on theil
adventure.
Elder gathered the slight figure be-
side him into the shelter Of protect
ins arm, and he whispered into one
small ear: Betsy, we are on the way
Novel; evidently had change of heart
Hut II anywhere along you have the
east doubt, say the word and we turr
back"
She pressed a cool cheek against his
am with you, dear, to the very enc
81 this ride and all the years!"
The big car whispered rapidly
through the quiet residential streets
picked up speed as the country road!
we're reached, and soon was speeding
% It's destination, bearing with 1t two
erenely happy hearts, who, because
y the love between them and the hap.
piness nearing, had no question Of the
future.
Only one fear remained with Elder
Mrs. NoTcross in her determined, ten.
.ilfStla UNIV I,ivhf hava raoohad ouk Il