Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-09
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
.-,.... TURNING THE TABLES
BY PEARL b. MEYER

IT'S half-past four" called Beckie.
Aunt Jane arose hurriedly. Her simple
toilet did not take many minutes. Civ
ing a final admonition to her tightly
toward the door. To her astonishment,
it was locked. She ratified the knob
vigorously.
close to the keyhole; but I'm doing
what you told me to do"
Unlock this door," demanded Aunt
Jane. sternly.
II can't"
what do you mean?"
mot until you promise me some-
thing" said Beckie meekly. my heart
tells me ann right. This is the only
way. I've asked and begged and prayed
but you have always said no.
Aunt James hands sank Imply to her
sides. Beckie had Willingly made her
"Beekie stowell, let me out this in
stant"
II will" came the pleading voice, "if
you'll say that may marry Dwight"
=, Aunt Jane grasped the innocent door
kn" "na se rassd 1T tna RsSa fG1
whippppersnapper know you have done
mo" In breathless haste. IT just
asked him to come to supper tonight. I
him." =,
"A real nice surprise" mindcked
Aunt Jane; then, after slight pause:
@ "oh .A Xuntie." hti ! Beckie's voice was full
Of tears-'then you can't come out. It's
after q, p. nve now. I've got to go down
Aunt Jane leaned weakly against the
sSe ner II such tSro that
The minister due at six. The table not
set The biscuits. In an outburst
OF despairing rage. she beat on the door
with her clenched fists.
"~Beckie!' she shrieked. ,."Beckie''
NO reply. From the distant down.
stairs came little clattering sounds as
OF dishes being moved. The girl would
not dare carry this through. The mere
thought almost made Aunt James hair
DO no good to hang on the doorknob
and scream. She composed herself to
await Beckie's return. After time she
heard the stairs creak.
Jane"
MY biscuits !" walled Aunt Jane.
You wicked girl. shall never forgive
you as long as / live"
These bitter words evoked a little sob
from the free side of the door. You
told me yourself that when undertook
anything knew was right must carry
Il through: love Dwight and I'm bound
.At.y hi.'' II Woulu DTedk my neart
to do 1t against your will" -
A terrifying idea flashed into Aunt
might run away? All her wrath was VAS
swept away suddenly in a flood tide OF
love. She could never think of Beclxie
other than as child. That was whv
she would never listen to her ta,l ~
marrying. Added to this was Derhans
certain blind jealousy in her IoneIv
heart and that could not bear to lose its
only joy. Aunt Jane covered her ewes
with her hand. sSes1
ITS ten minutes of g." pleaded Beckie
o heard the gate click" There
was riomentary quaver in her x,oIcs,
Aunt Jane-Dwight Is SO dear" Her
voice sank to a breath.
The jangle of the doorbell rang
through the house. But to Aunt Jane's
heart, Beclsie's whispered words sounded
louder than did the bell TO her ears.
SURE seeKs sns,:r r;as, shs Questioned. "are you
Yes. came the answer with a quick
intake of breath.
Then you shall haye him. dear"
stood face to face. At that moment the
my biscuits" ftS gasp Rssped dI%xpspiooS,y xant AK,
Beckie's face was glowing with sweet
Joy. Don't you worry about those bis
cults" she laughed. do you Imagine
! didn't want my engagement supper 10
be q success? Just go out in the kitchen
Tsmstsev's ssnplsts nsvslstts--.
A&141p 4H@f @f44s .ii 81. 81 II 2. ~ = Z