Deming graphic., 1919-08-19

BY ELIZABETH BARKER DAY.

quiet sort OF way but so modest was
her opinion Of herself that she gave
the other girls credit for far higher
aspirations TO beauty.
Why the junior member OF the arm
had singled her out for marked atten-
ton she could not understand since
Madge Crane for instance had loads
more pep" and style.
At first Mary accepted John Dlns-
more's courtesy and attention very
shyly. Gradually she realized that she
had more than a passing Interest In
him; but she tried to stifie II for she
felt that n little Sl5-a-week stenog'
rapher Tad no business to even look
at 50 distinguished a person as the
junior partner Of so prosperous a frm
as N 4 D. Inc.
John Dlnsmore did not intend to
have his friendship with Mary confined
to office hours. One evening when IL
was necessary for the whole ofiice
force to work late on a particularly
important contract he asked her to dine
with him in a nearby restaurant
Mary accepted and had thoroughly
enjoyable time and when John Dins-
more left her az the door Of her un-
pretentious boarding house she had
given him permission TO call the next
evening. And so II happened that these
two saw each other very often In the
months that followed.
John DInsmore knew all the time
that he was falling In love with Mary,
but he wanted to; so he kept right
on. Mary was afraid she was going to
fall In love, but did not like to ad-
NIT II.
"Of course, he doesn't mean any.
thing" confded Mary TO her mirror;
he'd have to marry girl with money.
Foolish girl, you're having a good time
with him. just being pals, now be
sensible"
And yet Cupid would have his way,
and Mary finally admitted to herself
that she loved John Dinsmore as she
never had or could love anyone else.
When he asked her 10 marry him she
did not even ask for time to think II
over, for she had alrenSy done her
but said yes"
Joyously she set about spending her
noon hours shopping instead Of eating,
and never had she been SO happy.
One day the telephone girl was III
and Mary had to take her place at the
switchboard.
Hello" said very sweet feminine
voice, ''is Mr.. John Dlnsmore thereT
He's at lunch just now," answered
Mary. whose voice was equally sweet.
"Tell him to call his home when he
comes in, please. This is Mrs. John
Dlnsmore speaking"
"rll tell him." said Mary. abruptly.
and her world turned upside down.
Indeed, a married man flirting with
her, asking her TO become his wife.
She'd show him; she'd give him her
opinion.
Then reaction came. and by the time
John Dlnsmore returned she was ready
for him.
She made her way to his private
Office, and iclly greeted his expectant
smile.
Mrs. John Dlnsmore would like to
have you call at once"
Mary took particular pains TO enun-
ciate each word clearly, lest the lump
In her throat should get the best Of her
self-control.
John looked at his wife-to-be in as
tonishment.
"Mary-"
"MIss Lowering, please" said Mary,
icily.
"But Mary-Mlss Lowering, whatr
Then the storm broke.
"You don't deny 1t; you'd try to er-
plain, you brute"
listen. dear"
Don't you dare call me dear. hate
you and ! never want to see you again.
Tell Mrs. John Dinsmore ! would not
be In her shoes for anything In the
world. I resign my position here and
minute"
With this parting shot, she turned to
leave the room.
John barred her way.
"Mary, you are going to listen to
me-"
The authority in his voice, the splen-
did bigness Of him, compelled Mary's
attention.
at was not my wife who called. She
Is my cousin Johns wife. who, with
her husband, is visiting at my home.
Mary, you. must believe me, for swear
I never asked another woman to be
my wife"
His honest eyes, his firm. square
chin, the direct manliness OF him, all
succeeded in convincing Mary Of his
for she wanted so much to
believe him.
The lump In her throat was altogeth.
er too big to swallow now, and she did
not even try.
"oh. John, DEAR" she said, and went
into his arms gladly.
That evening happy group dined
together In one OF the most beautiful
homes In the city. Mr.. and Mrs. John
Dinsmore and Mr.. and Mrs. John Dins-
made a very charming