The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1919-11-14

tional In spite Of him. Isabel. how
ever. turned instantly to Fanny. "Give
him your hand. Fanny" she said gay
ly; and as Fanny mechanically
obeyed. 'Therei' Isabel cried. eff
brother George were here. Eugene
would have his three oldest and best
friends congratulating him all at once
We know what brother George thinks
about it. though. It's just beautiful
Eugene |"
Lucy leaned toward Gec-ge and
whispered. Did you ever see anything
so lovely?"
AS whatr George inquired. not
because he misunderstood but be
cause he wished to prolong the pleas
ant neighborliness of whispering.
"As your motheri Think of her do
ing that! She's darling! And
papa'-here she imperfectly repressed
a tendency to laugh-'papa looks as
If he were either going to explode or
utter loud sobs!"
Eugene commanded his features.
however, and they resumed their Gus
tomary apprehensiveness. II used to
write verses" he said-"if you remem-
Der"
Yes" Isabel interrupted gently. 81
remember"
Il don't recall that I've written any
for twenty years or so," he continued.
But I'm almost thinking l could do
1t again. to thank you for making a
factory visit into such a kind cele-
bration."
"Gracious!" Lucy whispered. gig
Cling. aren't they sentimental
People that age always are"
George returned. ''They get sentimen-
tai over anything at all. Factories or
restaurants, II doesn't matter what -
And both Of them were seized with
fits of laughter which they managed
to cover under the general movement
of departure, as Isabel had risen to go.
Outside upon the crowded street
George helped Lucy into his runabout
and drove off, waving triumphantly
and laughing at Eugene. who was
struggling with the engine of his car.
in the tonneau of which Isabel and
Fanny had established themselves.
Looks like a hand-organ man grind
ing away for pennies" said George, as
the runabout turned the corner into
National avenue. ''Ill still take
horse, any day"
He was not so cocksure half an hour
later, on an open road. when a siren
whistle walled behind him, and before
the sound had died away Eugene's car.
coming from behind with what seemed
fairly like one long leap, went by the
runabout and dwindled almost instan-
taneously in perspective. with a lace
handkerchief in a ck-gloved hand
fiuttering sweet derision as 1t was
swept onward into minuteness-a mere
white speck-and then out of sight.
George was undoubtedly impressed
"Your father does know how to drive
some," the dashing exhibition forced
him to admit. "Of course Pendennis
isn't as young as he was, and l don't
care TO push him too hard. Well, l
enjoyed part OF that lunch today quite
a lot. Lucy"
THE salad?"
mo. Your whispering to me-"
George checked Pendennis to walk.
Whereupon Lucy protested quickly:
"Oh, don'tr'
"Why?'
II know when you make him walk
It's SO you can give all your attention
toto proposing TO me again.
And as she turned face of exag-
gerated color to him, by the Lord,
but you're a little witchi" George
cried
George, do let Pendennis trot
again.
II won't!"
She clucked to the horse Get up,
Pendennisl Trot! Go on! Com
mence!'
Pendennis paid no attention; she
meant nothing to him, and George
laughed at her fondly. "You are the
prettiest thing In this world, Lucy!" he
exclaimed. Are you going to drop the
almost and say we're really engaged7'
"Oh, not for years! So there's the
answer, and let's trot again."
But George was persistent; more
over, he had become serious during
the last minute or two. 81 want to
know" he said. Il really mean it,"
Lets don't be serious, George" she
begged him hopefully. Lets talk of
pleasant"
He was a little offended. Then 1t
isn't pleasant for you to know that 1
want to marry your"
At this she became as serious as he
could have asked: she looked down,
and her lip ouivered like that of a
child about to cry. Suddenly she put
her hand upon one of his for just an
instant, and then withdrew 1t.