The Connecticut labor press., 1919-12-06
Sleeping Beauty By CELIA ROSE
Copyright, 1919, by the Mcclure News
 paper Syndicate)

=.== a| Copyright, 1919, by the Mcclure News
 paper Syndicate)
 Hello, Muggins p Johnny Deeds shouted from the road. The. figure in the rocking chair upon the Martin porch did not lift its eyes from the book in hand. Johnny halloed again again his answer was the silence of unconsciouSness-cle Louise Mar tin did not mean to admit that she had ever responded to the name of Mug gins. Johnny grinned cheerfuily and scuttered up the winding way, to pause an elaborate obeisance: "Is the-ah !! sahem-iady of the home at home?" Not to-vagabonds." the rocking chairs occupant returned tranquility, Its eyes still down. Next minute two warm hands fell over them-the head holding them. was drawn gently back and kiss planted upon a pair of soft red lips. ..~*,, - .-.
 ''That's how you wake a sleeping beauty. isn't itY'' Johnny. asked guile iesSly. Louise had risen and faced him. furious scarlet flooding her cheeks She dared not speak-if she did. she would either laugh or cry. Either meant triumph for Johnny, the Inwless-she knew of old his capacity. to torment her. Silently she turned to go inside-then Johnny caught both her hands and sat her down, not very gently. saying: "No. you don't! Not fin this company, What aiIs you. any way. Mug2 Used to be the best, sort of sport. you did" ,.,. .... ... l...
 You mean3-I was a barbarian, the same as you." Louise burst out. "We ell. I have learned better manners. Unless you can do the. sameAplease keep away from here!" ....-
 "H-m! Is that true word-or just makeup?" Johnny asked, the least shade of seriousness creeping into his face. Louise glared at him. twill you never grow up?" she stormed. "You know, you must understand. my posi- tion here in my uncle's house. His wife is the very properest person with a leaning to wild ways under the rose. If she had heard you say Mug gins l should never have been any thing else to her-of course in strict privacy, she makes Uncle Ben think her q sort of grown-up snow white. Alrendy she hates me. because see through her. If she knew anything of those mad, happy old days when we were playfellOws, thinking and know, Ing no evil. she would have a whip, ready to her hand. and would use it to put me through my paces."'4- Il a
 ''She shan't know, girl. Pm wills ing to kick myself a miie!' Johnny exploded. ''T ought to have thought of course, the .neighbors know some thing-of the dual personality of the new Mrs. Benjamin Martin. Still honestly didn't dream of making you trouble. Forgive me all my imperti- nence, and let me know if I can help you in any way" 4
 "Only ina very hard way-for me-" Louise said. signing. That is. by staying away UntiI-be sure Pm not here for always. Uncle says Mar. tin blood farbfds my working. I have another notion as to .that--T'd rather scrub floors. for living than stay here much Ionger.'
 You need not stay day-remem- ber?" Johnny began l> significantly Louise looked over his head, flushing deeply. Don't let's think. of fmpossi- biIities." she said. hut sighed as she said it. Johnny laid a hrOtherIy hand on her shoulder. asking: Haven't you got over anything?" In reply she could only shake her head and turn away. biting her lips. .r....e...,
 Johnny strOde up and down tha Fo nr1y hS Iy furrvwed. Thus Mrs. Martin came upon him and smiled unpleasantly as she glanced from one to another of the pair. So did the man in her wake. who was by appeal rance neither young nor old. good nor bad, but tremendous ly well gr0oIned and well tailored, as red0Ient. indeed. of afiuence as the perfectly appointed car which had brought him and his hostess. At sight of him Louise hurried away. to be re- called iinperiOusly, then bfdden In vel|ets yoieP please to OrdeE tea and serve it. Johnny must stay for it, 0f course-a balanced party was so much tpIeasanter. Moreover, he had been so long Tn coming over he must be spe- ciaIIy well treated in hope of a return. All this cOoingly, avid eyes the while | measuring his six-foot-One of vigorous young manhood. his handsome tanned face and vital clOse-cropped curis Mrs. Martin. fair. forty. langtlishing, | approved all of them thoroughIy-ail | the more that he made her escort. l FrankIin Ware. seem so faded and | meager. She looked at Johnny, tn- | deed. with much the same gloating ex- precision that Ware gave to Louise. Johnny saw and sl4.vered-nOt for himself. but for the prospect before Louise. 4. .s .a...
 He got no private word with her.