The Elbert County tribune., 1919-10-31

"'But still whatY' shs said AZ he
paused.
But still-well, I suppose I'm q
little old-fashloned and fastidious. but
I'm afraid being sort of engine
driver never win appeal to me.
mother. It's exciting. and I'd like that
part Of 1t. but stiii 1t doesn't seem to
me precisely the thing gentleman
ought to do. Too much overalls and
monkey wrenchcs and greasel No: /
| believe I'd rather wait for September
| and tandem. mother"
Nevertheless George sometimes con-
| scented to sit IN an automobile, while
waiting for September. and he fire.
| quently went driving In one OF Eu-
genes cars With Lucy and her father.
He even allowed himself to be escort
ed with his mother and Fanny through
the growing factory. which was now,
as the foreman of the paint shop In
formed the visitors. turning out q car
| and a quarter a day"
| From the factory Eugene took them
to lunch at a new restaurant. just
opened In the town. place which sur
prlsed Isabel with its metropolitan
air. and. though George made fun Of
her, in q whisper. she offered every
thing the tribute OF pleased exclama-
tions; and her gayety helped Eugene's
to make the little occasion almost a
festive one.
Georges Snnui disappeared In spite
OF himself. and he laughed to see his
mother In such spirits. ~ didn't know
mineral waters coold go to a persons
head" he said. "Or perhaps it's this
place. 1t might pay to have a new res
taurant opened somewhere In town
every time you get the blues"
NO." Isabel said, "what makes me
laugh so much at nothing is Eugene's
factory. Wouldn't anybody be delight
ed to sec an old friend take an idea
out of the air like that-an idea that
most people laughed at him for
wouldn't any old friend of his be
happy to see how he'd made his ides
into such a splendid. humming thing
as that factory-all shiny steel. click
Ing, buzzing away. and with all those
workmen. such muscled-looklng men
and yet so Intelligent looking? It's
beautiful to see such q thing" she
said. ut makes us all happy, dear old
Eugenel"
And with brave gesture she
stretched out her hand to him across
the small table. He took 1t quickly,
giving her look In which his laughter
tried to remain but vanished before a
gratitude threatening to become emo
donal 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. "Ii
brother George were here. Eugene
would have his three Oldest and best
friends congratulating him all ut once
We know what brother George think
about 1t. though. It's just beautiful
Eugene
Lucy leaned toward George ant
whispered, did you ever see anything
SO lovelyT'
"As whatT George inquired. MOI
because he misunderstood but be
cause he wished to proiong the pleas
ant ncighborliness of whispering.
"As your motheri Think of her do
ing thati She's a darlingl And
papa"-here she imperfectly repressed
tendency to laugh-"papa looks as
II he were either going to explode OF
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.
ber-"
YES" Isabel interrupted gently. 81
remember"
II don't recall that I've written any
for twenty years or so," he continued
But I'm almost thinking I could dc
1t again, to thank you for making 6
factory visit into such kind cele
bration."
.Gracious Lucy whispered, gig
Cling. Aren't they sentimental"
people that nge always are
George returned sThey get sentimen
tai over anything at all. Factories OF
restaurants. 1t doesn't matter what 7
And both Of them were seized witt
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 runaboui
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. 'I'll still take a
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,
| Nd \